Tech Public Policy Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

AI Policy Analyst VBP

Full Time 44 Virginia Beach, VA, US

30+ days ago Requisition ID: 2147

* This position is eligible for a $500 ZelTech Non-Employee Referral fee. ContactZelTech Recruiters for questions concerning this matter. *

*This position is contingent upon contract award*

Work Location: Virginia Beach, VA (Onsite or Hybrid depending on department policy).

Job Summary

The City of Virginia Beach is seeking a highly analytical and principled AI Policy Analyst to guide the city’s responsible adoption of artificial intelligence technologies. This role will develop and enforce policies, governance frameworks, ethical guidelines, and compliance standards to ensure AI systems are transparent, fair, secure, and aligned with public‑sector values.

The ideal candidate has a strong understanding of AI ethics, risk management, regulatory trends, and public‑sector accountability. This position plays a critical role in safeguarding residents’ rights, promoting trustworthy AI, and ensuring the city’s AI initiatives meet legal, ethical, and operational standards.

Responsibilities AI Governance & Policy Development

• Develop and maintain citywide AI governance frameworks, policies, and standards.
• Establish guidelines for responsible AI use, including transparency, accountability, fairness, and human oversight.
• Draft policies addressing data use, model lifecycle management, algorithmic risk, and AI procurement requirements.
• Evaluate AI proposals and projects for alignment with city governance principles.

AI Ethics & Responsible Use

• Conduct ethical impact assessments for AI systems, including bias evaluation, fairness analysis, and risk mitigation.
• Ensure AI applications uphold public‑sector values such as equity, accessibility, and non‑discrimination.
• Provide guidance on emerging ethical concerns such as generative AI, automated decision‑making, and surveillance technologies.

Compliance, Risk & Regulatory Alignment

• Monitor federal, state, and local regulations related to AI, data privacy, cybersecurity, and algorithmic accountability.
• Ensure city AI systems comply with applicable laws, standards, and best practices.
• Conduct risk assessments and develop mitigation strategies for AI‑related operational, legal, and ethical risks.
• Maintain documentation for auditability, transparency, and public reporting.

Stakeholder Engagement & Training

• Collaborate with city departments, legal teams, IT staff, and community stakeholders to ensure responsible AI adoption.
• Provide training and guidance on AI governance, ethics, and compliance requirements.
• Support public transparency initiatives, including communication materials and community engagement efforts.
• Serve as a subject‑matter expert on responsible AI practices.

Requirements

• Must be a US citizen.
• Bachelor’s degree in Public Policy, Law, Ethics, Computer Science, Data Science, Information Systems, or related field; OR 6 or more years of relevant experience in lieu of a degree.
• 3–5+ years of experience in policy analysis, compliance, governance, or AI/technology‑related fields.
• Strong understanding of AI ethics, algorithmic accountability, and responsible AI frameworks.
• Familiarity with data governance, privacy standards, and risk management practices.
• Excellent analytical, writing, and communication skills.
• Ability to translate complex technical concepts into clear policy guidance for non‑technical audiences.
• Successful background and drug screening check.

Preferred Requirements

• Experience working in local government, public administration, or public‑sector compliance.
• Knowledge of municipal operations, public‑service workflows, or government data systems.
• Experience with AI/ML concepts, data analysis, or technology policy development.
• Certifications in AI ethics, data governance, compliance, or risk management.
• Familiarity with NIST AI Risk Management Framework, federal AI guidance, or state‑level AI legislation.

Core Competencies

• Ethical Judgment & Integrity
• Policy Analysis & Governance
• Communication & Stakeholder Engagement
• Analytical and Critical Thinking

Physical Demands or Work Environment

The work environment characteristics and physical demands described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• The majority of the time is spent in an office setting.
• Occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision and ability to adjust focus.

About ZelTech

Zel Technologies is a national security leader providing research, development, and support services to government agencies.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
• 401k immediate vesting with company match
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Health Savings Account with company contributions
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Bonuses for performance
• Educational assistance and special training programs
• Voluntary benefits (accidental, critical illness, whole life)
• Group life insurance (Company paid)
• Short- and Long-term Disability Insurance (Company paid)
• Paid Time Off (PTO), Holiday Leave, Jury Duty, and Military Leave
• Health and fitness reimbursement
• Employee discounts on various services and products

ZelTech is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, creed, sex, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, marital status, military status, genetic predisposition, or any other basis protected by law.