The Institute for Security and Technology designs and advances solutions to the world’s toughest emerging security threats. We are a nonpartisan, nonprofit network based in the San Francisco Bay Area dedicated to solving critical international security challenges through better technology and policy. We are a close-knit team with an excellent remote workflow and take pride in providing our employees with reliable mentorship. We work with all staff to advance their professional development by providing access to our network in each team member’s field of interest, and support opportunities for professional exposure. We look forward to your application.

The Institute for Security and Technology (IST), a 501(c)(3) critical action think tank that unites technology and policy leaders to create solutions to emerging security challenges, is actively seeking highly motivated practitioners to join our team as the Senior Associate, Cyber & Critical Infrastructure Portfolio. We are a passionate, tight-knit team, excited about the challenges we are tackling — join us at the cutting edge of emerging technology security policy! If you're excited about shaping the future of cybersecurity policy through rigorous research and direct engagement with policymakers, industry leaders, and government stakeholders, this is your opportunity to make a tangible impact. In this role, you'll work at the intersection of technical cybersecurity challenges and national and international policy, translating complex problems into actionable solutions for the people who need them most. IST takes collaborative action to advance national security and global stability through trustworthy technology, guiding businesses and governments with hands-on expertise, in-depth analysis, and a global network. Since its foundation in 2020, IST has launched a vast array of impactful initiatives addressing challenges such as ransomware, the resilience of lifeline critical infrastructure, trust and safety, nuclear risk reduction, the role of artificial intelligence, and more.

Position

We are seeking an individual who is eager to apply both policy and technical knowledge and experience to advance the field of cybersecurity applied research and policy development — conducting rigorous analysis, engaging directly with policymakers and industry leaders, and translating complex technical challenges into actionable policy solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead Applied Research: Conduct original analysis on emerging cybersecurity and critical infrastructure challenges; translate technical complexity into policy findings that practitioners and decision-makers can act on.
• Build and Run Working Groups: Coordinate working groups, task forces, and steering committees spanning industry, government, and civil society; find workable consensus across stakeholders with competing priorities and get to usable outputs on deadline.
• Write Across Multiple Formats: Produce research reports, policy memoranda, and rapid-response op-eds; calibrate depth and tone for each audience, from technical practitioners to congressional staff.
• Brief Senior Officials and Executives: Present findings to senior government officials, congressional staff, industry executives, and international counterparts; represent IST at high-level forums and convenings.
• Contribute to Fundraising and Proposal Development: Work with leadership to track and pursue funding opportunities, build relationships with corporate and philanthropic partners, and draft project proposals.

Qualifications

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as computer science, public policy, or political science, with at least four years of professional experience OR Master’s degree in a relevant field with at least two years of professional experience OR PhD in a relevant field
• Familiarity with technical concepts in cybersecurity
• Firm grounding in U.S. national cybersecurity policy and policymaking processes
• Excellent written communication and analytical skills
• Demonstrated research experience
• Experience building a stakeholder network of cybersecurity professionals in industry and government
• As required by the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 (IRCA), IST only employs persons legally eligible to work in the US. New employees must complete an I-9 Form and provide actual documents verifying their identity and eligibility to work in the US within three (3) business days of the date of hire. IST participates in the E-Verify program to electronically verify employment eligibility.
• This position is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check

Preferred 

• Firm grounding in non-U.S. cybersecurity policy, particularly the EU, and strong grasp of EU policymaking processes
• Track record of publishing research on cybersecurity or a related field
• Experience with grant writing or other nonprofit fundraising
• Excellent oral communication and presentation skills
• Deep technical understanding of cybersecurity concepts

Compensation and benefits

The expected annual base salary range for this role is $77,960.00 - $82,240.00 commensurate with experience.

IST’s generous compensation package consists of three core elements: base salary, benefits, and the potential for bonuses. We are committed to pay fairness and aim for these three elements collectively to be highly competitive with market rates in the non-profit sector. Benefits we offer include:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance for you and all your dependents.
• 401(k) plan with up to 4% matching. Eligible to enroll after a 90-day waiting period.
• 12 weeks paid parental leave.
• Unlimited PTO after the introductory period. Most staff take between 3-4 weeks each year, sometimes more!
• Potential stipends for education, home office, commuting, and wellness.

Compensation is dependent on experience and is based on IST’s good faith estimate for this position, in San Francisco, CA, as of the date of publication and may be modified in the future. The level of pay, exact job title and role will depend on a variety of job-related factors, including where you place on our internal performance ladders, which is based on factors including past work experience, relevant education, and performance on our interviews or in a work trial.

Location

IST is a remote organization. Due to our focus on convening stakeholders for in-person meetings and working groups, candidates based in Washington, DC, are encouraged to apply. 

How to apply

Kindly utilize this link to submit your application and feel free to reach out to [email protected] if you have any inquiries.

We welcome candidates from all backgrounds and particularly encourage candidates from communities that are historically underrepresented in foreign affairs and national security.  Read IST’s Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging statement.

For more information, visit www.securityandtechnology.org. If you're ready to embark on an exhilarating journey at the forefront of cybersecurity policy, then seize this opportunity to join us at IST.