How to apply for Senior Advisor for State Engagement

About State AI Collaborative

The State AI Collaborative is a nonpartisan nonprofit dedicated to helping states navigate the policy opportunities and challenges of AI. Unlike many AI policy organizations, it focuses directly on state-level engagement, working with governors' offices and state officials to develop thoughtful, effective AI policies. This is a unique opportunity to shape AI governance at the state level, where many of the most impactful decisions are being made.

About the role

As the Senior Advisor for State Engagement, you will be the primary liaison between the State AI Collaborative and state policymakers, including governors' offices and other key officials. You will build and maintain relationships, advise the Executive Director on state political dynamics, and connect states with AI policy expertise and peer networks. This role is critical for extending the organization's reach and ensuring that states have the resources they need to craft sound AI policies.

A typical day

A typical day might involve virtual meetings with state officials to understand their AI policy needs, advising the Executive Director on political dynamics in key states, and collaborating with the policy team to connect states with relevant experts. You might also spend time researching state legislative developments and preparing briefings or strategy memos. The role is remote, so you'll need to be proactive in maintaining relationships and staying connected with stakeholders across the country.

Who State AI Collaborative is looking for

• At least 12 years of experience in senior policy roles, ideally within governors' offices, Capitol Hill, or comparable advocacy organizations, with a deep understanding of state political landscapes.
• Proven track record of building trusted, nonpartisan relationships with high-level state officials and a reputation for sound judgment and discretion.
• Strong commitment to advancing thoughtful AI policy and the ability to engage with complex technical and policy issues.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to advise senior leadership and collaborate effectively with a policy team.

Tips for this application

• Highlight specific examples of your experience working directly with governors' offices or state officials, including the outcomes of your engagement.
• Demonstrate your nonpartisan approach by describing instances where you successfully worked across party lines to advance policy goals.
• Show your understanding of AI policy issues by referencing specific state-level AI initiatives or legislation you have followed or been involved with.
• Emphasize your ability to advise senior leaders by detailing how you have provided strategic counsel on political dynamics in previous roles.
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to reflect the organization's mission and the unique challenges of state-level AI policy engagement.

What to cover in your cover letter

["Your direct experience engaging with governors' offices and state officials, and the relationships you have built.", 'Your ability to navigate complex political dynamics and provide strategic advice to senior leadership.', 'Your commitment to nonpartisan, thoughtful AI policy and how you have demonstrated this in your career.', 'Your understanding of the current state-level AI policy landscape and how you can help states navigate it.']

Research before applying

• Review the State AI Collaborative's website, especially any reports, blog posts, or press releases about their work with specific states.
• Research recent AI-related legislation or executive orders in key states to understand the current policy landscape.
• Identify the key players in state AI policy, such as governors' AI advisors or state legislators leading on AI, and understand their priorities.
• Look into the organization's funding sources and partnerships to understand their approach and potential constraints.

Likely interview topics

Based on the job description, expect questions about:

• How would you approach building relationships with governors' offices that may have differing political views on AI?
• Describe a time when you advised a senior leader on a politically sensitive issue. What was your approach and what was the outcome?
• What do you see as the most pressing AI policy challenges facing states today, and how would you help states address them?
• How would you leverage existing networks and organizations to connect states with AI policy expertise?
• Give an example of how you have maintained a nonpartisan stance while working on contentious policy issues.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Being overly partisan or ideological in your application materials, as the role requires nonpartisan engagement.
• Failing to demonstrate specific experience with state-level policymaking or governors' offices, which is a core requirement.
• Ignoring the AI policy context and treating the role as a generic government relations position.