Director - Wadhwani AI Center
WASHINGTON, DCPosted 30+ days ago
Job summary
Job post source
This job is directly from Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS)
Job overview
The Director of the Wadhwani AI Center at CSIS leads AI policy research and strategy, influencing domestic and international AI policy to enhance economic and national security.
Responsibilities and impact
The Director manages AI policy research projects, leads the Wadhwani Center team, engages with government, industry, and academia, organizes events, and secures funding to support the Center's mission.
Compensation and benefits
The role offers a salary range of $250,000 to $295,000 with bonus potential based on performance.
Experience and skills
Candidates need 15+ years of AI policy expertise, technical AI knowledge, strong writing and research management skills, industry and government or academic experience, and a global network for research and fundraising.
Career development
The position offers leadership opportunities within the EST Department and the chance to build and mentor a world-class research team, with involvement in strategic projects and fundraising.
Work environment and culture
CSIS promotes professionalism, transparency, ethics, and accountability in a collaborative, service-oriented environment focused on global security and policy impact.
Company information
CSIS is a non-profit, bipartisan public policy organization founded in 1962, with 275 employees and a focus on global security and economic technology policy.
Team overview
The Director leads the Wadhwani AI Center team and collaborates closely with other EST program directors and CSIS leadership.
Job location and travel
The job is based in an office environment with moderate noise levels and reasonable accommodations for disabilities.
Application process
Applicants must submit a combined cover letter and resume PDF and an AI-related writing sample via the CSIS careers website; additional materials are requested later if needed.
Unique job features
The role uniquely combines AI policy leadership with direct influence on U.S. and international AI governance, involving high-level government engagement and strategic fundraising.
Company overview
The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) is a prominent think tank based in Washington, D.C., focusing on policy studies and strategic analysis of political, economic, and security issues worldwide. They generate revenue through donations, grants, and contracts from governments, private sector entities, and philanthropic organizations. Founded in 1962, CSIS has a rich history of providing non-partisan insights and fostering dialogue among policymakers, scholars, and industry leaders to address global challenges.
How to land this job
Position your resume to emphasize your 15+ years of AI policy expertise, leadership in managing research teams, and your ability to influence policy through strategic vision and impactful analysis at the intersection of AI, economic security, and national security.
Highlight your experience in building collaborative networks across industry, government, and academia, showcasing your fundraising skills and ability to manage complex projects and budgets.
Apply through multiple platforms including the official CSIS careers site and LinkedIn to maximize your application visibility and ensure you meet all submission requirements, including cover letter, resume, and AI-related writing sample.
Connect with current leaders and researchers within the Economic Security and Technology Department at CSIS on LinkedIn; use ice breakers such as referencing recent Wadhwani AI Center publications, expressing interest in their collaborative initiatives, or asking about the department’s strategic priorities in AI policy.
Optimize your resume for ATS by incorporating keywords from the job description such as 'AI policy expertise,' 'strategic vision,' 'fundraising,' 'research management,' 'economic security,' and 'national security' to pass initial screenings effectively.
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