Special Assistant to the CEO
A Washington, DC-based 501(c)(3) technology think tank that conducts research, policy engagement, events, talent programs, and technical-tool work spanning frontier AI, governance, energy and infrastructure, and science and innovation.
Funding history
About The Foundation for American Innovation
The Foundation for American Innovation (FAI) works to connect technologists and policymakers and improve U.S. governance of innovation. It describes outputs including research, commentary, legislative engagement, technical tools, convenings, and talent-development programs. It was established in 2014 as Lincoln Labs/Lincoln Network and refounded as FAI in 2023.
Skills
Candidate Availability
Required and preferred rules are kept separate and reflect the wording in the original posting.
About the Role
You will work directly for the CEO in an apprenticeship-style role, keeping the CEO focused on top priorities while also supporting the EVP. You will manage scheduling, communications and logistics, prepare agendas and briefing materials for meetings with policymakers, donors, board members and partners, and track decisions and action items through to completion. You will support board meetings, retreats, fellowships and events, and handle confidential information with discretion. As you prove yourself, you will take ownership of projects such as donor research and fundraising support, building internal AI-enabled workflows, and leading special projects for leadership.
Requirements
- Enthusiastic support for FAI's mission
- Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills to manage many priorities
- Ability to write clearly and quickly
- Resourcefulness and good judgment to know when to ask
- Ability to take direct criticism and learn from it
- Comfort being the most junior person in the room while acting on behalf of senior leaders
- Strong desire to learn how organizations, fundraising, and policy work
- Ability to frequently navigate multiple flights of stairs without elevator access
- Bonus: experience coordinating events, programs, or operations in a policy, nonprofit, or academic environment
Responsibilities
- Manage the CEO's scheduling, communications, and day-to-day logistics, and help the EVP as needed
- Prepare agendas, briefing materials, and talking points for meetings with policymakers, donors, board members, and partners
- Track decisions and action items across the leadership team and follow through until closed
- Support board meetings, staff retreats, fellowships, and events, including logistics, preparation, and day-of execution
- Handle confidential information with discretion
- Support fundraising through donor research, proposals, and reports
- Build internal systems and AI-enabled workflows that save staff time
- Scope and lead special projects for leadership
Benefits
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) match up to 6%
- $1,000 annual book credit
- Monthly commuter benefit
- Unlimited vacation policy
Hiring Process
Apply via form; finalists complete a short paid work exercise.
