Senior Policy & Governance Advisor (TS/SCI)

Parsons•Dc, WA

7d•Onsite

About The Position

Parsons is looking for an amazingly talented Senior Policy & Governance Advisor to join our team! In this role you will support the development, and coordination of formal policy, governance frameworks, and executive-level communications that enable the adoption of data and AI capabilities across the Joint Force. This individual will manage and respond to ETMS2 taskers, translate DoD and Joint Staff guidance into actionable implementation artifacts, and provide direct support to the Chief AI Officer and IPA lead through decision briefs, information papers, and strategic recommendations. They will integrate across Joint Staff directorates, Combatant Commands, Services, and OSD stakeholders to ensure alignment of AI and data initiatives, while establishing governance processes, tracking compliance, and supporting audit readiness.

Requirements

8 years of experience in policy, governance, strategy, or program support within DoD, Joint Staff, or IC environments
Demonstrated experience drafting and staffing formal policy documents at the OSD, Joint Staff, or Combatant Command level
Strong understanding of DoD organizational structure, Joint Staff processes, and task management systems (e.g., ETMS2)
Familiarity with AI/ML, data governance, and digital transformation concepts (does not need to be deeply technical, but must be conversant)
Experience supporting senior leaders (GO/FO/SES) with executive communications and decision support
Proven ability to manage multiple high-visibility taskers under tight timelines
Strong coordination and stakeholder management skills across diverse organizations
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, particularly in producing concise, decision-quality materials
Active TS/SCI clearance required at the time of hire

Nice To Haves

Direct experience supporting the Joint Staff, OSD CDAO, or Service-level data/AI offices
Familiarity with DoD AI Ethical Principles, Responsible AI (RAI) frameworks, and governance models (e.g., SHIELD or similar)
Experience with data strategy implementation, data governance bodies, or enterprise data management initiatives
Prior experience with policy related to cybersecurity, data sharing, or cross-domain operations
Background working with or alongside technical AI/ML or data engineering teams
Experience supporting international partners or coalition data/AI efforts (useful given Joint Staff mission space)
Master’s degree in public policy, national security, data/AI, or related field

Responsibilities

Lead development, coordination, and staffing of Joint Staff-level policy, directives, white papers, CONOPS, and governance frameworks aligned to data, AI/ML, and digital transformation priorities
Manage and respond to congressional taskers, ensuring timely, accurate, and analytically sound responses with proper staffing across Joint Staff directorates and external stakeholders
Advise and support the Chief AI Officer (CAIO) and IPA lead on policy alignment, governance strategy, and decision support materials
Translate DoD-level guidance (e.g., DoD AI Ethical Principles, Data Strategy) into actionable Joint Staff implementation guidance and artifacts
Establish and maintain governance processes for AI/ML and data initiatives, including oversight mechanisms, review boards, and compliance tracking
Coordinate across Joint Staff (J2, J6, J8, etc.), Combatant Commands, Services, and OSD to ensure unity of effort and policy alignment
Develop executive-level briefings, decision memos, and information papers for GO/FO/SES leadership
Serve as the primary integrator between technical teams (data engineers, data scientists, AI teams) and policy stakeholders to ensure operational feasibility of governance frameworks
Support audit readiness and compliance efforts related to AI governance, data management, and cybersecurity policies
Monitor and assess emerging policies, legislation, and guidance impacting AI/ML, data, and digital capabilities across DoD and interagency partners
Lead or support working groups, tiger teams, and cross-functional governance forums
Track and report progress on CDAO initiatives, including metrics, milestones, and risk areas