Associate Director

*Apply by May 2nd 2024*

About this role:

The Associate Director will occupy a critical role in our growing organization, devoted to incisive policy strategy on cutting edge issues shaping the trajectory of artificial intelligence. This role is designed primarily around research, development and execution of policy strategy, with an emphasis on operationalizing programs. The Associate Director will report to one of the co-Executive Directors and principally aid and assist the leadership team and members of other teams as necessary. 

What you will do:

Developing and Executing Policy Strategy and Programmatic Activities

• Work closely with co-EDs in execution of policy strategy and translation into day-to-day programmatic activities (including but not limited to internal team coordination and external partner communications).
• Research and draft written materials (eg op-eds, reports, public statements, blog posts) that support our work
• Build outreach and engagement strategies to build relationships with relevant groups and stakeholders in collaboration with the co-EDs.
• Responsible for research and documentation of issues relevant to policy strategy, proactively keeping on the pulse of a highly dynamic and heterogeneous policy domain.
• Assist the operations team with the tracking, documentation of work plans, tasks, partner commitments, and responses to stakeholder requests coming to the organization and take lead in following up with key partners and management of responsibilities.
• Ensure the co-EDs preparedness for meetings and other commitments, and assist in supporting next steps, anticipating and tracking tasks against achievable timelines.
• Work closely with the operations team and relevant team members to drive, support and coordinate matters pertaining to the organization of the AI Now Symposium in New York City in 2025, and other programmatic events as needed.
• Assist with evaluation and regular reporting on programmatic strategy and activities to funders and external partners as needed.

Stakeholder engagement and outreach support

• Manage outreach and communications to key policy stakeholders as tasked by co-EDs, surfacing and prioritizing as needed. Work closely with Executive Assistants as the first point of contact for scheduling and logistical needs for co-Executive Directors.
• Manage reactive and proactive requests for input regarding research assistance, briefings, and other engagements.
• Conduct research to scope new stakeholders with whom our organization should engage with in support of our strategy and build relationships appropriately.
• Field proactive and reactive press and media in coordination with communications team.

Workflow, Communications, and Documentation support

• Responsible for creating and executing knowledge management and other documentation and workflow practices that surface and prioritize relevant information consistently and reliably to the co-EDs.

Requirements

Skills, education, and mindset you will bring:

• Strong understanding of and appreciation for the key issues and challenges shaping our field and ability to research and anticipate novel developments. Experience working in policy environments, and engaging with a range of stakeholders across the public and private sector is a plus.
• Excellent writing skills across a variety of formats (from short and punchy op-eds to rich and well-researched policy reports). Ability to communicate complex technical issues to a wide variety of audiences is a plus.
• Proficiency in project management showcasing a commitment to organized and efficient workflows. Ability to use collaborative project management tools such as Notion, Google Workspace, or Slack a plus. Excellent communication abilities, able to liaise with many people from various backgrounds.
• Showcases a nuanced understanding of cultural dynamics; familiarity with cross-border work, including in an international setting, is a plus.
• Proficient in working across different time zones, including asynchronous communications, highlighting effective collaboration and communication skills in a globally dispersed environment.
• Ability to drive processes and timelines to meet deadlines.
• Unwavering attention to detail and high levels of organization, ensuring precision and thoroughness in all tasks.
• A high degree of professionalism and confidentiality.

Benefits

Location

Flexible; with a strong preference for Eastern Standard Time zone, as most members of the organization are based in New York City. While we cannot guarantee work visas for those that do not already possess the right to work in the location in which they will be based, we are prepared to support visa applications for the right candidate. At this time we work solely through hybrid office arrangements, combining remote at-home work with intermittent use of co-working spaces.

Compensation

This position is for an exempt full-time employee, 40 hours per week, at $80,000-$120,000 per year depending on experience. Full time employees are eligible for a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance, and paid time off. Employees who complete at least one year and 1,000 hours of service are eligible to participate in the Aspiration 401(k) retirement plan, including an employer match of employee contributions up to 4% of the employee's salary. In accordance with the values of our organization including equity and transparency, our benefits are standardized.

Career Progression

This role offers opportunities for career progression dependent on performance. A likely track would progress to either Deputy Director or Policy Director depending on the candidate’s interest, acumen, and the evolving needs of the organization.

Aspiration is an equal opportunity employer. All employment and promotion decisions are made without regard to race; color; sex; religion; age; national origin or ancestry; marital status; disability or handicap; mental disability or medical condition (including cancer, HIV/AIDS, and genetic characteristics); pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; veteran status; parental status; citizenship status; genetic predisposition or carrier status; status as a victim of domestic violence, stalking, or sex offenses; personal appearance (including height and weight); sexual orientation; gender and gender identity, expression, or appearance; or any other basis prohibited by U.S., state, or local law. Decisions are made without regard to previous claims, filed a charge or sued because of discrimination.  People of color, people with disabilities, women, LGBTQ individuals, and members of other historically disadvantaged groups are especially encouraged to apply.