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 Public Options & Governance, 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 Public Options and Governance and related workstreams on building public capacity. Topics of focus include federal procurement practices and public options—publicly-provided goods and services that coexist with the private marketplace. This role is perfect for someone interested in the way government - across a variety of sectors - can expand access, enhance competition, prevent monopoly or oligopoly abuses, sustain democracy, and increase opportunity. You would also lead the way on advancing research and policy design of public options across sectors, from grocery stores to artificial intelligence.
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 Public Options and Governance Research and draft white papers, policy blueprints, opeds and other public writings analyzing and designing public options and governance proposals in multiple sectors that coexist with market options, expanding access, enhancing competition, and increasing opportunity.
- Work closely with the faculty director and executive director to develop and implement a comprehensive public options and governance policy agenda.
- Perform essential administrative and management functions related to the Project on Public Options, involving independent exercise of judgment and discretion.
- Supervise, train, coordinate workflow, and administer policies for VPA staff and fellows as relevant to execute the public options and governance agenda.
- Advise on overall VPA policy agenda and related political and comms strategy.
- 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.
- Manage and support programming and public outreach related to VPA priorities, including academic conferences and meetings and briefings with academics, public officials, and other stakeholders.
Qualifications
- A master’s degree in public policy, 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.