Program Manager, Technology Reform

Position description

In the critical lead-up to the 2024 elections, Issue One is leading the charge to safeguard elections and election workers and clean up the toxic information ecosystem by holding social media platforms accountable for the harms they cause. We are strategically positioned to ensure a smooth transfer of power in 2025 and to champion comprehensive reforms to create an inclusive democracy for everyone.

As a nonpartisan advocacy powerhouse, Issue One unites a diverse coalition of Republicans, Democrats, and independents to push back on the attacks on our democracy and advance a bold policy agenda to protect our elections and reform social media and the AI that’s at the root of its power Our ReFormers Caucus — comprising over 200 former Congress members, governors, and Cabinet secretaries — cultivates invaluable connections with current policymakers, adding significant weight to our legislative and communication endeavors. Supported by robust research, a dynamic communications team, and a vigorous development program, we’re uniquely equipped with the resources and insight needed for transformative federal reform.

We have had an outsized impact in Washington, DC.  We were instrumental in securing $825 million in federal funding for states to enhance cybersecurity and manage the challenging 2020 elections during the pandemic. In 2020, we ran a $15 million “Count Every Vote” campaign to defend the integrity of our elections. In 2021, our advocacy – along with key partners – led to the establishing of the House Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack and the passage of the Electoral Count Reform Act in 2022. We have built our Faces of Democracy campaign to lift up America’s election workers and advocate for increased federal funding for our elections and protections for election officials and poll workers. 

Because we recognize that election protection sits at the intersection between trust in elections and social media-driven election propaganda – including the use of AI to disrupt our elections – Issue One launched the Council for Responsible Social Media (CRSM) in 2022 to unite stakeholders in the fight for social media reform to create a healthier democracy for our digital age. The CRSM is the most prominent group of its kind that has ever come together to speak with one voice to hold tech companies accountable and improve our digital information environment. Beyond its primary focus, the CRSM has been a key player in advocating for the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA). This bill provides families the tools and safeguards to protect children from online threats. By pushing for stronger privacy policies and more transparent practices on social media platforms, CRSM aims to shield our communities from disinformation, ensuring a safer and more trustworthy digital space for all.

Position Overview:

This is an exciting opportunity to be at the cutting edge of technology and democracy reform in Washington, D.C., and beyond. The Program Manager, Technology Reform will be instrumental in leading Issue One and the Council for Responsible Social Media’s advocacy and policy efforts on artificial intelligence and national security. This position will require experience and/or subject matter expertise on technology reform, particularly on issues related to generative AI, national security, and the impact of social media on democracy.

The ideal candidate has previously worked on technology policy and has some expertise on foreign policy/national security issues and/or generative AI. Prior advocacy, legislative, campaign, or policy experience is required. Technical expertise, such as computer programming or related skills, is a plus but not required. 

Key Responsibilities: 

National Security Policy and Advocacy Development (40%)

• In concert with the Council Director, Legislative,  Communications, and research teams, develop and drive tech reform advocacy efforts on national security issues. This could include engagement with the U.S. government agencies, members of Congress and Congressional staff, civil society leaders, and leading experts. 
• This leader will help develop clear policy objectives and plan and drive our advocacy efforts as they relate to national security, technology, and democracy.
• Regularly monitor the broader national security ecosystem and develop a proposed series of recommendations about how the Council for Responsible Social Media could most effectively engage in the national security space–including possible policy proposals, advocacy goals, and public-facing activities. 
• Provide regular written reports highlighting other key actors, the core focus of Congressional leadership and the Administration, opportunities for the Council, and recommendations for our work going forward. 
• Will also offer regular briefings to the core Council leadership and possibly other stakeholders.
• Draft talking points, letters, research products, and other advocacy-related documents for the Council’s work on national security. 
• Closely monitor developments in Congress, the Administration, the international regulatory environment, and technological advancement related to AI. 
• Keep the CRSM team and IO’s program and development staff apprised of important developments on an ongoing basis.

Artificial Intelligence Policy and Advocacy Development (40%)

• In concert with the Council Director, Legislative, Communications, and Research teams, develop and drive tech reform advocacy efforts on AI. Collaborate closely with Issue One’s Legislative team to coordinate AI engagement on Capitol Hill with the Administration, organizational partners, and civil society leaders and experts.
• Serve as subject matter expert with Congressional staff, members of Congress, and Administration officials in D.C., drafting written materials and talking points.
• Lead outreach to key stakeholders and develop and maintain key relationships.
• Regularly monitor the broader AI ecosystem and develop a proposed series of recommendations about how the Council for Responsible Social Media could most effectively engage in the AI space–including possible policy proposals, advocacy goals, and public-facing activities. 
• Provide regular written reports highlighting other key actors, the core focus of Congressional leadership and the Administration, opportunities for the Council, and recommendations for our work going forward. 
• Will also offer regular briefings to the core Council leadership and possibly other stakeholders.
• Continually find ways to link the development of advanced AI technologies to national security, our core work on social media reform, and IO’s broader efforts to protect our elections
• Draft talking points, letters, research products, and other advocacy-related documents for the Council’s work on artificial intelligence. 
• Keep the CRSM team apprised of important developments on an ongoing basis.

