Application Guide

How to Apply for Policy Director, Office of the Chief Executive Officer

at Secure AI Project

🏢 About Secure AI Project

Secure AI Project is a unique nonprofit at the forefront of AI safety, focusing on pragmatic policies to reduce severe risks from frontier AI models. Working here means contributing to critical global challenges alongside a mission-driven team, with the flexibility of remote work.

About This Role

As Policy Director in the CEO's office, you will serve as a strategic partner to the executive team, amplifying their impact through operational excellence and policy expertise. This role is impactful because you'll directly shape the organization's highest-priority initiatives, from AI governance to internal efficiency.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might start by reviewing the CEO's schedule and preparing briefing materials for key meetings. You'll then track progress on team commitments, unblock any operational issues, and lead a special project on a high-priority policy initiative, ending with follow-ups and agenda planning for the next day.

🎯 Who Secure AI Project Is Looking For

  • Has 3+ years of experience in policy, operations, or executive support, ideally in a nonprofit or tech policy context.
  • Excels at project management and organizational tasks, with a track record of managing complex calendars and cross-team projects.
  • Thrives in a fast-paced environment, able to unblock bottlenecks and implement operational fixes proactively.
  • Demonstrates genuine interest in AI policy and governance, staying informed about frontier AI risks and regulatory developments.

📝 Tips for Applying to Secure AI Project

1

Highlight any experience working directly with C-suite or executive leadership, emphasizing how you've improved their efficiency.

2

Showcase specific examples of leading special projects or driving resolution on high-priority problems.

3

Tailor your resume to include keywords like 'AI policy,' 'operational bottlenecks,' and 'executive rhythm' from the job description.

4

If you have a background in AI governance or related fields, explicitly mention it and connect it to the role.

5

Submit a cover letter that demonstrates your understanding of Secure AI Project's mission and how your skills directly address their needs.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Emphasize your ability to partner with senior leadership and amplify their impact through operational support.', 'Show concrete examples of managing projects, tracking commitments, and unblocking bottlenecks.', 'Express your passion for AI policy and how this role aligns with your career goals.', 'Highlight any experience in policy analysis or advocacy, even if not directly in AI, to show transferable skills.']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • Read Secure AI Project's website thoroughly, including their policy papers and blog posts on AI governance.
  • Familiarize yourself with key AI policy debates, such as the EU AI Act, US executive orders on AI, and discussions on AI safety.
  • Look into the backgrounds of the executive team (CEO and other directors) to understand their perspectives and priorities.
  • Review recent news or publications about frontier AI models (e.g., GPT-4, Claude, Gemini) and associated risks.
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 tasks when managing the CEO's calendar and multiple competing deadlines?
2 Describe a time you identified and fixed an operational bottleneck in an organization.
3 What is your understanding of frontier AI risks, and what policy approaches do you think are most promising?
4 How do you ensure accountability across a team when tracking commitments and follow-ups?
5 Tell me about a special project you led from conception to completion, and what the outcome was.
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Don't focus solely on administrative tasks; emphasize strategic thinking and problem-solving.
  • Avoid generic statements about AI without showing specific knowledge of current policy debates.
  • Don't neglect to mention your interest in nonprofit work; the mission is central to the role.

📅 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!