Application Guide
How to Apply for Senior Advisor, Contingency Planning
at Institute for Security and Technology (IST)
🏢 About Institute for Security and Technology (IST)
The Institute for Security and Technology (IST) is a nonprofit think tank that bridges the gap between emerging technology risks and actionable policy solutions, with a focus on AI governance and biosecurity. Unlike traditional policy shops, IST produces concrete frameworks and exercises that governments and industry can implement immediately. Working here means shaping how the world prepares for high-consequence AI incidents at a pivotal moment in tech policy.
About This Role
As a Senior Advisor, Contingency Planning, you will design and lead the development of response frameworks for catastrophic AI incidents, translating complex technical risks into practical preparedness strategies. You will create tabletop exercises, assess institutional gaps, and engage top experts across government, industry, and academia. This part-time, remote contract offers a unique chance to build the playbook for AI crisis management from the ground up.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might involve drafting a section of an AI incident response framework, coordinating with a government contact to refine a tabletop scenario, and reviewing the latest AI research to ensure your planning stays ahead of emerging risks. You might also facilitate a virtual workshop with industry experts to stress-test a preparedness plan, then synthesize feedback into actionable recommendations for IST's leadership.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Institute for Security and Technology (IST) Is Looking For
- 10+ years of hands-on experience in contingency planning, crisis management, emergency management, or cybersecurity incident response, with a track record of developing and executing response frameworks.
- Advanced degree in International Relations, Public Policy, Emergency Management, or a related field, plus demonstrated familiarity with AI and autonomous systems—either through work, research, or policy engagement.
- Proven ability to design and facilitate tabletop exercises and scenario-based preparedness activities for diverse stakeholders, including government and industry.
- Strong network and credibility to engage senior officials, technical experts, and industry leaders on sensitive AI incident preparedness topics.
📝 Tips for Applying to Institute for Security and Technology (IST)
Highlight any experience you have with AI or autonomous systems—even if it's from a policy or risk perspective—and explicitly connect it to contingency planning.
Showcase specific examples of tabletop exercises or response frameworks you've designed, including the incident type, stakeholders involved, and outcomes.
Emphasize your ability to work independently in a remote, part-time contract setting, and your capacity to deliver high-quality outputs with minimal supervision.
Demonstrate familiarity with IST's existing work (e.g., their AI incident reporting framework or biosecurity reports) and explain how you would build on it.
Tailor your resume to highlight cross-sector coordination—experience bridging government, industry, and technical communities is crucial for this role.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
In your cover letter, focus on: (1) a concrete example of a contingency plan or tabletop exercise you developed for a high-stakes technology risk, ideally AI-related; (2) your understanding of the unique challenges in AI incident preparedness, such as fast-moving scenarios and unclear accountability; (3) your ability to translate technical AI risks into actionable preparedness strategies for non-technical audiences; and (4) why IST's mission and this specific project excite you, referencing their recent publications or initiatives.
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Read IST's recent reports and frameworks, especially those related to AI incident reporting, AI governance, and biosecurity, to understand their methodology and tone.
- → Research existing AI incident databases and taxonomies (e.g., AI Incident Database, OECD AI Incidents Monitor) to familiarize yourself with the landscape.
- → Identify key government agencies and industry groups involved in AI incident response (e.g., NIST, CISA, EU AI Office) and understand their current roles and limitations.
- → Look into past tabletop exercises on AI risks conducted by other organizations (e.g., RAND, CSIS) to see what has been done and where gaps remain.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Avoid generic language about 'crisis management' without explicitly tying it to AI incidents—IST wants to see that you understand the unique aspects of AI risks.
- Do not overlook the part-time, contract nature of the role; applying as if it's a full-time position or expressing a desire for permanent employment will signal a mismatch.
- Avoid focusing solely on cybersecurity incident response without acknowledging the broader policy, ethical, and coordination challenges specific to AI incidents.
📅 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 Institute for Security and Technology (IST)!