Jobs and Careers

Sr. Director of Programming

Washington, United Statesfull_timeVerifiedPosted 26 Jun 2025

About the role

About Fathom

Fathom is an independent 501(c)(3) whose mission is to find, build, and scale innovative governance solutions for AI that foster public trust in AI, while unleashing the power of American innovation. We are architects of AI oversight focused on co-designing a better AI future for all.We are conveners and builders who bring together individuals and organizations from across every facet of the AI universe, and then architect innovative policy and technical solutions that look beyond Beltway battles —and beyond the inertia and orthodoxy that often dominate tech policy debates— to actually address the needs of society and innovators with solutions that are as imaginative and elegant as they are impactful and enduring.

The Role

Fathom is hiring a Sr. Director of Programming to design, lead, and continuously improve our portfolio of strategic convenings and programming initiatives. This is a high-impact role at the intersection of operational execution, content strategy, and political influence. From our flagship Ashby Workshops to the Fathom Fellows Program and targeted convenings, you will ensure that every initiative deepens our impact, grows our coalitions, and accelerates our mission.
This is not a conventional events or programming role. You must combine operational excellence with political judgment, intellectual rigor, and a strategic instinct for influence.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Convening & Political Acumen

Serve as Fathom’s strategic filter for events: Only greenlight convenings that advance policy goals and create catalytic impact
Design convening programming and curate guest lists that reflect strategic goals and policy priorities, including The Ashby Workshops, policy roundtables, and salon dinners
Identify the topics, formats, and individuals that will create breakthroughs—and ensure the right people are in the room and prepared for the conversation
Cultivate relationships with key stakeholders (policymakers, funders, researchers, civil society leaders) to expand the reach and influence of our work

Program Design & Thought Leadership

Design, manage, and scale Fathom’s signature programming—including the Ashby Workshops, Fathom Fellows Program, and new experimental formats
Identify emerging policy needs and develop responsive programming initiatives (e.g., community forums, digital salons, pop-up coalitions)
Shape the intellectual arc and narrative framing of convenings and content

Narrative, Impact & Follow-through

Translate insights from convenings into compelling synthesis reports, meeting summaries, and policy briefs
Coordinate with the communications and policy teams to ensure outcomes reach key audiences
Measure impact and continuously improve programming based on feedback, outcomes, and strategic shifts

Ideal Experience & Qualifications

10+ years experience in strategic convening, policy programming, campaign strategy, or high-level external affairs
Deep understanding of policy ecosystems, especially related to AI, governance, or public interest tech
Experience leading events and fellowships with high-level stakeholders across sectors
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills; confident briefing senior leaders and moderating public forums
Strong project and team management capabilities
Discernment around optics, power dynamics, and timing in politically complex environments
Calm under pressure, solutions-oriented, and highly organized
Committed to Fathom’s mission and the urgency of shaping AI for the public good

Who You Are

Politically astute. You understand power and policy—and how to curate conversations that drive outcomes.
Strategically discerning. You ask “why this event, why now, and why us?” before every project.
Content fluent. You can translate complex technical or policy ideas into powerful program formats and agendas.
Operationally world-class. You execute flawlessly, even under pressure.
Mission-aligned. You want your work to have real-world impact on one of the most consequential issues of our time.