This content was reproduced from the employer’s website on November 26, 2022. Please visit their website below for the most up-to-date information about this position.
American Progress is seeking an Associate Director or Director for its Technology Policy team. The Associate Director or Director will help lead American Progress’ efforts to develop, communicate, and implement new technology policy ideas that address social, democratic, and economic challenges, with a particular focus on disinformation and the increasing harms from online services. This position will engage in policy analysis and undertake research and writing projects designed to contribute to critical actions needed and to engage with key partners, policymakers, elected officials, the media, and funders.
The ideal candidate will have demonstrated expertise in technology issues with a strong interest in strengthening democracy and developing technology policy solutions that are anchored in inclusive and democratic values. They will have an understanding of government institutions at the local, state, and federal levels; executive or legislative branch experience; a strong grasp of the ongoing research and policy discourse on key issues; and relationships with key players in the field. Focus areas will include disinformation and the future of content moderation; addressing algorithmic bias and discrimination; privacy; technology regulation domestically and globally; the impact of technology on elections and democratic systems; competition and antimonopoly issues; cybersecurity; and technology’s broad impact on society.
They will be driven by American Progress’ mission to improve the lives of all Americans through bold, progressive ideas as well as strong leadership and concerted action, with the aim of not only changing the conversation, but changing the country. This work will include a focus on identifying and executing on points of connectivity between technology policy and the organization’s five crosscutting priorities:
- Strengthening health and ending the pandemic
- Building an economy for all
- Tackling climate change and environmental injustice
- Advancing racial equity and justice
- Restoring social trust in democracy
Responsibilities:
- Work collaboratively to develop a policy research, advocacy, and communications agenda on technology policy priorities and actively participate in connecting this work with American Progress’ crosscutting priorities.
- Research, draft, and manage the production and distribution of a variety of written products—including reports, issue briefs, articles, and op-eds—that advance inclusive and democratic technology policy ideas and translate research findings for a broader audience.
- Participate in efforts to craft timely recommendations and rapid-response documents to ensure relevant participation in policy debates.
- Analyze federal and state legislative proposals, administrative policies, and regulatory changes.
- Conduct quantitative and qualitative research.
- Represent American Progress with the public, media, policymakers, and other external groups and individuals.
- Build and maintain key relationships across the technology policy field, including with allied organizations, policymakers, and funders.
- Promote priorities and work products both inside and outside the organization.
- Keep American Progress staff updated on news and events related to relevant policy debates.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Requirements and qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- At least five to seven years of experience focused on technology policy, including government relations, working on Capitol Hill, or an equivalent form of specialized expertise. This can include a period spent pursuing additional education.
- Deep knowledge and interest in technology policy issues and developing policy solutions; experience or specialization in the complex challenges of mis- and disinformation on the information environment is preferred.
- Ability to research, understand, and summarize complex, nuanced technology issues for a broader audience and communicate the political and real-world stakes for diverse target audiences.
- Experience with federal advocacy efforts—preferably but not necessarily in technology related fields—including government affairs, coalition work, direct Capitol Hill experience, government experience, or anything equivalent.
- Understanding of key stakeholder dynamics and political environment around technology policy issues.
- Ability to draft written products in multiple formats that are concise and easy to follow without losing important policy nuance.
- Experience operating in high-stakes environments that require producing high-quality, accurate products under tight deadlines.
- Keen eye for new opportunities to advance messaging and knowledge of how to balance limited resources to ensure their greatest effect.
- High level of creativity with the ability to solve problems and identify creative approaches to challenges.
- Strong understanding of how to develop and maintain connections and relationships to make advocacy efforts more effective; this experience may include participating and leading one-on-one, small, and large group meetings.
- Ability to handle multiple projects and deadlines while maintaining high-quality work.
- Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work in teams and across organizations.
- Commitment to American Progress’ mission and goal