Policy Analyst, A.I. and Technology, Vanderbilt Policy Accelerator (VPA)

The A.I. and Technology Policy Analyst is part of the Vanderbilt Policy Accelerator (VPA) in the Law School at Vanderbilt University. Operating within the Tech and A.I. Policy workstream, this policy analyst conducts research and policy writing in the A.I. and tech policy portfolio, supporting the A.I. and Tech Director in: i) cultivating, developing, and spreading foundational policy-relevant research; ii) building the proposals and infrastructure for policy impact; and iii) driving public narratives to advance accountability, competition, and public interest governance in A.I. and digital technology. The policy analyst will spend a significant portion of their time conducting policy research, producing communications and publications, and supporting programmatic activities that advance VPA’s priorities on A.I. accountability, market structure, data governance, and public interest technology within a broader public option framework. This position reports to the Director of A.I. and Technology Policy. To be considered for this position, candidates must submit a cover letter, CV, and list of references.

The Vanderbilt Policy Accelerator (VPA) focuses on a small number of cutting-edge topics in political economy and regulation. We bring research, education, and policy proposals in these areas from infancy to maturity and periphery to centrality. We cultivate, grow, and spread research, education, and policy ideas—and at a pace that aligns with the urgency of today’s challenges. We are currently in the midst of a political economy revolution. From antitrust to trade, swift changes are taking place that are reshaping how policymakers and the general public think about economic policy. These changes create an opportunity to advance new paradigms, research, and policy ideas. We are action focused. Each project we undertake seeks to accelerate developments in education, research, policy, and public debate.

Key Functions and Expected Performance:
Produce research, white papers, policy briefs, and other policy communications like op-eds on key
VPA priorities.

• Evaluate pressing challenges in A.I. and technology policy, working closely with the Director of A.I. and Technology Policy, the faculty director, and the executive director to implement a comprehensive A.I. and tech policy agenda.
• Conduct research on the regulation and public provision of A.I. and digital infrastructure across relevant actors—including model developers, cloud and compute providers, dominant platforms, and data brokers—with a focus on structural and market-shaping governance, including public options for essential computational infrastructure, utility-style approaches to foundational digital infrastructure, nondiscrimination and fair access rules, and transparency and safety standards.
• Research, draft, and support the rollout of white papers, academic publications, and other policy products on A.I. and technology topics to be released by VPA.

Factcheck and copyedit white papers and other policy products.

• Perform essential administrative and coordination functions related to the A.I. and tech policy portfolio, including detailed fact checking and copyediting and exercising independent judgment and discretion.

Manage and support programming and public events related to VPA priorities, including academic conferences and meetings and briefings with academics, public officials, and other stakeholders.

• Assist in managing relevant public relations, media, press, and internal and external communications in consultation with the Director of A.I. and Technology Policy and the executive director.
• Support the development of effective relationships and partnerships with local, regional, and national partners, stakeholders, and funders—including technology accountability organizations, digital rights coalitions, labor groups representing technology and data workers, and relevant federal and state agencies.
• Manage and support conferences, events, and other programming related to the A.I. and tech policy portfolio.

Supervisory Relationships:
This position does not have any supervisory responsibilities and reports to the Director of A.I. and Technology Policy.

Qualifications:

• A master’s degree is necessary.
• An advanced degree in public policy, law, computer science, science and technology studies, or a related field is preferred.
• Five years of experience is necessary. Experience in A.I., technology, telecommunications, data, or related regulatory policy areas, with familiarity with federal and state technology regulation, competition and consumer protection authorities, and/or A.I. governance frameworks is preferred.
• Ability to demonstrate maturity, creativity and initiative is necessary.
• Ability to perform complex tasks and to prioritize multiple projects is necessary.
• Relocation to Nashville, TN or Washington, D.C. is necessary.