# AI Policy Lead

**Company:** [Cognition](https://hotfix.jobs/companies/cognition)
**Location:** Washington, DC
**Role:** Other
**Experience:** 5+ years
**Skills:** Ai Policy, Government Affairs, National Security, Technology Policy, Regulatory Frameworks, Stakeholder Engagement, Policy Development, Briefing Materials, Public-Private Partnerships, Congressional Engagement, Emerging Technologies
**Posted:** 2026-06-30

> Lead AI policy strategy for an applied AI lab building autonomous software agents. Shape engagement with policymakers and regulators, develop positions on AI, national security and competitiveness, and translate technical capabilities into policy narratives. Requires 5-10 years in policy/government affairs with strong technical communication skills.

## Job Description

## Core Responsibilities
- Monitor and analyze emerging AI policy, regulatory, and legislative developments across the United States and key international markets.
- Develop policy positions, briefing materials, white papers, and executive-level recommendations on issues related to artificial intelligence, national security, technology competitiveness, workforce transformation, and digital infrastructure.
- Build and maintain relationships with policymakers, government agencies, think tanks, industry associations, and academic institutions.
- Support executive engagement with Congress, the Executive Branch, regulators, and international government stakeholders.
- Represent Cognition in policy discussions, industry working groups, conferences, and strategic forums.
- Partner with technical teams to translate complex AI capabilities into clear, actionable policy narratives.
- Identify opportunities for public-private partnerships that accelerate AI adoption across government and critical industries.
- Help anticipate policy risks and opportunities that could impact company strategy, product development, or market expansion.

## What We Value
- Intellectual curiosity and a genuine interest in understanding frontier AI systems.
- Strong judgment and the ability to navigate complex policy environments.
- Clear communication across technical, business, and government audiences.
- Relationship-building and long-term trust with stakeholders.
- Pragmatism and a focus on outcomes rather than ideology.
- Ownership mentality and willingness to operate independently.
- Ability to balance innovation, competitiveness, and responsible governance.

## Requirements
- 5–10 years of experience in public policy, government affairs, national security, technology policy, congressional offices, federal agencies, think tanks, consulting, or related fields.
- Strong understanding of U.S. government institutions, policymaking processes, and regulatory frameworks.
- Demonstrated ability to influence senior stakeholders and navigate complex organizations.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
- Experience developing policy recommendations, briefing materials, or strategic analyses for senior decision-makers.
- Ability to quickly understand technical concepts and communicate them effectively to non-technical audiences.
- Interest in artificial intelligence, emerging technologies, and their implications for government and society.

## Nice-to-Haves
- Have worked in Congress, the White House, federal agencies, national security organizations, or leading policy institutions.
- Are familiar with federal budgeting cycles.
- Have experience with AI, cybersecurity, defense technology, cloud infrastructure, or emerging technology policy.
- Have advised senior government officials, executives, or technology leaders.
- Understand both the public and private sector perspectives on innovation and regulation.
- Are passionate about ensuring the United States remains the global leader in AI development and deployment.

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