Application Guide

How to Apply for Manager, Federal Data Policy

at Federation of American Scientists

🏢 About Federation of American Scientists

The Federation of American Scientists is a unique nonpartisan organization that bridges science and public policy, focusing on national security and emerging technologies. Unlike traditional think tanks, FAS combines technical expertise with practical policy implementation, offering the chance to directly influence federal data governance at the intersection of technology and public service.

About This Role

This Manager role involves designing frameworks to evaluate federal datasets while building credibility with diverse stakeholders across government, industry, and civil society. You'll advance data monitoring innovation through AI/automation applications and improve internal workflows, directly impacting how federal data policies are implemented and monitored across agencies.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve analyzing federal datasets using R/Python to identify monitoring opportunities, meeting with government stakeholders to discuss data implementation challenges, refining GitHub workflows for collaborative policy analysis, and designing frameworks to assess dataset quality across multiple federal agencies while exploring AI applications for automation.

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Federation of American Scientists Is Looking For

  • Has 5+ years specifically working with federal data across multiple policy domains, with 1-3 years in government or civil society organizations
  • Demonstrates practical experience with R and Python for data cleaning, analysis, visualization, web scraping, and monitoring federal datasets
  • Uses GitHub proficiently for version control and collaborative workflows in policy or data contexts
  • Can show specific examples of building credibility with federal stakeholders while implementing technical solutions

📝 Tips for Applying to Federation of American Scientists

1

Highlight specific federal datasets you've worked with (e.g., USAspending.gov, Data.gov, agency-specific datasets) and the policy domains involved

2

Showcase GitHub repositories demonstrating R/Python work on federal data projects, especially those involving monitoring or automation

3

Reference FAS's specific projects like the Day One Project or their work on AI governance to show you understand their unique approach

4

Detail your experience bridging technical data work with stakeholder engagement in government or civil society settings

5

Provide concrete examples of how you've improved workflows or processes in previous federal data or policy roles

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Your specific experience with federal data across different policy domains and how it prepares you for FAS's cross-cutting approach", 'Examples of building credibility with diverse stakeholders (government, industry, academia, civil society) in data policy contexts', "Technical projects using R/Python for federal data monitoring, analysis, or automation that align with FAS's innovation focus", 'How your government or civil society experience informs your approach to improving federal data implementation processes']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → FAS's specific federal data initiatives like their work on AI governance or open data policies
  • → The Day One Project and how FAS translates policy ideas into actionable implementation
  • → Recent FAS publications or testimony related to federal data policy and emerging technologies
  • → FAS's unique position as a bridge between scientific communities and federal policymakers

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Walk us through a specific federal dataset you've analyzed and how it informed policy decisions
2 How would you design a framework to evaluate the status of federal datasets across multiple agencies?
3 Describe your experience using AI or automation tools for data monitoring in a government or policy context
4 How have you built credibility with federal stakeholders who may have competing priorities or perspectives?
5 Share an example of how you improved internal workflows for data policy program operations
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Generic data science experience without specific federal data or policy context
  • Focusing only on technical skills without demonstrating stakeholder engagement experience
  • Not understanding FAS's unique nonpartisan, science-policy bridge role compared to traditional think tanks
  • Failing to provide concrete examples of working with actual federal datasets or agencies

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Federation of American Scientists!

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