About ARI

ARI is a nonprofit organization dedicated to policy advocacy in the public interest, focused on emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI). We believe in establishing a thoughtful governance framework for rapidly advancing AI technology that protects the public from harm while continuing to foster innovation. ARI takes a bipartisan approach, building coalitions across the political spectrum.

Overview

Americans for Responsible Innovation (ARI) is seeking a Legal Policy Counsel to join our growing organization. The Legal Policy Counsel focuses on legal advocacy and analysis, and outreach to legal practitioners and the judicial branch.

About the Role

Reporting to the SVP of Government Affairs, and working closely with the VP of Policy and VP of Communications, the Legal Policy Counsel will provide legal analysis of legislative and policy texts emerging from Congress and the Administration and lead engagement with the Judicial branch and court system.

The Legal Policy Counsel will also be responsible for proactively monitoring the court system for litigation relevant to ARI’s policy and advocacy agenda and curating responses through various legal and advocacy tools. We are looking for someone who has strong experience in tech law and policy, a strong network, and excels at accomplishing objectives as part of a team. ARI is deeply committed to developing a bipartisan policy agenda that can gain support with policymakers in both parties, and the Legal Policy Counsel will play a critical role in helping support ARI’s policy agenda and advocacy efforts and making sure out work takes full account of developments in the legal system. 

Key Responsibilities

• Provide legal analysis, including rapid-response analysis, of legislative text as it emerges from Congress and the Administration.
• Assist with or commission legal analysis and evaluation of legislative efforts at the Congressional level, and Executive Branch action. 
• Weigh the tradeoffs between our ideal policy objectives and political feasibility; identify political obstacles and craft and execute strategies to overcome them.
• Support ARI’s engagement with lawmakers and their staff and executive branch officials where there is overlap with litigation efforts. 
• Host and attend judicial branch educational conferences and events.
• Proactively monitor the federal and state courts for litigation pertinent to ARI’s policy agenda.
• Proactively craft thoughtful responses to judicial and legislative developments related to ARI’s policy areas, including shaping legal arguments and possibly filing amicus briefs.

Qualifications

Required

• JD required.
• 4+ years of experience working in tech policy, litigation or legal advocacy. 
• Passion for the responsible development of AI and emerging technology.
• Alignment with ARI’s mission and values.
• Strong network and reputation in DC, specifically within the legal community. 
• Demonstrated ability to cultivate and maintain trust-based, productive relationships.
• Reputation for trustworthiness and integrity.
• Experience driving strategic initiatives beyond functional tasks.
• A solid understanding of Congressional procedures and a strong ability to navigate complex and fluid political and policy issues.
• Collaborative and bipartisan coalition-building skill set and experience.

Preferred, but optional:

• Deep expertise and familiarity with AI, science, cybersecurity, or national security policy.

Compensation, Benefits, and Location

This is a full-time position based in Washington, DC. Relocation assistance may be available. ARI maintains a flexible, hybrid work schedule (working in-person Tuesday-Thursday and remote on Monday and Friday).

The salary range for this role is $200,000 - $230,000, commensurate with experience.

ARI offers a comprehensive benefits package including:

• Healthcare insurance - 85% of healthcare, vision, and dental insurance premiums covered for employees, partners, and dependents.
• Discretionary PTO and ~20 office holidays, including all Federal holidays and the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day.
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with 6% Employer Match.
• Wellness Benefit - $150/month taxable stipend to support physical and mental well-being.
• Internet & Utilities Reimbursement - $150/month taxable stipend to cover internet and utilities expenses from remote work.
• Home Office Expenses for New Employees - up to $500 to all new full-time employees for home office set-up expenses.
• Professional Development Stipend - Up to $2,500 annually to be used towards building new knowledge and skills.
• Basic Life, Basic AD&D, Short-Term Disability, and Long-Term Disability - 100% employer-paid with the option to elect for employee-paid supplemental coverage.
• Dependent Care FSA.
• Medical FSA.
• Commuter FSA.

Hiring Process

We plan to use the following steps for this hiring process. We are aiming to close the search by the end of November, and for the candidate of choice to start by mid-December. Candidates who apply by September 26th will receive priority consideration. 

1. Application Review: Our team will review submitted applications and make a decision on who to move forward to the next step of the process. 
2. Phone Screen: Phone 1:1 conversation with our recruiter. 
3. Hiring Manager Interview: Virtual 1:1 conversation with the Hiring Manager. 
4. Hiring Exercise: A roughly 3-hour hiring exercise. Candidates who submit an exercise will be compensated for their time. 
5. Final Interview: In-person panel interview at our office. 
6. Reference Checks: We’ll ask for references from the top candidate(s) to help us confirm and/or make a final decision. 

Please note that due to the anticipated number of applicants, you may experience a delay in communication. 

ARI is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, national origin, marital status, religion, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, personal appearance, family responsibilities, political affiliation, or enrollment in a college, university, technical school, or adult education. We encourage women, people of color, and individuals from other marginalized backgrounds to apply.