Application Guide
How to Apply for Program Associate
at AI Now Institute
🏢 About AI Now Institute
The AI Now Institute is a pioneering research institute examining the social implications of artificial intelligence, uniquely combining academic rigor with community organizing to challenge corporate power and shape AI policy. Working here means contributing to high-impact reports, convenings, and advocacy that directly influence how AI is governed in the public interest.
About This Role
As a Program Associate, you will be the operational backbone of AI Now’s flagship programs—coordinating reports, events, and coalition gatherings while also providing research support to the Senior Director on critical AI policy issues. This role offers a blend of hands-on program management and substantive policy analysis, making it ideal for someone who wants to see their work translate into real-world change.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might start with checking legislative updates and drafting a brief for the Senior Director on a new AI policy proposal, followed by a coordination call with coalition partners for an upcoming training. Afternoon hours could be spent finalizing logistics for a public event, reviewing a draft report section, and updating the project tracker for multiple workstreams.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who AI Now Institute Is Looking For
- Has 3-5 years of experience in policy advocacy, program management, or research on technology, AI, or corporate power, with a track record of delivering high-quality outputs under tight deadlines.
- Excels at project management, able to juggle multiple workstreams (e.g., event logistics, legislative tracking, research synthesis) without dropping the ball.
- Possesses strong research and writing skills, capable of distilling complex AI policy topics into clear, accessible briefings and reports for diverse audiences.
- Thrives in a small, fast-paced organization—comfortable with ambiguity, proactive in identifying needs, and able to work independently with minimal supervision.
📝 Tips for Applying to AI Now Institute
Tailor your resume to highlight direct experience with AI policy, corporate accountability, or tech justice—use keywords from the job description like 'program management,' 'policy research,' and 'coalition building.'
In your cover letter, mention specific AI Now reports or initiatives (e.g., their work on AI industrial policy or algorithmic accountability) and explain how your background aligns with their mission.
Provide a writing sample that demonstrates your ability to synthesize research into a policy brief or accessible format—avoid purely academic papers unless they are concise and policy-oriented.
Showcase your organizational skills by including examples of managing multiple projects simultaneously, such as coordinating events or tracking legislative developments.
Research the current AI policy landscape (e.g., the EU AI Act, U.S. executive orders on AI) and be prepared to discuss how AI Now’s work fits into these conversations.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
['Emphasize your passion for AI accountability and corporate power, connecting your experience to AI Now’s specific focus areas like AI industrial policy and community organizing.', 'Highlight your ability to both manage programs (events, trainings, coalition gatherings) and conduct rigorous policy research—the role requires both skill sets.', 'Show that you are a self-starter who can thrive in a small team by giving an example of a time you took initiative on a project with limited guidance.', 'Mention your familiarity with legislative tracking or policy analysis, and how you can support the Senior Director in preparing briefings and executing strategy.']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Read AI Now’s latest reports, especially on AI industrial policy and corporate accountability, to understand their current focus and language.
- → Review their past events and convenings (e.g., the AI Now Symposium) to grasp the format and audience they engage.
- → Follow key staff on Twitter/LinkedIn, particularly the Senior Director, to see what issues they are currently highlighting.
- → Look into AI Now’s funding sources and partners (e.g., foundations, academic institutions) to understand their network and influence.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don’t submit a generic application—avoid vague statements about 'passion for AI' without connecting to AI Now’s specific mission of challenging corporate power.
- Don’t overlook the program management aspect—this is not a pure research role; failing to highlight organizational skills could hurt your candidacy.
- Don’t ignore the small-team context—avoid language suggesting you need constant direction; emphasize autonomy and proactivity instead.
📅 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:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!
Ready to Apply?
Good luck with your application to AI Now Institute!