Event Planning and Other Activities (10%)

• Responsible for managing core events or activities related to AI and national security for the CRSM, keeping the team apprised of deadlines, helping us stay on track, and executing all related details and materials for said activities.
• May also be asked to provide expert services relating to other CRSM initiatives, including, but not limited to, CRSM’s transparency, privacy, kids, and other work. 
• Support other IO work as needed/at key inflection points.

• Five-plus years of relevant experience required in one or more of the following areas: technology policy, national security, and/or artificial intelligence.
• A bachelor of arts (BA) or advanced degree preferred.
• Prior advocacy, legislative, campaign, or relevant policy experience is required.
• Technical expertise, such as computer programming or related skills, is a plus but not required. 
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to foster new organizational relationships.
• Proven experience with major organizational event planning.
• Excellent computer skills and ability to learn new programs quickly.
• Outstanding attention to detail.
• Experience working with partners and other advocacy groups.
• Excellent writing, editing, and communication skills, including presenting complex ideas and information orally to diverse audiences.
• Proven management skills, including personnel and project management.
• Excellent organizational and planning skills.
• Self-motivated with a positive and professional approach to management.

Work Coordination and Supervision 

• The Manager reports directly to the CRSM Director. In a high-level position, the Manager is expected to be independent and self-manage. 
• The Manager must have structured, weekly check-in meetings with their supervisor, ensuring consistent communication and alignment on work progress.
• Responsible for independently identifying and advancing key priorities, showing initiative, and decision-making capabilities in their role.
• Initially, the position does not involve managing direct reports; however, there is potential for this aspect of the role to develop over time. As the position evolves, it may include supervising 1-2 direct reports. Additionally, the role could expand to encompass dotted-line management responsibilities for non-leadership staff members or consultants, thereby broadening the scope and impact of the position.

Location

Our preference is for the candidate to be based in the Washington D.C. area; however, we are open to considering remote candidates, with the understanding that the role will include traveling to D.C. up to once per month. 

If based in the DMV area, we require all local staff to be in the office every Tuesday and Wednesday. This hybrid approach facilitates close collaboration and engagement with our team and relevant stakeholders. 

Benefits

Issue One has developed a comprehensive benefits package that invests in our staff to improve their health and promote a solid work-life balance. 

• All full-time employees are eligible for a platinum health plan with 100% of the premium paid by Issue One. In addition, the organization covers 75% of the premium for all spouses and dependents of IO staff. 
• Staff receives over 50 paid days off annually, including holidays, vacation, personal time, and office-wide closures. 
• Issue One provides reimbursements and stipends for internet and commuting and promotes a hybrid work environment that allows for working from home but establishes regular in-person office opportunities twice a week.
• Issue One offers wellness reimbursements and student loan assistance. In addition, all staff are encouraged to participate in professional development throughout the year, and the organization hosts several opportunities for fun and fellowship. 

Additional Job-Related Abilities

The successful candidate will also possess the following characteristics:

Team Player – Works well with others in a congenial, collaborative environment involving shared responsibility and credit. Is comfortable with leading and following, as well as working in tandem with peer colleagues on joint projects.

Superior Influencing Skill – Draws upon an active network of contacts and relationships to gain access and influence with key stakeholders. Is a “known entity,” enjoys a reputation for working well with a wide variety of people, and is well received on both sides of the political aisle. Works on and through coalitions to achieve objectives. 

Leadership – Demonstrates “situational diplomacy” and an appreciation for the personal and agency-level differences involved in executing an effective lobbying strategy. Able to lead teams through effective communications, clear direction, and steadfast follow-through. Hands-on and self-sufficient. 

Self-Directed – Able to spearhead initiatives, translate plans into specific actions across a team, and execute with urgency. Creates a level of trust with partners around sound judgments in an environment of shifting initiatives, priorities, and public opinion.      

Impeccable Integrity – Embodies and practices world-class ethical standards. Creates an environment of trust by acting with fairness and consistency, keeping commitments, and providing a rationale for decisions. 

Ego Maturity – A highly motivated, seasoned, and self-assured quality leader, with high confidence in her or his superior professional skills and ability to drive decisions. 

Intelligence – A person with strong intellectual capabilities who can synthesize complex data, legal concepts, and government/regulatory issues for the organization’s Hill education and policy efforts. High level of academic and professional achievement, demonstrated through credentials and recognition of key institutions.

Flexible Work Style – Comfort working within a public policy environment in general and within an organization proud of its reputation for collegiality, diversity, and creativity in delivering excellent policy and partnership outcomes.

Physical Demands 

• Most work is done in an office-like environment, completing projects at a desk for extended periods and working with a computer. 
• The employee may sometimes have to lift, push, and/or carry items above ten (10) pounds. 
• The Manager may need to move and/or stand for extended periods, especially when on Capitol Hill or leading a programmatic event. 
• Reasonable accommodation can be made to enable people with disabilities to perform the described essential functions of the job.

Application instructions

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