Director of Technology & Innovation Policy

Job Announcement: American Action Forum Director of Technology & Innovation Policy

Company Overview

The American Action Forum is a forward-looking, non-profit policy institute dedicated to keeping America strong, free and prosperous. It seeks to promote common-sense, innovative, and solutions-based policies that will reform government, challenge outdated assumptions, and create a smaller, smarter government that will serve its citizens better. As a unique, fast-paced “action” tank, we use the modern tools of communications to deploy ideas; engage Americans in the debate over the boundaries of government policy, personal freedoms, and market incentives; and educate and challenge the media to explore these issues and shape the next generation of political leaders.

Job Summary

This position is responsible for AAF's technology policy portfolio, and requires the ability to research and communicate effectively about a wide swath of tech and innovation policy issues. This includes a firm grasp of the major tech and telecom policy issues facing lawmakers and regulators including working knowledge of FCC processes and priorities; ability to track developments pertaining to data privacy, spectrum auctions, tech-specific competition policy, telecom mergers, and beyond. Other topics of interest include the future of content moderation, artificial intelligence regulation and impacts, media ownership, and emerging technologies. Must be able to quickly locate details, produce written research on deadline, and work collaboratively with communications and other issue area staff. Good candidates will demonstrate a proactive ability to assess legislative and regulatory priorities as well as a commitment to free market-oriented policy solutions. This position manages at least one technology  policy analyst and is responsible for assigning and delegating research. Developing and maintaining relationships in the tech policy sector and on Capitol Hill will be helpful for this role.

AAF researchers must be nimble, compete effectively in the daily battle of ideas, communicate successfully, and conduct original research. Strong working knowledge of programming languages will be useful for analysis in this position. Ideal candidates will be able to critique and creatively develop policy solutions. This position manages a staff analyst and will report to the Chief Operating Officer.

Responsibilities and Duties

• This position is responsible for all of AAF's tech policy products, and must be proactive about pursuing research and locating data sources
• This position requires the ability to investigate a wide swath of relevant policy questions in order to succinctly explain key policy issues

Qualifications and Skills

• Three or more years working in this policy field on Capitol Hill, a relevant agency, think tank, or commensurate experience
• Strong writing, research, and data analysis skills
• Ability to multi-task and shift priorities with little notice
• Knowledge of FCC and relevant innovation regulations, key legislation, and other pressing tech priorities
• An interest in working for a think tank that emphasizes smaller government, sensible conservative policy solutions, and smart policy options that benefit the American public and avoid unnecessary Federal government overreach
• Ability to communicate complex policy and its implications to a variety of audiences and stakeholders

Benefits 

Health coverage, paid time off, retirement savings plan, cell phone reimbursement, gym membership

Salary commensurate with experience.

To Apply: Please submit a cover letter and resume

Please note that this is a full time position based in Washington, DC. The American Action Forum is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, citizenship status, or sexual orientation. We are unable to sponsor work visas for this project, and applicants will be asked to provide proof of ability to work legally in the United States after accepting a job offer.