Job Description
If you are an early-career or aspiring 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 a Policy Analyst, you would be a critical member of our team, responsible for performing research, policy analysis, and scholarly writing under the direction of VPA’s Faculty Director and senior VPA leaders. We will work to help identify your areas of interest, build your technical policy expertise, and develop your ability to research and write at a high level for a variety of different audiences. 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
- Perform research and policy analysis independently and in collaboration with other VPA staffers, under the direction of VPA’s Faculty Director and other senior leaders.
- Write and edit academic articles, white papers, policy briefs, and op-eds to explore and advance new ideas in political economy and regulation.
- Help brief policymakers on topics related to VPA’s research.
- Help organize private and public convenings, conferences, and events with a variety of stakeholders on topics related to VPA’s research.
- Help manage relationships and engage with other organizations and thinkers to develop and advance new ideas in political economy and regulation.
- Assist with other research, staffing, and organizational duties as needed.
- Work collaboratively, rigorously, and respectfully, with an openness to both sharing and learning new perspectives and an eagerness to develop your own body of knowledge.
- Be based out of our offices in Nashville, TN, with regular opportunities for business travel.
Qualifications
- A bachelor’s degree is required.
- Candidates should have an interest in economic policy, political economy, regulation, and/or law.
- Strong research and writing abilities.
- Ability to demonstrate maturity, creativity and initiative is required.
- Ability to perform complex tasks and to prioritize multiple projects is required.
- Relocation to Nashville is required.
- 2 years of experience in government, public policy, a think tank, or academia is preferred.