In A Nutshell
IAPS Programs is building the infrastructure that the AI policy field needs to grow. We run a competitive AI Policy Fellowship with thousands of applicants, matching fellows with experts across key think tanks, governments, and industry, and convene senior AI policy leaders at our annual Alexandria Forum. In 2026, we’re planning to scale up the fellowship and pilot new talent and coordination programs to strengthen the AI policy landscape.
We’re hiring 1-2 (Senior) Programs Associates to help us execute on this expansion. Depending on your strengths, you might coach fellows through their policy work and career transitions, build the pipelines and project management systems that make our operations scalable, or design and pilot entirely new programs. We’re looking for someone who combines strong judgment about what makes programs work with the willingness to get into the operational details that make them actually happen. You’ll join a small team that moves fast, iterates based on data, and is keen to build impactful projects that help humanity navigate a world with transformative AI.
Responsibilities
- 1+ year for Program Associate / 3+ years for Senior Program Associate of relevant experience in programs, fellowships, talent development, operations, or a related field.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously under compressed timelines.
- Experience working with or supporting diverse cohorts of professionals across different seniority levels.
- Track record of building or significantly improving operational processes.
Skillset
- Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment with shifting priorities.
- Strong project management instincts and attention to detail.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills. You’ll interact with senior policymakers, industry leaders, and thought leaders, helping build and strengthen relationships for IAPS.
- Comfort with ambiguity and the ability to take vague ideas and turn them into concrete plans.
- A data-informed approach to decision-making, and a willingness to use retrospective analysis to improve programs rather than relying on assumptions.
- Proactiveness and a “figure it out” mentality.
- Additional competencies that may qualify exceptional candidates for consideration for the Senior Programs Associate position:
- Experience with Airtable, programming, or other tools for building operational workflows.
- Pre-existing networks in AI or tech policy, especially in the U.S.
- Prior experience in policy-focused organizations, particularly in AI, tech policy or national security.
- Experience designing or running competitive fellowship or talent programs at scale.
- Familiarity with the D.C. policy ecosystem and professional dynamics.
We encourage candidates to apply even if they do not meet all skills and experience listed. We are open to hiring someone with substantial strengths in some areas but who need to develop their skills in others, and we invest heavily in our staff’s development.