Application Guide

How to Apply for Tech Policy Strategist, AI for Democracy Action Lab

at Protect Democracy

🏢 About Protect Democracy

Protect Democracy is a nonpartisan nonprofit uniquely dedicated to preventing authoritarianism in the US. Unlike traditional advocacy groups, they combine legal action, research, and cross-ideological campaigns to defend democratic institutions. Working here means joining a high-impact team that operates at the critical intersection of technology and democracy.

About This Role

As the Tech Policy Strategist for the AI for Democracy Action Lab, you will lead advocacy campaigns to ensure AI technologies strengthen rather than undermine democracy. This role involves designing cross-ideological policy campaigns on AI surveillance, electoral security, and content authenticity, working with diverse stakeholders from NGOs to tech platforms. Your work will directly shape how AI is governed at federal and state levels, making it a uniquely influential position.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might start with a virtual meeting with coalition partners from a tech platform and a conservative think tank to align on messaging for an upcoming state legislative hearing. You'd then draft a policy brief on AI surveillance risks, followed by a media interview prep session. Afternoon could involve analyzing a new federal AI bill and coordinating with the legal team on potential advocacy strategies, ending with a remote team check-in to track campaign milestones.

🚀 Application Tools

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Protect Democracy Is Looking For

  • Deep expertise in AI policy, technology governance, or related fields, with a track record of developing legislative analysis and policy proposals.
  • Proven experience in advocacy and coalition-building, including working across ideological lines with NGOs, tech companies, and government officials.
  • Strong communication skills for media commentary and publications, able to translate complex AI issues for diverse audiences.
  • Strategic thinker who can design and scale campaigns that bridge partisan divides on AI surveillance, electoral security, and content authenticity.

📝 Tips for Applying to Protect Democracy

1

Tailor your resume to highlight specific campaign wins or policy changes you've driven at the intersection of AI and democracy.

2

In your cover letter, explicitly name a cross-ideological coalition you've built or would build to advance a specific AI policy (e.g., AI surveillance limits).

3

Show familiarity with Protect Democracy's existing campaigns (e.g., their work on election security and disinformation) and connect your experience to those efforts.

4

Provide concrete examples of how you've communicated AI policy issues to non-expert audiences, such as op-eds or media appearances.

5

Given the remote nature, emphasize your ability to work independently and manage multiple stakeholder relationships across time zones.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your commitment to preventing authoritarianism and how your work on AI governance directly advances that mission.', 'Specific experience building cross-ideological coalitions on contentious tech policy issues (e.g., surveillance, content moderation).', 'Your ability to translate complex AI policy into persuasive advocacy materials for diverse audiences, including media commentary.', "A concrete idea for a campaign or policy proposal you would pursue in this role, aligned with Protect Democracy's mission."]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review Protect Democracy's current campaigns and publications on AI and democracy, especially their work on election security and algorithmic amplification.
  • → Familiarize yourself with key AI policy proposals at the federal and state levels, such as the AI Bill of Rights, state AI surveillance bills, and content authenticity standards.
  • → Understand the landscape of cross-ideological AI policy organizations and coalitions (e.g., Center for AI Safety, Bipartisan Policy Center) to identify potential partners.
  • → Read recent op-eds or media appearances by Protect Democracy staff to understand their messaging style and priorities.
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💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you design a campaign to build bipartisan support for AI transparency requirements in political ads?
2 Describe a time you successfully navigated a coalition with groups that disagreed on fundamental issues. What was your approach?
3 Given the current federal landscape, what are the top 3 AI policy priorities for protecting democracy, and why?
4 How do you measure the success of an advocacy campaign? Provide an example from your work.
5 This role involves media commentary. How would you explain the risks of AI surveillance to a general audience in a 2-minute interview?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Being overly partisan or ideological in your application; Protect Democracy is nonpartisan and values cross-ideological collaboration.
  • Focusing only on AI risks without demonstrating a proactive, solution-oriented approach to policy design.
  • Applying without showing specific knowledge of Protect Democracy's work or the AI policy landscape, making your application generic.

📅 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 Protect Democracy!

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