Job Description
If you are an experienced researcher, writer, scholar, policy advocate, government official, or political staffer who wants to help write the next chapter in the history of American political economy, there is no better place to be than the Vanderbilt Policy Accelerator. At VPA, we work to rapidly bring new ideas in political economy and regulation into academia, government, and the public conversation, with attention to issues of market power and the capacity of public institutions to address today’s most pressing challenges.
As Director of Competition & Regulatory Policy, you would be a critical member of our team, responsible for leading the development and implementation of the policy agenda and research portfolio associated with the Project on Networks, Platforms, and Utilities (NPUs) and related anti-monopoly policy efforts. The ideal candidate is interested in the ways in which sectoral economic regulation can complement—and perhaps emulate—the resurgence of American antitrust in recent years, including by ensuring adequate public services and preventing excessive concentrations of economic power. You would be responsible for evaluating the pressing challenges in public policy that stem from NPUs— examples of which include, airline flight cancellations and route access, broadband internet access, electric grid crashes, the emergence of non-bank money, and anti-competitive practices on tech platforms—and work closely with the faculty director and executive director to develop and implement a comprehensive NPU policy agenda.
This position reports to the Executive Director and Faculty Director of VPA.
About VPA
We are currently in the midst of a political economy revolution. From the resurgence of antitrust enforcement to the return of industrial policy, swift changes are reshaping how policymakers and the general public think about economic policy. At VPA, we act on these opportunities by bringing new ideas into academia, government, and the public conversation, paying close attention to issues of market structure, corporate power, and the capacity of public institutions to address today’s most pressing challenges. Since our founding in 2023, we have published academic articles, white papers, and op-eds on a variety of topics, from modernizing American banking regulation to reforming the airline industry to addressing food deserts via public grocery stores. Our efforts have inspired federal investigations and legislative efforts and been featured in national publications and broadcast media.
Organizationally, VPA combines the deep research capacities of a traditional university center with the most effective tactics of a think tank. We conduct foundational legal research, publish academic papers and textbooks, and host academic conferences. To accelerate change, we bring academic research and fresh ideas to policymakers and the public by developing detailed, actionable blueprints and off-the-shelf policy proposals for executive and legislative authorities. To engage and educate the broader public, we write magazine articles and opinion pieces, and work with the media and press.
Application Requirement
To be considered for this position, candidates must submit a cover letter explaining their background and interest, a CV or resume, and a list of references. Candidates of interest will be contacted for interviews, and may also be asked to complete an exercise to demonstrate their research and writing skills.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Lead the development and implementation of the policy agenda and research portfolio associated with the Project on Networks, Platforms, and Utilities (NPUs) and related anti-monopoly policy efforts.
- Lead research on the regulation of NPUs and develop policy proposals to improve NPU governance, examples of which include addressing airline flight cancellations and route access, broadband internet access, electric grid crashes, the emergence of non-bank money, and anti-competitive practices on tech platforms.
- Perform essential administrative and management functions related to the Project on NPUs, involving independent exercise of judgment and discretion.
- Supervise, train, coordinate workflow, and administer policies for VPA staff and fellows as relevant to execute the NPU and anti-monopoly agendas.
- Produce research, white papers, policy briefs, and other policy communications like op-eds on key VPA priorities.
- Brief policymakers on topics related to VPA’s research.
- Organize private and public convenings, conferences, and events with a variety of stakeholders on topics related to VPA’s research.
- Advise on overall VPA policy agenda and related political and communications strategy.
- Manage and support programming, initiatives, and partnerships related to VPA priorities, including academic conferences and meetings and briefings with academics, public officials, and other stakeholders.
Qualifications
- A master’s degree in legal studies or the equivalent, and/or a minimum of 5 years of experience is required.
- Demonstrated high levels of integrity, honesty, and openness to create strong and enduring collaboration with key leaders across the institution and community is required.
- Executive level interpersonal and communication skills with ability to effectively relate to and promote diversity and inclusion is required.
- Ability to demonstrate maturity, creativity and initiative in expanding the Law School’s presence locally and nationally is required.
- Ability to make sound administrative/procedural decisions using a high level of discernment is required.
- Ability to perform complex tasks and to prioritize multiple projects is required.
- Ability to provide technical advice and information to staff in area of expertise is required.
- Experience in a higher education setting is preferred.
- Candidates should have an interest in economic policy, political economy, regulation, and/or law.