Policy Director, Technology and Innovation

The R Street Institute Technology and Innovation Policy Director Position

The R Street Institute—a free-market think tank headquartered in Washington, D.C., and with regional offices across the country—seeks a Technology and Innovation Policy Director to lead and manage our Technology and Innovation Policy program. If you are the right fit, you will report to the Policy Department Director. If you want to join a hardworking organization and do something outstanding, this may be just the opportunity you need!

Your Role at R Street

Your typical day at R Street may include:

• Working with your team to manage deliverables
• Writing talking points for a speaking engagement
• Reviewing and editing policy products
• Discussing policy strategy and brand alignment with your team
• Developing an approach to a potential donor
• Consulting with a congressional staffer about the technology elements of a proposed bill
• Finishing an op-ed on artificial intelligence
• Helping an analyst scope out a research project on online content moderation
• Meeting with members of the communications, editorial, or government affairs teams to determine audience and strategize best products to ensure impact
• Working cross-collaboratively across the organization

Other Aspects of Your Role

• Build, manage and coach a team of research fellows, analysts, and associates
• Conceive and oversee the program’s overarching research agenda
• Help manage individual research projects and programming that are novel, rigorous, and relevant
• Contribute research and thought leadership aligning with the program’s mission
• Write op-eds, regulatory comments, and policy papers
• Participate in conferences, media, and other speaking engagements
• Edit the team’s written products to ensure quality and credibility
• Work closely with business development portfolio managers and the business development team
• Contribute to fundraising efforts and ensure financial sustainability
• Collaborate with federal and state government affairs, communications, and editorial teams
• Identify and consistently engage with target audiences to maximize impact
• Collaborate and coordinate with internal and external partners to move the policy conversation forward
• Keep up-to-date with the latest research and legislation in technology policy
• Attend and speak at events and convenings
• Remain vigilant against ninja infiltrations

Skills and Qualifications

• Proven track record to achieve results
• Experience managing people and teams
• At least five years of management experience at director level
• Collaboration across teams
• Passion for free markets and limited, effective government
• Top-notch writing, editing, and public speaking skills
• Expertise in the technology field
• Experience working for a public policy institution
• Fundraising experience
• Ability to oversee and deliver sophisticated, multi-part projects
• Ability to synthesize complex academic/technical literature
• Ability to work productively with a wide variety of groups and individuals
• Entrepreneurial attitude and willingness to be a self-starter
• Sense of humor and desire to grow with a multifaceted organization

About R Street

R Street works to bolster American innovation, increase consumer choice, and protect individual liberty by supporting a smaller, smarter government. We focus on deep scholarship and pragmatic policy solutions that many groups tend to neglect. Our goal is to publish timely, relevant research and analysis that advances a market-oriented society and limited, effective government. To that end, our motto is: “Free Markets. Real Solutions.”

Workplace

We offer a flexible working arrangement. This is a full-time position that can either work the majority of the week in our D.C. office or be fully remote. Travel may be involved for engagement with donors, policymakers, and other stakeholders, many of whom may be located in Washington D.C., which may be especially relevant for the Technology and Innovation team.

Compensation, Benefits, and Perks

R Street strives to provide a compensation package superior to those at other think tanks and nonprofits. In addition to a competitive salary, we provide:

• Unlimited paid time off policy
• Alternating Fridays off
• Health insurance option entirely paid by the employer
• Dental and vision insurance
• 401(k) contributions with up to a 4 percent match
• HSA employer contribution match
• Quarterly wellness reimbursement
• Mobile equipment/mobile plan reimbursement
• Internet subsidy
• Annual educational and professional development reimbursement
• Child care assistance, pet care assistance, or student loan repayment assistance reimbursement

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

R Street is committed to a workplace that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. We believe having a more diverse workforce will strengthen R Street’s ability to innovate, achieve our mission, and support long-term systemic change. The concept of “broad coalitions,” one of our core operating principles, stems from that insight.

Application Process

We currently plan to accept applications for this job until filled. We will contact qualified individuals for telephone interviews and conduct them on a rolling basis. Interviews will be held virtually, via Zoom.

To apply, you must upload a cover letter and resume in Microsoft Word or PDF at this link.