Application Guide

How to Apply for Senior Technologist, AI Governance Lab

at Center for Democracy and Technology (CDT)

🏢 About Center for Democracy and Technology (CDT)

The Center for Democracy and Technology (CDT) is a unique nonprofit that directly shapes technology policy to protect civil liberties and democratic values in the digital age. Working here means influencing legislation and corporate practices on internet freedom and privacy at the highest levels, making it ideal for those passionate about the intersection of technology, law, and human rights.

About This Role

As a Senior Technologist in the AI Governance Lab, you'll work on internet neutrality legislation, engage in privacy policy discussions, and contribute to maintaining an innovative, open, and free internet. This role is impactful because you'll help shape the regulatory frameworks that govern AI and digital technologies, directly influencing how these tools affect democracy and individual rights globally.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve analyzing proposed AI legislation, drafting policy recommendations for congressional staff, participating in coalition meetings with other digital rights organizations, and preparing technical explanations of how specific technologies impact privacy and free expression. You'd collaborate remotely with policy experts, lawyers, and technologists to develop advocacy strategies that protect democratic values in the digital age.

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Center for Democracy and Technology (CDT) Is Looking For

  • Has 5+ years of experience in technology policy, AI governance, or related fields with a strong understanding of both technical systems and regulatory frameworks
  • Demonstrates expertise in internet neutrality, privacy laws (like GDPR or CCPA), and AI ethics through previous work, publications, or advocacy
  • Possesses excellent communication skills to translate complex technical concepts for policymakers, journalists, and the public
  • Shows a proven commitment to civil liberties and democratic values through volunteer work, previous employment at advocacy organizations, or policy contributions

📝 Tips for Applying to Center for Democracy and Technology (CDT)

1

Highlight specific experience with internet neutrality legislation or privacy policy work, even if from different sectors (academia, government, or industry)

2

Demonstrate your understanding of CDT's mission by referencing their recent reports or policy positions on AI governance in your application materials

3

Showcase any previous work at the intersection of technology and civil rights, such as contributions to open internet initiatives or digital rights advocacy

4

Emphasize remote collaboration skills since this is a remote position at an organization that likely works across multiple time zones

5

Include concrete examples of how you've influenced policy or technology design to protect democratic values in previous roles

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Your specific experience with internet neutrality or privacy policy work and how it aligns with CDT's advocacy priorities", "Examples of how you've contributed to maintaining an open and free internet through previous projects or positions", "Your understanding of AI governance challenges and how you would approach them within CDT's civil liberties framework", "Why CDT's mission-driven approach specifically appeals to you compared to other technology policy organizations"]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review CDT's recent publications and policy positions on AI governance, particularly from their AI Governance Lab
  • → Study CDT's advocacy work on internet neutrality, including their congressional testimony and regulatory comments
  • → Understand the organization's stance on key privacy legislation and how they've influenced recent policy debates
  • → Familiarize yourself with CDT's organizational structure and key staff members in the technology policy team

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you approach developing policy recommendations for AI governance that balance innovation with civil liberties protections?
2 What specific internet neutrality legislation have you worked on or analyzed, and what were the key challenges?
3 How do you stay current on evolving privacy policies across different jurisdictions, and how would you apply this knowledge at CDT?
4 Can you describe a time when you had to translate complex technical concepts about AI systems for non-technical stakeholders?
5 How would you contribute to CDT's goal of maintaining an innovative, open, and free internet in the age of increasing platform consolidation?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Focusing solely on technical AI expertise without demonstrating understanding of policy or civil liberties implications
  • Using generic language about 'wanting to make a difference' without connecting to CDT's specific mission and current initiatives
  • Failing to show awareness of current debates in internet governance, privacy regulation, or AI ethics that CDT engages with

📅 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:

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 Center for Democracy and Technology (CDT)!

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