About the Kapor Center

The Kapor Center is a family of three distinct organizations working under a shared mission to increase access to Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) education, tech careers, and tech entrepreneurship for underrepresented people of color.

• Kapor Foundation: A 501c(3) private operating foundation. 

• Kapor Capital: A seed-stage venture capital fund.

• SMASH: A 501c(3) public charity which operates STEM education programs.

The Kapor Center aims to enhance diversity, equity, and inclusion in the technology and entrepreneurship ecosystem through increasing access to tech and STEM education programs, conducting research on access and opportunity in computing, investing in community organizations and gap-closing social ventures, building diverse and inclusive companies, and increasing access to capital among diverse entrepreneurs. 

The three organizations are supported by a robust operations team - employed by a separate entity,  Kapor Enterprises, Inc. (KEI) -  which provides finance, accounting, people operations, IT, events, legal, special initiatives, and other operational support. 

We at the Kapor Center believe that when technology includes diverse perspectives and is harnessed to address societal challenges, we can collectively transform future opportunities for Black, Indigenous, Latinx, and communities of color. 

Position Overview

The Kapor Center is seeking to add a Tech Policy Fellow/Manager to serve as an expert primarily on artificial intelligence, machine learning, algorithmic bias, data privacy, and on other key tech sector issues as needed. 

They will ensure that the Kapor Center has a consistent public voice on relevant issues and is contributing to advancing equitable tech policy by adding to the public record and co-leading efforts with partners and officials who seek to enact impactful policies and would benefit from added subject matter expertise to do so confidently. We currently work at all levels of government including efforts with the White House, Congress, and state government leaders.

This position is remote (open to anywhere, preference for CA, NY & TX) with periodic travel.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

At the direction of the Director of Tech Policy and in alignment with the overall Kapor Center policy strategy: 

• Lead efforts to enact equitable tech policy primarily related to: artificial intelligence, machine learning, algorithmic bias, and data privacy, but which also include other key tech sector issues as needed 

• Consistently draft and submit written testimony, public comments, and letters of support or opposition, on policies of interest

• Testify at hearings

• Develop reports, briefs and summary materials and conduct education briefings with policymakers and their staff, as well as internal Kapor Center staff

• Research and analyze policy documents, and draft policy recommendations

• Facilitate conversations with key stakeholders to vet and refine recommendations

• Identify, build, and maintain external partnerships

• Provide expert input as the Kapor Center representative in important policy and partner-related meetings and convenings 

• Review incoming coalition letters and other partnership opportunities for potential Kapor Center collaboration

• Monitor and report on relevant tech policy developments. Develop policy tracking approach to keep senior leadership updated regularly 

• Be responsive to requests for support from policymakers and partners if they’re actively working on advancing policy

• Work with Director of Tech Policy to develop and execute strategies to get policies enacted

• Provide additional support to Director of Tech Policy and Kapor organizations as needed

Qualifications & Skills

• Subject matter expertise in least one of the following areas: artificial intelligence, machine learning, algorithmic bias, or data privacy 

• A deep and demonstrated commitment to advancing racial and social justice through policy change

• At least 7 years of relevant work experience with tech companies, non-governmental organizations, think-tanks, advocacy groups, and/or government

• An understanding of the policy development and advocacy process. Experience helping to get laws or policies enacted is preferred but not required

• Familiarity with the technology sector, the startup ecosystem, and tech policy issues

• Strong written communication skills. Expertise reading research and policy documents and analyzing complex information. Ability to hit the ground running and immediately begin drafting high-quality written testimony, public comments, and memos on relevant topics

• Strong verbal communication and persuasion skills and ability to share complex information, distill key facts, and leave individuals with a clear understanding of important issues and options to make improvements. Be able to credibly discuss nuances with top-experts, and alternatively, simplify topics succinctly for policymakers with minimal knowledge

• Comfort with meeting facilitation and public speaking

• Track record of building partnerships and successful collaboration with a range of internal and external constituencies

• Strong interpersonal skills with a demonstrated ability to work in a collegial and collaborative environment

• Self-motivated and entrepreneurial mindset. Strong internal motivation to quickly identify opportunities, outline a way forward, execute strategies, adapt to external factors, and keep senior leadership informed of successes and challenges

• Ability to respond quickly to new opportunities and to a changing external environment is critical

• Willingness to jump in and help colleagues across organizations execute on our shared mission, values, and goals

Minimum Qualifications:

• BA/BS + Advanced Degree (Masters, PhD, etc.)

• Ability to travel periodically - Short trips. Likely to DC and CA to meet with policy makers or participate in hearings/meetings, but might include other states as well (e.g., MI, GA, etc.).