Program Associate (Data Systems
Listed on 2026-08-07
-
IT/Tech
Data Analyst, Data Engineering
Salary
: $100,000-$125,000+ (incl. healthcare and retirement contributions)
Location
:
In-person, Washington, DC; visa sponsorship available
Job Type
:
Full-time
Final date to receive applications
:
Sunday, August 23, 2026 at 11:59 PM ET
The Horizon Institute for Public Service is seeking a full-time Program Associate to support our data systems and technical infrastructure during a period of rapid organizational growth. Working with Horizon’s engineers and users across our staff, you’ll ensure the quality and reliability of the data and workflows that fuel Horizon’s impact. We’re looking for a user-focused, mission-driven self-starter who’s excited to improve critical systems in daily use across our organization.
This is a junior role suitable for recent graduates or for more experienced candidates pivoting into technical work. We expect competitive applicants will have some real-world background in data science, engineering, database administration, or related fields (for example, through internships, co-op placements, or other professional experience). However,
if you think the role is a great fit for your skills and interests, we encourage you to apply even if you don’t have previous experience in this exact field
. Our hiring process is designed to test for aptitudes and skills, not specific resume markers.
Emerging technologies like AI are rapidly reshaping our world. The US government plays an essential role in developing and governing such technologies. But policymakers’ ability to stay ahead of the curve depends on access to the requisite expertise—and right now, that expertise is sorely lacking. Horizon exists to close this gap by supporting the next generation of emerging technology policy leaders.
Since our launch three years ago, we’ve helped hundreds of professionals explore and transition into public service careers. Through our fellowship program, we’ve helped 100+ subject-matter experts fill vital roles at top think tanks, in Congress, and in agencies across government. Our online career resources have reached 150,000+ users and we’ve supported over 1,000 individuals through events and advising and headhunting services.
We participated in the first-ever government AI hiring fair and run the AI Policy Leadership Network . We plan to both scale these existing programs and launch several more exciting new projects this year. You can read more about our programs and impact in our 2025 year in review .
Horizon is raising its ambitions and expanding our programs. We’ve grown from a handful of staff in 2025 to over 20 in mid-2026, with a target of 30 or more by the end of the year. This year’s 35-person fellowship cohort (selected from well over 1,000 applicants) is our largest yet, and future cohorts will be even bigger. We’ve also launched several ambitious new programs in recent months.
As Horizon scales, we’re generating more and more data on the talent, organizations, and initiatives comprising the AI policy ecosystem. We’ve set an organizational goal to better harness this data, and we’re investing in data systems and infrastructure to supercharge our programs and advance our mission. Working as part of a nimble, highly empowered team, the Program Associate (Data Systems) will help ensure that this investment succeeds.
You’ll become an authority on Horizon’s internal data holdings and workflows, mastering the ins and outs of systems in use across our organization. You’ll ensure that the data flowing through those systems is decision-ready; work with colleagues to identify and capitalize on opportunities to improve our data infrastructure; and use the latest AI tools and industry best practices to accelerate the organization’s work and improve results.
In this role, you’ll have the opportunity to learn from senior colleagues and users across Horizon’s program areas, gaining real-world perspective on how technical work can drive mission impact. Success in this role will give you a foundation for future positions in data science, engineering, database administration, or related fields.
Responsibilities- Expand, enrich, and maintain critical datasets. Own the day-to-day…
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