Application Guide

How to Apply for Policy Director, Generalist

at Secure AI Project

🏢 About Secure AI Project

Secure AI Project is a nonprofit focused on reducing severe risks from frontier AI through pragmatic policy. Unlike many AI safety organizations, it emphasizes state-level engagement and practical legislative wins, offering a chance to directly shape impactful regulations.

About This Role

As Policy Director, Generalist, you'll lead state-level advocacy for AI safety policies, drafting legislation and engaging with lawmakers, agencies, and companies. This role is pivotal in translating technical AI risks into actionable laws, with the potential to set precedents for national regulation.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve drafting a bill amendment for a state legislator, followed by a call with an AI company to discuss their concerns. You'd then prepare talking points for a legislative hearing and write an op-ed for a local newspaper, all while tracking multiple state bills and coordinating with coalition partners.

🚀 Application Tools

Generate Cover Letter

AI-powered, tailored for Secure AI Project

Interview Prep

Practice questions for this role

🎯 Who Secure AI Project Is Looking For

  • 3-5 years of experience in policy development, advocacy, or government relations, specifically in AI or technology policy.
  • Strong legislative drafting skills, with the ability to write clear, enforceable text and navigate political compromises.
  • Deep understanding of AI safety issues, including frontier model risks (e.g., misuse, loss of control), and familiarity with current state legislative landscapes.
  • Proven ability to build relationships with diverse stakeholders, including legislators, regulators, and industry representatives.

📝 Tips for Applying to Secure AI Project

1

Highlight specific state-level policy wins or advocacy campaigns you've led, especially in technology or AI.

2

Demonstrate your legislative drafting skills by including a sample bill or policy memo tailored to AI safety.

3

Show familiarity with Secure AI Project's published work (e.g., model licensing, compute governance) and reference it in your cover letter.

4

Emphasize your ability to translate complex technical concepts into accessible policy language for non-expert audiences.

5

Mention any experience working with bipartisan coalitions or in politically diverse states, as pragmatic compromise is key.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Your track record in advancing technology policy at the state level, with concrete examples of legislation you've helped pass.", 'Understanding of frontier AI risks and why state-level action is critical for safety, referencing specific Secure AI Project initiatives.', 'Your ability to draft clear, effective legislative text and navigate the political process to secure support.', "Alignment with the organization's pragmatic approach—balancing ideal policy with achievable compromises."]

Generate Cover Letter →

🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Read Secure AI Project's published policy briefs and model legislation on their website.
  • → Review recent state AI bills (e.g., California, Colorado, Connecticut) and their outcomes.
  • → Understand the organization's stance on compute governance, model licensing, and liability frameworks.
  • → Research key stakeholders in the AI policy space, including other nonprofits (e.g., Center for AI Safety, AI Now) and industry players.
Visit Secure AI Project's Website →

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you prioritize which states to target for AI safety legislation and why?
2 Describe a time you had to compromise on a policy to get it passed. How did you decide what to give up?
3 What is your understanding of the current state-level AI policy landscape (e.g., California SB 1047, Colorado AI Act)?
4 How would you engage with AI companies that may oppose stricter regulations?
5 Write a brief op-ed or policy memo on a specific AI risk and a proposed state-level solution.
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Focusing only on federal policy without acknowledging the importance of state-level action.
  • Proposing overly ambitious or impractical policies without considering political feasibility.
  • Failing to demonstrate concrete legislative drafting or advocacy experience—vague policy interest isn't enough.

📅 Application Timeline

⏰ Deadline: July 26, 2026

We recommend applying at least a few days early to avoid last-minute technical issues.

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 Secure AI Project!

← Back to Job Listing Apply Now →