The Foundation for American Innovation (FAI) is a nonprofit organization founded in 2014 with a mission to develop technology, talent, and ideas that support a better, freer, and more abundant future. Ours is a politics of builders, hackers, and founders working to advance a more perfect union between innovators and the American republic.
To support this mission, FAI’s Governance Program is seeking a Program Manager to join our team. Reporting to the Director of Governance, the Program Manager will serve as the operational engine of FAI’s efforts to strengthen Congress, improve institutional design, and rebuild American state capacity. This role blends project management, logistical execution, relationship building, event planning, and team coordination—all in support of shaping the institutions of American self-government.
This is a full-time position located in Washington D.C.
Responsibilities
The Program Manager will help execute FAI’s governance strategy by managing day-to-day operations and supporting the execution of publications, outreach, and convenings.
Specific responsibilities include:
- Program implementation: Translate strategic priorities into clear plans, timelines, and deliverables across programs, outreach, and fundraising
- Team coordination: Facilitate weekly meetings, track priorities, and ensure clarity and accountability across the governance team and collaborators
- Stakeholder engagement: Support external relationships with policymakers, donors, and coalition partners by managing meeting prep, follow-ups, and CRM hygiene
- Event management: Lead the planning and execution of briefings, roundtables, and convenings in DC and beyond—including scheduling, materials, and logistics
- Grant and impact tracking: Help ensure grant deliverables are met on time and assist in measuring and communicating the impact of the team’s work
- Operational leadership: Support hiring, onboarding, and internal systems-building to help the team scale its work effectively and ensure cultural alignment
Qualifications
FAI welcomes applicants from a range of backgrounds, including think tanks, Congress, policy nonprofits, or mission-driven startups. Successful candidates will demonstrate:
- 3–7 years of experience in policy, operations, project management, government (Congress or executive branch), or government affairs
- Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects and keep a team aligned toward execution
- Strong writing and communication skills, particularly in a professional/policy environment
- Familiarity with DC political and policymaking culture (e.g., think tanks, the Hill, philanthropic networks, executive branch)
- A track record of making others more effective through clarity, structure, and follow-through
- Passion for strengthening American institutions and a belief in FAI’s right-of-center, reform-oriented mission
Benefits and Perks
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) match up to 6%
- Annual performance bonus
- $1,000 annual book credit
- Monthly commuter benefit
- Unlimited vacation policy
- Modern coworking space in Union Market, Washington, DC, with free snacks & drinks
- Annual salary range of $80–100K (negotiable based on experience)
To apply, please complete this form.
FAI is an equal-opportunity employer. We review applications for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, uniformed services, genetic information, physical or mental disability, medical condition, marital status, or any other basis prohibited by law.
