Application Guide

How to Apply for Policy Associate

at Safer AI

🏢 About Safer AI

Safer AI is a mission-driven organization focused specifically on AI risk management and safety, distinguishing itself from general AI policy shops. The company works at the intersection of cutting-edge AI research and practical policy implementation, offering a unique opportunity to shape emerging governance frameworks before they become entrenched.

About This Role

This Policy Associate role serves as the connective tissue between technical AI safety researchers and policymakers, translating complex safety concepts into actionable policy recommendations. You'll be building and coordinating an international coalition of top researchers while directly advocating for public investment in safe AI technologies across UK and potentially global policy forums.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve morning coordination with international researchers on safe-by-design research priorities, followed by drafting policy briefs translating technical safety concepts for UK government audiences. Afternoons could include stakeholder meetings with policymakers to advocate for specific safety investments, then synthesizing coalition feedback into unified policy positions.

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🎯 Who Safer AI Is Looking For

  • Has 3+ years specifically in AI policy/safety (not just general tech policy), with demonstrated experience bridging technical and policy communities
  • Can point to specific examples of synthesizing complex AI safety concepts (like alignment, robustness, or interpretability) for non-technical audiences
  • Has built and maintained relationships with diverse stakeholders including both policymakers and technical researchers simultaneously
  • Shows evidence of crafting compelling policy narratives that led to concrete outcomes, not just writing position papers

📝 Tips for Applying to Safer AI

1

Quantify your stakeholder management experience - e.g., 'managed relationships with 15+ policymakers across 3 countries' rather than 'good at stakeholder management'

2

Include a writing sample that demonstrates translating technical AI safety concepts for policy audiences, ideally on topics like AI alignment, catastrophic risk, or safe-by-design principles

3

Research and reference Safer AI's specific positions or past work in your application - they're looking for alignment with their particular approach to AI safety

4

Highlight any experience coordinating coalitions or multi-stakeholder initiatives, especially in international contexts relevant to AI governance

5

If you have a technical background moving into policy, explicitly map your technical knowledge to specific policy applications mentioned in the job description

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Demonstrate understanding of Safer AI's specific mission and how it differs from other AI policy organizations", 'Provide concrete examples of translating technical AI safety concepts for policymakers, with measurable outcomes', 'Show experience managing competing priorities across government advice, public policy, and advocacy simultaneously', 'Explain your approach to building consensus among diverse stakeholders with potentially conflicting views on AI risk']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Safer AI's specific positions on current AI policy debates (check their publications, blog posts, or policy submissions)
  • → The UK's current AI governance landscape and key policymakers/institutions relevant to AI safety
  • → Major international AI safety research coalitions and how Safer AI might differentiate its approach
  • → Recent UK government AI policy initiatives and where there might be gaps in addressing safety concerns

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you explain AI alignment or catastrophic risk to a UK parliamentary committee with limited technical background?
2 Describe your experience coordinating multi-stakeholder initiatives - what challenges arose and how did you address them?
3 What specific policy mechanisms would you advocate for to increase public investment in safe AI technologies in the UK?
4 How would you prioritize between different AI safety research agendas when advising policymakers on funding allocations?
5 Walk us through how you would build relationships with both technical researchers (who may distrust policy) and policymakers (who may distrust technical claims)
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Generic AI policy experience without specific focus on safety/risk management aspects
  • Focusing only on government relations without demonstrating ability to engage technical researchers
  • Using buzzwords like 'ethical AI' or 'responsible AI' without demonstrating understanding of specific safety concepts like alignment or robustness
  • Presenting as purely an advocate without showing policy analysis or coalition-building capabilities

📅 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!

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Good luck with your application to Safer AI!

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