Senior Director, Applied Science and Technology Policy

American Psychological Association•Washington, DC

7d•$134,500 - $206,000•Remote

About The Position

In collaboration with the Chief Advocacy Officer (CAO) and the Deputy Chief for Education and Science Policy, the Senior Director provides leadership, strategic direction, and oversight of APA’s applied science and technology advocacy portfolio—advancing legislative, regulatory, and appropriations strategies that drive evidence-informed federal policy on emerging issues related to human-technology interaction, workplace well-being, and the future of work. As part of the Education and Science Policy team, the Senior Director serves as the principal representative to Congress, federal agencies, employers, labor and industry stakeholders, coalitions, and partner organizations on technology policy—translating psychological science into actionable policy, guidance, and communications for diverse audiences. Designs and leads advocacy campaigns that advance the application of psychological science in high-impact, fast-evolving areas, including AI governance and algorithmic discrimination; AI’s impacts on workers, job quality, and organizational decision-making; online safety; social isolation and connection; mis/disinformation; disaster preparedness, response, and community resilience; neuroscience ethics and neurotechnology policy; workplace performance, mental health and well-being; and other future-of-work issues such as automation, surveillance, privacy, and responsible data use. To advance APA’s strategic priorities, builds and sustains relationships with executive-branch and congressional stakeholders, coalition partners, and private-sector and employer organizations; and convenes and leverages subject-matter experts to inform policy positions.

Requirements

Sound working knowledge of the legislative and regulatory processes gained through 10 or more years of previous experience in a responsible position working with government, Congress, or in the private sector.
Master’s degree or other advanced degree required.
Direct experience in legislative and regulatory processes; sophisticated multi-pronged advocacy campaigns; and lobbying and/or issue advocacy.
Demonstrated expertise in science and emerging technology policy, including AI governance and AI’s impacts on the workforce and workplace decision-making; online safety; workplace mental health and well-being; disaster preparedness, response, and resilience; neuroscience ethics/neurotechnology policy; and future-of-work issues.
Experience drafting and working with employers and other stakeholders is required. This includes producing employer- and stakeholder-facing materials (e.g., guidance, toolkits, model policies, comment letters, testimony, briefs) and building durable partnerships with industry, labor, and cross-sector coalitions to advance evidence-informed policy and practice.
Deep knowledge and skills in science and emerging technology public policy, confidence and initiative, and the ability to translate psychological science into practical policy solutions.
Excellent communication skills (verbal and written), refined persuasive skills, strong interpersonal skills; be a highly competent and effective public speaker; and work effectively with individuals who hold diverse viewpoints.
Advanced skills with Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel)
Advanced skills with advocacy platforms (CQ Engage)
Basic skills with social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, etc.)
Working knowledge of frontier AI platforms and their applications as tools.

Nice To Haves

Doctoral degree is preferred.
Will consider an equivalent combination of relevant education and professional experience.

Responsibilities

Lead federal advocacy, policy analysis, and strategic guidance on priority science and technology issues, with emphasis on artificial intelligence (AI) governance, online safety, brain science and neurotechnology, and psychological well-being across the lifespan—including implications for workforce practices and public well-being.
Shape and advance policy positions on AI’s impacts on the workforce, including worker performance, well-being, job quality, equity, bias and discrimination, worker surveillance and data governance, algorithmic management, and responsible deployment of AI-enabled decision systems in employment contexts.
Lead advocacy to improve workplace well-being, including psychosocial risk prevention, job quality, productivity, and evidence-based organizational practices—working directly with employers and other stakeholders to promote scalable, science-backed approaches in a changing world of work.
Lead advocacy on disaster preparedness, response, and recovery, translating psychological science into policy recommendations for federal agencies and partners to strengthen community resilience and protect psychological well-being during and after crises.
Advance neuroscience ethics and neurotechnology policy, including issues related to privacy, consent, equitable access, safety, and responsible innovation in brain science and related technologies.
Advance federal policy that applies a population health framework to mental and behavioral health, including prevention, upstream determinants, and health equity.
Draft and negotiate high-stakes advocacy materials for diverse stakeholders—including employers, industry associations, labor, and coalition partners—such as comment letters, guidance, testimony, briefing documents, talking points, and model policy language.
Maintain relationships with members of Congress, executive branch officials, and coalition partners to advance APA’s strategic priorities.
As needed, present issues within assigned policy portfolio to APA governance groups and external stakeholders and speak on behalf of APA/APA Services at events and coalition convenings.
Provide policy input and support for cross-cutting association priorities (e.g., presidential task forces and Council New Business Items) and other initiatives as assigned.
Monitor and analyze federal legislation and regulations for impact on psychology, with emphasis on applied science and technology policy.
Serve as the primary advocacy partner to members of the Psychology Team working on the application of psychological science, representing advocacy on Future of Work initiatives and task forces, representing advocacy on initiatives related to disaster preparedness, response, and community resilience, supporting the APA Committee for the Advancement of General Applied Psychology, and monitoring policy implications of the Model Licensure Act, particularly as they relate to the application of psychological science.
Coordinate with communications, membership, and practice colleagues to engage employers, industry associations, and other external stakeholders—developing employer-facing policy guidance and outreach that advances APA priorities on AI, online safety, worker well-being, disaster resilience, and neuroethics.
Collaborate across portfolios on the education and science team, as needed (e.g., federal science funding).
Contribute to team deliverables, including official correspondence, member updates (e.g., Washington Update), and internal reporting to leadership and the Board.
With the CAO, Deputy Chief for Education and Science Policy, and Executive Lead Psychologist, Applied Psychology, implement an integrated advocacy model.
Other duties as assigned