Policy Analyst: AI and Emerging Technology

Overview

AI and emerging technologies present enormous promise for how the federal government operates and provides the American public critical services. AI also presents evolving and complex risks and challenges, from cybersecurity threats to privacy and civil rights impacts. The release of Executive Order (EO) 14110: Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy Development and Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in October 2023 has propelled federal investments in AI policy, safeguards, research, and workforce development. Steampunk is supporting its federal partners to champion responsible AI, develop AI policy, mitigate AI cybersecurity risks, and bridge policy into AI governance best practices. We work at the forefront of AI, emerging technology, policy, and cybersecurity to support federal partners to use AI responsibly, securely, and effectively.

About the Role

We are looking for a mature, thoughtful Policy Analyst to contribute to and develop policy, standards, and standard operating procedures that ensure federal clients can implement safe, secure, equitable, and privacy-enhancing AI. The Policy Analyst will work a alongside data scientists, responsible AI experts, and cybersecurity leaders to navigate AI’s complex risks and opportunities and develop leading-edge solutions. Reporting to the AI Policy Subject Matter Expert/AI Policy Program Lead, the Policy Analyst will play a key role in translating responsible AI principles into practice and building the foundations of AI governance from the ground up. The Policy Analyst will bring excellent communication, problem solving, and analytical skills, and a passion for developing practical solutions to technology’s most complex challenges.

Key Responsibilities

• Analyze federal AI regulations, and other policies and frameworks and their implications on Agency operations.
• Draft AI policy and guidance documents, including guidelines, toolkits, official memos, and standard operating procedures.
• Develop AI governance frameworks and tools, including standards, standard operating procedures, risk assessment tools, and guidance.
• Develop and drive the implementation of AI policy and governance training and awareness campaigns to ensure workforces are equipped to use AI responsibly, securely, and effectively.
• Under the direction of AI Policy Program Lead, draft responses to federal AI & emerging technology information requests and taskers.
• Monitor global and US AI policy and AI governance.
• Monitor global cybsersecurity trends and risks, particularly as it relates to AI.
• Assess AI-related risks and gaps in existing policies and processes across the areas of technology procurement, software and algorithmic development, cybersecurity risk management, etc.
• Synthesize and present analyses and strategic insights to executive leaders and technology/policy decision-makers.
• Monitor and assess emerging AI technology trends, cybersecurity threats, regulations, and governance practices and provide strategic insights and recommendations.
• Support the coordination of stakeholder engagement activities, such as workshops, public consultations, and interagency meetings, to solicit feedback and input on proposed AI policies and initiatives.
• Support AI-related Agency reporting and data calls.
• Contribute to Steampunk thought leadership on responsible AI best practices; contribute to white papers and knowledge products; represent Steampunk in industry forums.

•  US Citizen Only
• Ability to hold a position of public trust with the US government.
• Master's Degree and 3 years of relevent experience in policy analysis, government relations, or related fields, with a focus on data policy, technology policy, cybersecurity, AI ethics, compliance, etc.; OR
  • Bachelor's Degree and 5 years of relevent experience; OR
  • No degree and 9 years of relevent experience
• Possesses at least one professional certification relevant to the technical service provided. Maintain a certification relevant to the product being deployed and/or maintained.
• Solid understanding of AI-related risks, threats, and implications across cybersecurity, privacy, civil and human rights, etc.
• Strong understanding of AI technologies and ability to explain AI (methods, categories, etc.) to non-technical audiences.
• Ability to translate technical concepts verbally and in writing to a variety of technical and non-technical audiences.
• Experience implementing data policy programs and policy operations at the organizational level. Federal experience a plus.
• Understanding of data governance best practices and experience developing practical data governance tools, standards, and controls.
• Experience working cross-functionally to develop and negotiate policy solutions.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders with differing perspectives. Strong active listening skills.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to critically evaluate complex policy documents, legislative proposals, and regulatory frameworks.
• Experience conducting data and technology risk assessments.
• Awareness of cybersecurity risk management best practices and understanding of cybersecurity risks and threats.
• Must be local to the DMV area 
• Bonus Points: Hands on experience in data science, software development, or cybersecurity.

Steampunk is a Change Agent in the Federal contracting industry, bringing new thinking to clients in the Homeland, Federal Civilian, Health and DoD sectors.  Through our Human-Centered delivery methodology, we are fundamentally changing the expectations our Federal clients have for true shared accountability in solving their toughest mission challenges.  As an employee owned company, we focus on investing in our employees to enable them to do the greatest work of their careers – and rewarding them for outstanding contributions to our growth. If you want to learn more about our story, visit http://www.steampunk.com.

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Steampunk participates in the E-Verify program.