PRINCIPAL ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI) POLICY ANALYST (1824) - Department of Technology

Company Description

Why Work for the Department of Technology (DT)? DT is the centralized technology services provider in the City and County of San Francisco (CCSF). We deliver technology infrastructure and services to approximately 33,000 employees! With an annual operating budget of over $140M and approximately 300 employees, DT provides a host of services that range from Public Safety radio and wiring and Network services to Enterprise Support and the Cloud.

Benefits of Working for CCSF:  In addition to challenging and rewarding work, the City provides a generous suite of benefits to its employees.

• Competitive pay, as well as pension and robust retirement options. 
• Generous paid time off, family leave, and more!
• Hybrid Work with a minimum of 20% of time spent in our office in San Francisco, California for all IT related roles
• Diverse work environment in a diverse city
• Career development and growth — move between departments, learn on the job, or take subsidized/reimbursed classes!

PEOPLE-CENTERED SOLUTIONS — have a powerful, meaningful effect on the community each day with people at the heart of every solution!

CLOSING THE DIGITAL DIVIDE — bring the benefits of the internet to low-income and marginalized residents!

SHINE A LIGHT ON WHAT MATTERS — join an award-winning production team at SFGovTV to help residents watch legislators or learn more about what makes this City great!

DRIVE INNOVATION — deliver new, cutting-edge technology to residents and city partners to help San Francisco serve its residents!

Job Description

Are you passionate about shaping the future of technology while ensuring its responsible and ethical use? The City and County of San Francisco (CCSF) is seeking a forward-thinking and driven Principal AI Policy Analyst to join our Emerging Technologies team at the Department of Technology. This is your chance to play a pivotal role in creating policies and frameworks that govern the use of artificial intelligence (AI) across CCSF.

As part of the Emerging Technologies team, you’ll collaborate with diverse stakeholders to develop strategies for integrating AI into public services responsibly and equitably. From leading the implementation of the AI transparency legislation to crafting governance structures that prioritize ethics and security, your work will directly impact how technology serves San Francisco’s residents, businesses, and visitors. The essential functions of this position include:

Policy Development and Analysis: 

• Research, analyze, and develop policy recommendations for the City’s use of AI, ensuring alignment with ethical principles, legal requirements, and best practices. 

Governance and Oversight: 

• Contribute to the development and implementation of citywide governance mechanisms for AI, ensuring transparency, accountability, and responsible use. 

Implementation and Execution of AI Legislation Requirements: 

• Execute on all requirements in current and future AI legislation in the City. 
• Work with City departments to ensure their compliance with all AI legislation requirements. 

Stakeholder Engagement and Communications: 

• Engage with City departments to understand their AI needs, identify potential use cases, and address concerns related to AI adoption. 
• Prepare reports, presentations, and other materials to communicate the City's AI policies and initiatives to internal and external stakeholders. 

Training and Education: 

• Develop and deliver targeted training programs for City leadership and staff on responsible AI use.

Appointment Type:

This Permanent Exempt (PEX), Full Time position is excluded by the Charter from the competitive civil service examination process and shall serve at the discretion of the appointment officer. The anticipated duration of this project position is thirty-six (36) months and will not result in an eligible list or permanent civil service hiring.

Work Location

If hired, incumbent must be a resident of or relocate to the State of California within 4 weeks as a condition of employment.

This position supports remote work. The incumbent may be permitted to work a hybrid schedule with their supervisor’s approval, after which they must work at least two days in the office every two weeks.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Possession of a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university, and five (5) years full-time equivalent experience performing professional-level analytical work. Qualifying professional-level analytical work includes analysis, development, administration, and reporting in major programs and functions of an organization in the areas of budgets, contracts, grants, policy, or other functional areas related to the duties of positions in the 182X Class series.

Substitution:

Possession of a graduate degree (Master's degree or higher) from an accredited college or university with major coursework in specialized subject matter areas such as public or business administration, management, business law, contract law, public policy, urban studies, economics, statistical analysis, finance, accounting or other fields of study closely related to the essential functions of positions in the Class series may be substituted for one (1) year of required experience.

Additional experience as described above may be substituted for the required degree on a year-for-year basis (up to a maximum of 2 years). Thirty (30) semester units or forty-five (45) quarter units equal one year.

Desirable Qualifications 

Strategic Thinker: Ability to think critically and develop comprehensive policy frameworks that align with ethical principles, legal requirements, and public service priorities.

Deep Knowledge of AI and Technology Policy: Familiarity with AI governance principles, legislative processes, and ethical considerations in AI adoption, particularly in the public sector.

Strong Analytical Skills: Expertise in conducting research, analyzing trends, and synthesizing complex information into actionable policy recommendations.

Exceptional Communication Skills: Proficiency in preparing clear and compelling reports, presentations, and policy documents tailored for diverse audiences, including non-technical stakeholders.

Collaborative Leadership: Proven ability to manage and coordinate diverse committees or stakeholder groups, fostering collaboration among technology, legal, labor, procurement, and other domains.

Project Management Expertise: Experience in managing large-scale policy initiatives, including tracking milestones, measuring results, and ensuring compliance.

Adaptability and Problem-Solving: Capacity to navigate complex challenges, address competing priorities, and provide innovative solutions in a rapidly evolving field.

Commitment to Ethical and Inclusive AI: Strong advocacy for equitable, transparent, and accessible AI implementations that reflect the diverse needs of San Franciscans.

Educational and Training Skills: Ability to design and deliver engaging training programs and workshops for varied audiences, from leadership to technical teams.

Stakeholder Engagement Expertise: Demonstrated skill in engaging and building trust with internal and external stakeholders to gather insights, address concerns, and align AI initiatives with organizational goals.

Additional Information

Compensation: $66.4750 - $80.8125 (hourly) /$138,268 - $168,090 (annually) 

How to Apply:

• Applicants are encouraged to apply immediately as this recruitment may close at any time, but not before Friday, January 17, 2025.
  • Your application MUST include a resume, a cover letter detailing your relevant experience, and any supporting documents (e.g., project portfolios, and code samples) via the City and County of San Francisco's official job portal.  To upload, please attach using the "additional attachments" function.

You may contact Lawlun Leung via email at lawlun.leung@sfgov.org with questions regarding this opportunity.

Late or incomplete submissions will not be considered. Mailed, hand delivered or faxed documents/applications will not be accepted.

The City and County of San Francisco does not sponsor visas. If you have an F1 student visa, the City will not sponsor the “optional practical training” requirement. All applicants must be able to demonstrate that they are legally able to work in the United States without visa sponsorship by the employer

Additional Information Regarding Employment with the City and County of San Francisco:

• Information About the Hiring Process
• Conviction History
• Employee Benefits Overview
• Equal Employment Opportunity
• Disaster Service Worker
• ADA Accommodation
• Right to Work
• Copies of Application Documents
• Diversity Statement

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

The City and County of San Francisco encourages women, minorities and persons with disabilities to apply. Applicants will be considered regardless of their sex, race, age, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition (associated with cancer, a history of cancer, or genetic characteristics), HIV/AIDS status, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, military and veteran status, or other protected category under the law.