Jobs

Policy Advisor

The ideal candidate is a multi-talented, mid-career professional with at least 3 years of experience working in public policy; is able to balance multiple projects simultaneously; is an excellent writer; and has extremely high standards for the quality of their work. It is preferred that the candidate has some experience in science or technology policy, though that is not a requirement.

The role is a good fit for candidates who are transitioning out of a government or a company policy position and are interested in using their expertise to mentor and train the next generation of policy leaders. This position requires balancing multiple activities, as the Policy Advisor may be overseeing a dozen trainee projects at once. The Advisor will work closely with the Hub’s Director and Deputy Director.

Qualified candidates must demonstrate: an extensive knowledge of policy; exceptional verbal and written communication skills; impeccable attention to detail; and the ability to flourish in a fast-paced environment. Candidates can reside in any location, but must be willing to relocate to the Bay Area for up to 10 weeks in the Summer of 2023 to help lead our in-person fellowship program.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Writing and Communications Support (40%)

• Provide extensive feedback on policy memos, public comments, pitch sessions, and other exercises trainees participate in as part of our program;
• Provide supervision and feedback on fellow work products, including but not limited to policy memos, wireframes, and app demos. Specific responsibilities might include providing feedback on stakeholder maps for trainee projects, identifying relevant experts trainees might engage with, providing mentorship on effective advocacy plans for projects, and helping fellows revise policy problem statements; and
• Provide writing and design edits on fellow work products to ensure that all projects formally published meet high standards of professionalism;

Policy Project Coordination (20%)

• Help identify and coordinate policy projects with government or company stakeholders;
• Shepherd policy products to completion, including by working with copyeditors, designers, and web designers; and
• Meet with external stakeholders such as journalists, government officials or company policy teams to help promote fellow work products and drive policy change.

Fellow Mentorship (20% during cohorts, 10% when cohorts are not in session)

• Provide extensive mentorship support to fellows, meeting with them on a weekly basis, assisting them with career plans, and connecting them to relevant policy leaders as needed;

Curriculum Development (20% during cohorts, 10% when cohorts are not in session)

• Assist in revising training program curricula, working with the Director and Deputy Director to improve class sessions and activities based on trainee feedback;
• Moderate panels with policy experts as part of training programs; past speakers for our programs have included Tom Kalil, Ann Mei Chang, and Neil Chatterjee;
• Provide feedback on curricula for new Hub initiatives, such as executive education programs or topic-specific fellowships; and
• (If the advisor has teaching experience and interest) Co-teach policy sessions for our training programs that are focused on teaching technology experts the policy process. Sample teaching topics include: Scoping a Policy Problem, Stakeholder Mapping, Executive Branch 101, Legislative Branch 101, and Company Policy 101.

Support on Other Hub Projects (20% during times when Hub cohorts are not in session)

• Support development of long-form Hub thought leadership pieces such as the Diversity in Cybersecurity report we recently published;
• Support other Hub projects, as needed.

Knowledge, Education and Experience:

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree;
• 3+ years of professional experience or the equivalent working in policy or related field;
• Strong, demonstrable writing and editing skills;
• Passion for helping grow and mentor the next generation of policy leaders;
• Superior attention to detail and ability to manage multiple projects;
• Professional and polished interpersonal skills; and
• A desire to learn, sense of humor, flexibility, and resourcefulness.

Preferred:

• Graduate degree in law, public policy, business, or a similar field;
• 2+ years working in science, technology, or innovation policy;
• 7+ years professional experience in public policy or related field;
• 2+ years of professional experience working in government at any level in the United States;
• Experience teaching large groups complex materials; and
• Experience with mentorship.

Salary: $100,000-125,000 per year, commensurate with experience.

Applicants should submit a cover letter and resume through the online portal. Applicants without a cover letter will not be considered.

The Aspen Institute offers a generous benefits package including health, dental, vision, and prescription benefits, retirement benefits, and paid leave.

The Aspen Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all District and federal laws. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or protected veteran or disabled status and will not be discriminated against.

Individuals needing an accommodation to complete the job application can contact HRSupport@aspeninstitute.org or call (202) 736-1074.

Job posted: 2023-01-03