CSIS Middle East Program
Director - Wadhwani AI Center
CSIS Middle East Program, Washington, District of Columbia, us, 20022
Overview
The Wadhwani AI Center at CSIS conducts high-impact research on the policy implications of artificial intelligence. The Director of the Wadhwani AI Center leads the Department’s efforts to shape the domestic and international policy debate on AI and its implications for growth, economic and national security, and resilience. The Director must be able to lead and communicate a strategic vision with differentiating analysis that motivates government action and mobilizes industry. EST seeks a Director of the Wadhwani AI Center to lead the Center’s research, policy engagement, and growth. Since 2023, the Center has been shaping the global conversation on AI policy through expert analysis and as a trusted source of insights for the U.S. government as well as international allies and partners. The role involves collaborating with EST program directors, accelerating the adoption of AI research tools to enhance policy research productivity, and engaging with a broad range of stakeholders including government, industry, and academia. The salary band for this role is $250,000 to $295,000, commensurate with experience. Bonus potential is available based on individual and company performance. Responsibilities
Strategy and Research: Develop a strong vision for the Wadhwani Center aligned with the EST Department; lead the Center’s team to produce differentiating, in-depth analysis and recommendations with demonstrable impact on AI policy; manage multiple research projects and oversee preparation, writing, editing, publication, and amplification of research and analysis; contribute to EST’s strategic research priorities; provide strategic guidance and support to the EST President and CSIS leadership. External Engagement: Expand the Center’s network across industry, government, and academia to facilitate thought partnerships, fundraising, and amplification of the Center’s work; interact with senior leadership from companies, trade associations, policy counterparts, and research institutions; engage with the administration, congressional offices, and foreign government officials; represent CSIS at events and oversee conferences, workshops, and roundtables; provide expert commentary to media outlets. Institution Building and Fundraising: Attract and build a world-class research and operations team; mentor staff; uphold high standards of professionalism, ethics, and accountability; serve as a member of EST leadership and collaborate with other program directors on joint projects; expand fundraising by identifying opportunities and submitting proposals; steward funder relationships and manage the Center’s budget. Knowledge, Education, and Experience: AI policy expertise with 15+ years in the field; MA/MS required, MBA/MPA and/or PhDs encouraged; ability to write and edit research reports and manage a policy-focused research agenda; experience in industry and some time in government or academia; extensive global network of stakeholders; a collaborative, service-oriented leader who has built and managed teams. Qualifications
15+ years of AI policy experience and a technical understanding of AI Graduate degree required (MA/MS); MBA/MPA and/or PhD encouraged Proven ability to write, edit, and manage policy-focused research; experience across industry, government, or academia Extensive global network of stakeholders for research, fundraising, and outreach Strong leadership and team-building capabilities Physical requirements and work conditions
The physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee working in an office environment. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status. Equal Opportunity Employer. How to apply
Please apply by Friday, August 1, 2025. Submit via careers.csis.org: A 1-2 page cover letter and a 1-2 page resume in a single PDF document, titled “[Your name] cover letter and resume”. A writing sample (up to 5 pages) on an AI-related topic, titled “[Your name] writing sample”. Please do not submit additional materials (references, transcripts). These will be requested if needed during the interview process. For more information about the CSIS Wadhwani AI Center, please visit https://www.csis.org/programs/wadhwani-ai-center. To submit an application, click the “Apply” button in our secure recruitment portal. About CSIS
CSIS is a bipartisan, nonprofit organization headquartered in Washington, D.C. The Center’s staff conduct research, develop policy initiatives, and anticipate change. We are an equal opportunity employer.
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The Wadhwani AI Center at CSIS conducts high-impact research on the policy implications of artificial intelligence. The Director of the Wadhwani AI Center leads the Department’s efforts to shape the domestic and international policy debate on AI and its implications for growth, economic and national security, and resilience. The Director must be able to lead and communicate a strategic vision with differentiating analysis that motivates government action and mobilizes industry. EST seeks a Director of the Wadhwani AI Center to lead the Center’s research, policy engagement, and growth. Since 2023, the Center has been shaping the global conversation on AI policy through expert analysis and as a trusted source of insights for the U.S. government as well as international allies and partners. The role involves collaborating with EST program directors, accelerating the adoption of AI research tools to enhance policy research productivity, and engaging with a broad range of stakeholders including government, industry, and academia. The salary band for this role is $250,000 to $295,000, commensurate with experience. Bonus potential is available based on individual and company performance. Responsibilities
Strategy and Research: Develop a strong vision for the Wadhwani Center aligned with the EST Department; lead the Center’s team to produce differentiating, in-depth analysis and recommendations with demonstrable impact on AI policy; manage multiple research projects and oversee preparation, writing, editing, publication, and amplification of research and analysis; contribute to EST’s strategic research priorities; provide strategic guidance and support to the EST President and CSIS leadership. External Engagement: Expand the Center’s network across industry, government, and academia to facilitate thought partnerships, fundraising, and amplification of the Center’s work; interact with senior leadership from companies, trade associations, policy counterparts, and research institutions; engage with the administration, congressional offices, and foreign government officials; represent CSIS at events and oversee conferences, workshops, and roundtables; provide expert commentary to media outlets. Institution Building and Fundraising: Attract and build a world-class research and operations team; mentor staff; uphold high standards of professionalism, ethics, and accountability; serve as a member of EST leadership and collaborate with other program directors on joint projects; expand fundraising by identifying opportunities and submitting proposals; steward funder relationships and manage the Center’s budget. Knowledge, Education, and Experience: AI policy expertise with 15+ years in the field; MA/MS required, MBA/MPA and/or PhDs encouraged; ability to write and edit research reports and manage a policy-focused research agenda; experience in industry and some time in government or academia; extensive global network of stakeholders; a collaborative, service-oriented leader who has built and managed teams. Qualifications
15+ years of AI policy experience and a technical understanding of AI Graduate degree required (MA/MS); MBA/MPA and/or PhD encouraged Proven ability to write, edit, and manage policy-focused research; experience across industry, government, or academia Extensive global network of stakeholders for research, fundraising, and outreach Strong leadership and team-building capabilities Physical requirements and work conditions
The physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee working in an office environment. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status. Equal Opportunity Employer. How to apply
Please apply by Friday, August 1, 2025. Submit via careers.csis.org: A 1-2 page cover letter and a 1-2 page resume in a single PDF document, titled “[Your name] cover letter and resume”. A writing sample (up to 5 pages) on an AI-related topic, titled “[Your name] writing sample”. Please do not submit additional materials (references, transcripts). These will be requested if needed during the interview process. For more information about the CSIS Wadhwani AI Center, please visit https://www.csis.org/programs/wadhwani-ai-center. To submit an application, click the “Apply” button in our secure recruitment portal. About CSIS
CSIS is a bipartisan, nonprofit organization headquartered in Washington, D.C. The Center’s staff conduct research, develop policy initiatives, and anticipate change. We are an equal opportunity employer.
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