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 organization uniquely focused on defending democratic institutions in the age of AI. Through its AI for Democracy Action Lab, it combines hands-on tech tool building with strategic policy advocacy, offering a rare opportunity to work at the cutting edge of technology and governance.

About This Role

This role leads advocacy campaigns at the intersection of AI and democracy, shaping federal and state policies on AI governance, data rights, and platform accountability. You’ll build coalitions across the political spectrum, engage with lawmakers and tech companies, and serve as a public thought leader—making it a high-impact position for someone passionate about safeguarding democratic norms.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might start with a briefing on the latest AI policy developments, followed by a strategy call with coalition partners on a state-level deepfake bill. Afternoon could involve drafting a blog post or op-ed, then meeting with a congressional staffer to discuss federal AI legislation, ending with a team check-in on campaign milestones.

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Protect Democracy Is Looking For

  • A strategic campaigner with 12+ years in law, policy, or advocacy who has designed and led multi-stakeholder tech policy campaigns, including lobbying strategies at the federal or state level.
  • Deeply knowledgeable about AI, data governance, and platform regulation, with the ability to translate complex technical issues into compelling policy arguments for diverse audiences.
  • A relationship-builder who can work across ideological divides, with a track record of forming coalitions that include both progressive and conservative groups.
  • A project manager who can juggle multiple workstreams—from policy analysis to coalition meetings to media engagement—while maintaining a clear focus on advocacy goals.

📝 Tips for Applying to Protect Democracy

1

Tailor your resume to highlight campaign victories, not just policy analysis—use metrics like bills influenced, coalitions built, or media mentions.

2

In your cover letter, name specific AI policy issues (e.g., deepfakes, algorithmic bias, data privacy) and link them to Protect Democracy’s existing work, such as their tool for detecting AI-generated content.

3

Show cross-ideological experience: mention any work with conservative or libertarian groups on tech policy, as the organization values nonpartisan approaches.

4

Prepare a one-page memo outlining a concrete advocacy strategy for a current AI-democracy issue (e.g., AI in elections) to demonstrate strategic thinking.

5

Research the AI for Democracy Action Lab’s current projects (e.g., their election misinformation tool) and reference how you could contribute or expand them.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your experience designing and executing tech policy campaigns that achieved tangible outcomes (e.g., passing a state AI bill, changing a platform’s content policy).', 'Your ability to build relationships across the political spectrum, with specific examples of working with both Democrats and Republicans on tech issues.', 'Your deep understanding of AI’s threats and opportunities for democracy, and how this role aligns with your personal mission to protect democratic institutions.', 'Your project management skills, especially in complex, multi-stakeholder environments with tight deadlines.']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Read Protect Democracy’s latest reports and blog posts on AI policy, especially the AI for Democracy Action Lab’s work.
  • → Review their tools and projects, such as the ‘AI-generated content detector’ or ‘Democracy Watch’ initiatives.
  • → Understand the current federal and state AI policy landscape, including the White House Executive Order on AI, state-level AI bills, and platform self-regulation.
  • → Identify key coalition partners Protect Democracy works with (e.g., Center for Democracy & Technology, R Street Institute) to understand their network.
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💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Walk us through a tech policy campaign you led. What was your strategy, who were your allies, and what was the outcome?
2 How would you build a coalition on AI policy that includes both the ACLU and the Heritage Foundation? What common ground would you find?
3 What do you see as the most pressing AI-related threat to democracy in the next election cycle, and what policy response would you recommend?
4 How do you stay informed about rapidly evolving AI technologies, and how do you translate that into actionable policy?
5 Describe a time you managed a project with competing priorities and multiple stakeholders. How did you ensure progress?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Applying with a generic tech policy resume that doesn’t mention AI or democracy specifically—this role demands niche expertise.
  • Focusing only on Democratic or progressive advocacy without showing experience or willingness to engage across the aisle.
  • Lacking concrete examples of campaign leadership—this is not a research-only role; they need a proven advocate who can move policy.

📅 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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