Political Director Opportunity

(THIS ROLE UNDER CONSTRUCTION, TO BE REVISED to focus on state grassroots advocacy)

Bridge the gap between AI safety concerns and actionable policy. You’ll develop our legislative strategy, build elite coalitions, and ensure our grassroots pressure translates into concrete policy wins. This role requires sophisticated understanding of both AI risks and political machinery. This is a leadership team position, with the opportunity to shape humanity’s response to risks from AI starting from zero. Join Vael Gates (Executive Director) in crafting this organization and getting it off the ground.

Responsibilities

• Develop tiered policy agenda from near-term policy asks to ambitious policy asks that will require high political will (e.g. international agreements)
• Build relationships with key legislators, staffers, and members at the state (and evnetually federal) levels
• Identify and pursue state-level policy opportunities
• Create coalition strategies bringing together relevant allies
• Brief local leaders and volunteers on policy developments
• Track and analyze AI policy developments
• Support major donor cultivation with policy expertise

What We’re Looking For

• 4+ years in technology policy, legislative affairs, or political strategy
• Deep understanding of state and federal regulatory processes
• Experience building bipartisan coalitions on contentious issues
• Strong grasp of AI governance landscape and key stakeholders
• Comfortable with controversial positions and potential public backlash
• Genuine concern for risks from AI, including potential existential risks (mitigating risks from extinction from AI due to loss of control from advanced future AI e.g. here, here, here)
• Excellent internaland external communication skills, adaptive and responsive to feedback and developments
• Unwavering commitment to truth-tracking and non-deceptive messaging, while navigating political realities

Ideal Candidates Bring

• Existing relationships across partisan lines in key states or federal policy
• Understanding of corporate compliance and regulatory enforcement mechanisms
• Knowledge about with international policy coordination
• Background in national security or emerging technology policy

Anticipated Start

Q1 - Q2 (?) 2026

Reporting Structure

Reports to the CEO on the leadership team.

Location

Remote with regular travel required (must be authorized to work in US and work US timezone). DC preferred once we move into federal policy.

Compensation

$XXX base + benefits package

How to Apply

Email Vael Gates (Executive Director) at vaelgates@gmail.com with your resume or CV.

Get this movement off the ground as we aim to shape the AI landscape for the better.