Staff Writer, Artificial Intelligence and Free Speech Position Type:

Full-time Department:

Free Speech America The Staff Writer is responsible for researching, reporting, and writing about artificial intelligence, the companies that develop and deploy AI technologies, and the implications of AI for free speech, political discourse, and the public's access to information. The position focuses particularly on the policies, practices, and conduct of AI companies and AI-powered models that may suppress, censor, restrict, exclude, downgrade, or otherwise treat conservative viewpoints differently. The Staff Writer conducts original research and reporting, identifies significant trends and developments, investigates newsworthy events and claims, develops sources, and produces accurate, compelling content for MRC publications and digital platforms. The position also monitors developments involving federal and state AI policy and regulation, congressional activity, litigation, corporate policies, and other developments affecting artificial intelligence, free speech, and the technology industry. Candidates who are able to work in office in Herndon, VA are preferred, but exceptional virtual candidates will also be considered. The Staff Writer reports to the Vice President and Director of Free Speech America. Some flexibility with working hours may be required to accommodate breaking news, major technology announcements, congressional activity, and other time-sensitive developments.

Job Post Date:

24th Aug, 2026 Apply Now! Duties & Responsiblities Research, report, and write original news stories, investigative pieces, analyses, and features concerning artificial intelligence and free speech. Monitor AI companies and AI-powered models, including developers of large language models, generative AI systems, search technologies, and content-moderation systems. Investigate instances in which AI systems restrict, suppress, omit, downgrade, distort, label, or otherwise treat conservative or other political viewpoints differently. Test and document AI systems, when appropriate, to identify potential patterns of ideological bias, political discrimination, censorship, or disparate treatment. Track and analyze changes to AI companies' terms of service, content policies, moderation policies, model behavior, safety policies, and public statements. Investigate the companies, executives, researchers, investors, and other institutions responsible for developing and deploying influential AI technologies. Monitor significant developments involving AI companies and their relationships with government agencies, elected officials, regulators, advocacy organizations, academics, and other influential institutions. Research and report on congressional hearings, legislation, executive actions, federal and state regulations, regulatory proceedings, and litigation involving artificial intelligence, technology, and free speech. Examine the First Amendment, free speech, transparency, and public-policy implications of AI systems that influence what information users can access or how political ideas are presented and disseminated. Develop and maintain a reliable network of authoritative sources knowledgeable about artificial intelligence, technology policy, free speech, censorship, and the technology industry. Analyze corporate announcements, regulatory filings, court documents, research papers, congressional testimony, public records, company policies, and other primary- source materials. Provide timely reporting and analysis of breaking developments in artificial intelligence and technology policy. Produce research, reports, and longer-form investigative projects examining significant developments in AI, technology, censorship, and free speech. Required Experience & Eduction 1+ years of experience in journalism or policy writing. Strong news judgment and the ability to identify significant, timely, and newsworthy developments. Ability to travel up to 5%, with increased travel expectations for remote candidates. Excellent writing, reporting, interviewing, research, and analytical skills. Strong understanding of artificial intelligence, generative AI, large language models, search engines, social media companies, content moderation, and the technology industry. Strong understanding of the intersection of artificial intelligence, free speech, politics, technology, and public policy. Ability to understand and explain complex technical concepts in clear, accessible language. Strong investigative instincts and exceptional attention to detail. Ability to work independently, demonstrate initiative, and develop original story ideas from conception through publication. Ability to work quickly and accurately under tight deadlines in a fast-paced news and research environment. Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple reporting and research projects simultaneously. Strong commitment to accuracy, attribution, documentation, and rigorous fact-checking. Ability to exercise sound judgment when reporting on controversial, politically sensitive, or technically complex subjects. Must be comfortable working with emerging technologies and learning new AI systems and tools. Preferred Qualifications Experience researching technology, public policy, free speech, politics, or related subjects. Experience using AI tools, large language models, search engines, and social media sites. Bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, political science, public policy, computer science, technology, or a related field. Compensation The salary range for this role is $50,000 - $60,000, depending on skills and experience. Apply Now!