Policy Analyst / Director

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Policy Advisor/Senior Policy Advisor — Encode AI

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Basic Information

Title: Policy Advisor/Senior Policy Advisor

Location: Washington, D.C. (in-person required)
Type: Full-time

Salary: Compensation starting at $110,000 for Policy Advisor, potentially higher depending on experience and qualifications

We are open to both early career and experienced candidates.

Referrals welcome! We offer a $5,000 bonus for successful referrals who are hired and complete their first 90 days.

About Encode AI

Encode AI advocates for responsible AI development that serves the public interest. We've helped shape major AI policy wins across the federal and state level, including California's SB 1047, New York's RAISE Act, the federal TAKE IT DOWN Act, and America's first nuclear weapons AI safeguards. We also hold the industry accountable through strategic challenges, including our amicus brief and coalition letter, which contributed to OpenAI maintaining its nonprofit status.

Our specialty is converting smart policy ideas into action and getting them across the finish line through coalition building, political strategy, and hands-on advocacy.

AI policy is high-stakes work with tight deadlines. We're looking for someone who's genuinely motivated by the mission and ready to work hard to make good policy happen.

Role Overview

In this role, you'll be a versatile team member who drives full-stack policy development throughout all areas of our organization. Responsibilities include:

Legislative Work:

• Draft and refine bill text, amendments, and legislative language
• Prepare one-pagers, talking points, and policy briefs for lawmakers
• Research policy precedents and analyze legislative feasibility

Coalition Building & Advocacy:

• Write coalition letters and coordinate with partner organizations
• Build relationships with stakeholders across government, industry, and civil society
• Support lobbying efforts and committee strategy

Communications & Research:

• Draft memos, explanations, and research documents
• Respond to rapid-turnaround requests (op-eds, press materials, crisis response)
• Conduct policy research and analysis

Project Support:

• Help manage multiple concurrent projects with shifting priorities
• Support emergency responses and time-sensitive opportunities
• Contribute to strategic planning and decision-making

What We're Looking For

Essential Qualities:

• High agency and resourcefulness - you proactively identify ways to help and solve problems without being asked
• Intellectual agility - you can quickly switch between different projects and policy domains
• Strong written communication - you can draft clear, persuasive policy documents under pressure
• Collaborative mindset - you thrive in a team environment with frequent communication and feedback

Experience & Skills:

• Background in policy, law, political science, computer science, or a related field
• Familiarity with AI policy issues preferred but not required
• Ability to work with concrete, written proposals and think through implementation details

Work Style Fit:

• Comfortable with a fast-paced, demanding environment (40+ hours/week is standard)
• Able to handle emergency requests and weekend work when needed
• Thrives on direct, frequent feedback and open communication

What We Offer

• Opportunity to work on some of the most important policy challenges of our time
• Direct impact on legislation affecting AI development and safety
• Collaborative, high-energy team environment
• Professional development in cutting-edge policy areas
• Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits

Application Process

First stage: Submit an application here, including:

1. Resume or CV highlighting relevant experience
2. Two writing samples (policy memo, research paper, or similar analytical writing)
3. Brief response to this prompt:

1. Choose an AI policy challenge that matters to you and walk us through: (1) why it's important but under addressed, (2) what a realistic policy solution would look like, and (3) the biggest obstacle to getting it implemented - and how you'd overcome that obstacle.

Second stage: Initial interview (30 minutes)

Third stage: Paid work test(s) (2–6 hours)

• Please note: candidates must have the legal right to work in the location where the task is performed

Fourth stage: Second interview (1 hour) and reference checks

• Includes one-on-one conversations with multiple team members, subject to scheduling. The interview format may vary based on the candidate

Fifth stage: 2-5 day work trial

We welcome applicants with diverse backgrounds and experiences for this position. Please consider applying even if you don't fulfill all the requirements listed above.

Note on Legal Restrictions: Some responsibilities may involve activities such as administrating or supporting political action committees (PACs). Federal law prohibits non-U.S. permanent residents from administering PACs. Please be aware that permanent residence may be required for select tasks.