As technological innovation transforms economies and societies, policymakers often lack the specialized knowledge to objectively analyze and respond to fast-moving issues and circumstances—particularly when the innovation disrupts incumbents or sparks fears and there is organized pressure limit progress or change. What should policymakers do to capitalize on new opportunities, overcome challenges, and avoid potential pitfalls? The Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF) exists to provide answers and point the way forward.
Founded in 2006, ITIF is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit, nonpartisan research and educational institute—a think tank. Its mission is to formulate, evaluate, and promote policy solutions that accelerate innovation and boost productivity to spur growth, opportunity, and progress. ITIF’s goal is to provide policymakers around the world with high-quality information, analysis, and actionable recommendations they can trust. To that end, ITIF adheres to a high standard of research integrity with an internal code of ethics grounded in analytical rigor, original thinking, policy pragmatism, and independence from external direction.
The role
ITIF seeks a director to conduct research and engage in public policy debates on a range of issues related to broadband and spectrum policy, with a particular focus on how it impacts technological innovation, productivity, and competitiveness.
Key roles and responsibilities
The Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF)—the world’s top-ranked think tank for science and technology policy—seeks a director to conduct research and engage in public policy debates on a range of issues related to broadband and spectrum policy, with a particular focus on how it impacts technological innovation, productivity, and competitiveness. ITIF believes government and the private sector both have key roles to play in ensuring U.S. telecommunications networks develop to their fullest potential: The private sector, guided by facilities-based competition, is primarily responsible for providing broadband services, while government must provide important support in areas such as spectrum management, closing the digital divide, and engaging in light-touch regulation. ITIF has long focused on this nexus of broadband issues and seeks to continue expanding this work.
The director will lead ITIF’s work on broadband policy as it relates to innovation, reporting directly to ITIF’s president. In consultation with ITIF’s president, the director will identify the most important areas to research; author reports, blog posts, and op-eds; moderate panel discussions at public events; engage with lawmakers and policy staff; provide on-the-record interviews to news media; and represent ITIF at official hearings, conferences, and other venues. During the COVID remote-working period, the position can be anywhere. But after this period is over, the position will be in Washington, DC, to network with policymakers and other stakeholders on broadband and spectrum matters.
The ideal applicant will be a seasoned policy analyst with deep knowledge and experience in broadband law and policy, with the ability to be a thought leader on the issue. The applicant will have a strong interest in Internet policy debates, including net neutrality, broadband competition, infrastructure regulation, and comparison of international broadband policy regimes.
Essential Responsibilities:
- Monitor and analyze ongoing policy developments and engage in public debates on the major broadband issues of the day.
- Research and write clear and incisive policy reports, op-ed articles, blog posts, and other publications and materials on broadband policy and innovation.
- Serve as the public face of ITIF to the media and others on broadband policy.
- Supervise a small team of broadband-focused research assistants and/or policy analysts.
Experience and skills
Qualifications:
- At least 10 years’ experience as a professional in the field, with considerable experience writing policy reports, law review articles, op-eds, or other forms of policy-oriented communication.
- Advanced degree or equivalent experience in law, economics, public policy, or related field.
- Knowledge of industrial organization or network economics, the history of U.S. telecommunications law and policy, and current debates surrounding broadband policy and regulation.
- Deep understanding and proven ability critique a variety of arguments and analyses regarding broadband issues and claims.
- Exceptional writing skills, especially an ability to communicate succinctly and persuasively to policy audiences.
- Strong public speaking skills.
- Keen interest in technology, innovation, and public policy.
- Ideally an understanding of broadband regulatory regimes not just in the United States but in other regions as well, particularly Europe.
Other useful resources
Competitive salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience, and includes a health and retirement benefits package, generous paid vacation, annual performance-based bonus, and public transportation benefit.