Technology and Elections Fellow

States United Democracy Center, a nonpartisan organization focused on the critical role states play in election protection, is seeking a Technology and Elections Fellow to be housed in our Research and Analytics team.

The Research and Analytics team produces original and actionable research that furthers the mission of the organization : to promote free, fair, and secure elections in the U.

S. The Technology and Elections Fellow will report to the Senior Vice President of Research and Analytics.

About the Organization :

The States United Democracy Center is a new and growing nonpartisan organization advancing free, fair, and secure elections.

We focus on connecting pro-democracy state and local officials, law enforcement leaders, and other partners across the U.

S. with the tools and expertise they need to safeguard our democracy. During the 2020 election, then as the Voter Protection Program, we quickly became a go-to resource for state leaders, the press, and partner organizations.

By bringing together current and former governors, secretaries of state, attorneys general, and law enforcement leaders for the first time, we helped build a nonpartisan firewall against those trying to undermine democracy.

Now as States United, we support these partners in protecting the integrity of elections, holding those who seek to undermine democracy accountable, and preventing acts of political violence.

Technology and Elections Fellow

About the Fellowship :

Embark on an unparalleled opportunity to lead groundbreaking initiatives at the forefront of technologies that both threaten and support free and fair elections, including AI and voting system technologies.

Our one-year fellowship offers seasoned professionals the chance to make a significant impact through advanced research, strategic leadership, and innovative solutions in the realm of elections and artificial intelligence.

The fellowship is for one year (with the possibility of renewal).

Fellowship Overview :

As a fellow, you will spearhead high-impact projects, provide strategic direction, and give guidance on navigating elections in the era of AI and misinformation.

Collaborating closely with our interdisciplinary team, you will drive forward our mission to safeguard democracy against emerging threats and ensure the responsible use of AI in electoral processes.

Key Responsibilities :

• Develop and deliver educational materials, workshops, and training sessions on AI and voting system fundamentals tailored to the needs of election officials and non-technical audiences.
• Translate technical concepts and terminology, including AI concepts, into accessible language, using real-world examples and analogies to enhance understanding and engagement.
• Collaborate with election officials and stakeholders to identify areas where AI can support electoral processes, addressing concerns and dispelling myths about AI technology.
• Serve as a trusted advisor and resource for election administrators, providing guidance on best practices, ethical considerations, and risk mitigation strategies related to the adoption of technologies, including AI adoption, in elections.
• Serve as trusted advisor internally across teams that engage in AI and elections work.
• Stay informed about emerging trends, research, and policy developments in technology in elections and communicate key insights and implications to relevant stakeholders.
• Foster a culture of knowledge-sharing and collaboration within the organization and with external partners working in AI and elections.

Minimum Qualifications :

• Master's degree in computer science, Artificial Intelligence, a related field, or comparable experience.
• 5 years of practical experience in AI technology, encompassing both theoretical knowledge and hands-on application, with proven track record.
• Experience or familiarity with voting system technologies.
• Demonstrated experience in effectively communicating complex AI concepts to diverse audiences with varying levels of technical proficiency.
• Proficiency in navigating the challenges posed by deepfake technology within the context of elections, including a comprehensive understanding of detection and mitigation strategies.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with election officials, stakeholders, and multidisciplinary teams.
• A commitment to upholding the principles of democracy, electoral integrity, and ethical AI usage.

Preferred Qualifications :

• Experience working with social media platforms and understanding of content moderation policies is desirable.
• Experience working with government officials or legal teams a plus.

We encourage individuals to submit their application for consideration even if they believe they do not have all of the preferred qualifications.

Compensation and Benefits :

Salary for this position will be $100,000 +, commensurate to experience.

Benefits include 100% employer paid health, vision, and dental plans; matching retirement benefits; generous paid time off.

Our offices are located in Boston, MA, New York, NY, and Washington, DC. This position can also be remote.

States United Democracy Center is 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, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, and veterans are strongly encouraged to apply.