Candidate Profile

FAS seeks an inaugural Director of Emerging Technologies and Competitiveness to lead a policy portfolio focused at the nexus of emerging technologies, R&D, commercialization and  American competitiveness. This new leadership role will integrate and support a suite of projects across FAS into a coherent, strategic whole while also being tenacious about seizing new opportunities as they arise.

The ideal candidate is already a well-regarded leader among the science, technology and innovation ecosystem with an established track record of successfully shaping and driving science and technology policy. In this role, The Director of Emerging Technologies and Competitiveness will leverage their own expertise and openly collaborate with other subject matter experts in and outside of FAS to advance key priorities that are ripe for action across the legislative and executive branches of government. The ideal candidate will show acumen in using communications, convening and policy entrepreneurship to drive a clear policy agenda.

 About FAS

At the Federation of American Scientists, we believe in embracing a growth oriented and entrepreneurial mindset to drive impact for our colleagues, our customers and the world.  We envision a world where cutting-edge science, technology, ideas and talent are deployed to solve the biggest challenges of our time. We embed science, technology, innovation, and experience into government and public discourse in order to build a healthy, safe, prosperous and equitable society.

What you’ll do

• Lead, sustain, and strengthen a diverse team of subject matter experts and fellows in artificial intelligence policy, advanced industrial policy, R&D spending, metascience, the bioeconomy, and innovation policy

• Develop and implement a clear strategy for FAS's engagement in key science and technology policy areas, leveraging the organization's established impact models and theory of change

• Serve as a thought leader and change agent, working collaboratively across philanthropy, federal agencies, Congress, and the White House to drive towards impact that improves how we fund, implement, deliver and evaluate science and technology driven innovation  

• Partner with FAS communications team to develop a strategic communications plan

• Raise funding to grow and sustain a $4-5M portfolio

What you’ll need

• 15+ years experience in building and leading teams focused on strengthening and advancing the science enterprise and American competitiveness

• Demonstrated ability to work a cross a broad range of critical topics being able to architect and implement a high level strategy while also going deep into specifics when necessary

• Expertise in a core component of science, technology, innovation or industrial policy.

• Collaborative spirit and a commitment to working synergistically across FAS portfolios and subject areas 

• Experience in working with the federal government to develop and implement science, technology and innovation policy and programs

• Demonstrated ability to raise funding for science, technology and innovation initiatives

• Comfort in protecting the non-partisan, pro-science stance of FAS

• An advanced degree in science related field preferred

• Experience in Artificial Intelligence and regulatory policy a plus

Work Environment 

This position will be a hybrid role based in Washington DC, meaning that both remote and in-person work can be accommodated, generally two to three days per week on-site, and two to three days per week remote.

Salary Range

• $150,000 - $200,000

Hiring Statement

Don’t check off every box? Apply anyway! Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every listed qualification. At FAS we are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace, and developing new voices. If you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly, we encourage you to apply anyway – you might just be the right candidate.

The Federation of American Scientists is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. The Federation of American Scientists  prohibits discriminating against employees and job applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose the compensation of the employee or applicant or another employee or applicant.  Employment is contingent on successful verification of eligibility to work in the United States.