Director of Policy and Society

at  Stanford University

SCHOOL/UNIT DESCRIPTION:

The Stanford Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence (HAI) is a rapidly growing institute within the Dean of Research. As an independent research institute, HAI’s mission is to advance AI research, education, policy, and practice to improve the human condition. What’s unique about HAI is that it balances diverse expertise and integration of AI across human-centered systems and applications in a setting that could only be offered by Stanford University. In realizing our mission, our staff are critical to supporting our organization’s goals and enabling Stanford faculty and students to accomplish its mission conducting cutting-edge research with the objective of formulating innovative solutions to global challenges. Together we’re helping to build the future of AI.
The HAI Policy and Society team plays a leading role not only in producing critical scholarship on AI governance and appropriate uses, but by also serving as a convener of national and global AI discussions. We engage with AI leaders across all sectors to address the urgent questions at the intersection of technology, policy, and society, positioning itself to be a natural hub for policy and societal impact in human-centered AI.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Director of Policy and Society reports to the Deputy Director of HAI and is responsible for leading HAI’s engagement with governments and civil society organizations, developing mutually beneficial relationships that advance the mission, purpose, and agenda of HAI. This role requires strategic leadership, effective management, and hands-on work to conceptualize, launch, and manage a strategic program that promotes effective cooperation and engagement to advance a human-centered approach to AI governance, regulatory, and policy issues worldwide.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor’s degree and ten years of relevant experience, or combination of education and relevant experience.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Demonstrated ability to prioritize own work and multi-task.
• Demonstrated excellent organizational skills.
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative and ownership of projects.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to routinely and independently exercise sound judgment in making decisions.
• Demonstrated experience working independently and as part of a team.
• Relevant subject matter knowledge.
• Ability to direct the work of others, for jobs requiring supervision.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS*:

• Constantly perform desk-based computer tasks.
• Frequently stand/walk, sitting, grasp lightly/fine manipulation.
• Occasionally use a telephone.
• Rarely lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh 11-20 pounds.
• *Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of the job.

• Lead strategic planning and analysis for complex university programs or functions with significant business, regulatory and/or technical challenges requiring subject matter expertise. Manage and direct the development, implementation, administration and evaluation of programs or functions. Monitor trends and recommend programs or functions direction.
• Act as the subject matter expert for School/unit and/or the university regarding the interpretation, implementation and compliance with policies and regulations. Recommend actions and/or resolve complex issues that span organizational boundaries.
• Represent the program or function at the university level and/or to external/internal stakeholders and constituencies.
• Direct and manage outreach strategy that may include relationship development, communications, and compliance.
• Oversee or supervise staff in the development and implementation of programs or functions.
• May develop and/or oversee budgets; manage finances including monitoring, analyzing, forecasting, and reporting