Job Description
The Sr. Director of AI and Technology Policy is part of the Vanderbilt Policy Accelerator (VPA) in the Law School at Vanderbilt University and is the leader responsible for the development and implementation of the artificial intelligence (AI) and technology policy agenda and research portfolio, including the newly established Tech Policy Blueprint Initiative. The Director will spend a significant amount of time providing strategic policy guidance and programmatic oversight of key VPA priorities. This position reports to the Executive Director and Faculty Director of VPA. To be considered for this position, candidates must submit a cover letter, CV, and list of references.
The Vanderbilt Policy Accelerator (VPA) focuses on a small number of cutting-edge topics in political economy and regulation. We bring research, education, and policy proposals in these areas from infancy to maturity and periphery to centrality. We cultivate, grow, and spread research, education, and policy ideas—and at a pace that aligns with the urgency of today's challenges. We are currently in the midst of a political economy revolution. From antitrust to trade, swift changes are taking place that are reshaping how policymakers and the general public think about economic policy. These changes create an opportunity to advance new paradigms, research, and policy ideas. We are action focused. Each project we undertake seeks to accelerate developments in education, research, policy, and public debate.
Independently lead the development and implementation of the AI and tech policy agenda and research portfolio associated with the AI and technology policy, including the Technology Blueprint Initiative. (40%)
- Evaluate pressing challenges in technology policy, working closely with the faculty director and executive director to develop and implement a comprehensive tech policy agenda and oversee the Tech Policy Blueprint Initiative.
- Lead research on the regulation of tech across all platforms (social, marketplaces, cloud, search, operating systems, satellite, drones, streaming services) with a focus on structural, market shaping governance, including break ups, utility regulation, nondiscrimination rules, and interoperability issues.
- Develop policy proposals to improve tech governance from regulation of targeted advertising and algorithmic pricing to consumer and worker protections.
- Perform essential administrative and management functions related to the Tech Policy Blueprint Initiative, involving independent exercise of judgment and discretion.
- Supervise, train, coordinate workflow, and administer policies for VPA staff and fellows as relevant to tech policy and the Blueprint Initiative.
- Manage relevant public relations, media, press, and internal and external communications in consultation with the faculty director and executive director.
- Responsible for project management of key initiatives in consultation with the executive director, ensuring administrative accuracy and integrity of VPA.
- Advise on key components of the VPA budget in consultation with the executive director.
- Expand outreach on key issue areas, overseeing the development of effective relationships and partnerships with local, regional, and national partners, stakeholders, and funders. Manage outward-facing representation of VPA as a formal representative.
- Research, draft, and oversee the roll out of white papers, including academic publications and other policy products to be released by VPA.
- Draft and oversee the development of policy briefs and other policy communications on key VPA priorities - including press releases, social media copy, and op-eds - that promote VPA’s work on public options and governance.
- Advise and direct the work of policy analysts.
- Provide strategic advice and guidance to the faculty director and executive director in the execution of VPA’s mission and administration of key programs.
- Manage conference, events, and other programming related to the public options and governance portfolio.
- Support programming across the VPA portfolio as needed.
- Plan and execute meetings and briefings with academics, public officials, and other stakeholders.
Supervisory Relationships:
This position will have eventual supervisory responsibility with oversight of the day-to-day work product of junior staff and policy analysts and will directly manage junior staff within their verticals; the position reports to the Executive Director and Faculty Director of VPA.
- A master’s degree in legal studies or the equivalent, and/or a minimum of 5 years of experience is required .
- Experience in a higher education setting is preferred .
- Candidates should have an interest in economic policy, political economy, regulation, and/or law.
- Demonstrated high levels of integrity, honesty, and openness to create strong and enduring collaboration with key leaders across the institution and community is necessary .
- Executive level interpersonal and communication skills with ability to effectively relate to and promote diversity and inclusion is necessary .
- Ability to demonstrate maturity, creativity and initiative in expanding the Law School’s presence locally and nationally is necessary .
- Ability to make sound administrative/procedural decisions using a high level of discernment is necessary .
- Ability to perform complex tasks and to prioritize multiple projects is necessary .
- Ability to provide technical advice and information to staff in area of expertise is necessary .
- Relocation to Nashville is strongly preferred , but remote work with occasional travel may be possible, on a case-by-case basis.
Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
At Vanderbilt University, we are intentional about and assume accountability for fostering advancement and respect for equity, diversity, and inclusion for all students, faculty, and staff. Our commitment to diversity makes us who we are. We have created a community that celebrates differences and lets individuality thrive. As part of this commitment, we actively value diversity in our workplace and learning environments as we seek to take advantage of the rich backgrounds and abilities of everyone. The diverse voices of Vanderbilt represent an invaluable resource for the University in its efforts to fulfill its mission and strive to be an example of excellence in higher education.
Vanderbilt University is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Please note, all candidates selected for an offer of employment are subject to pre-employment background checks, which may include but are not limited to, based on the role for which they have been selected: criminal history, education verification, social media review, motor vehicle records, credit history, and professional license verification.
At Vanderbilt University , our work - regardless of title or role - is in service to an important and noble mission in which every member of our community serves in advancing knowledge and transforming lives on a daily basis. Located in Nashville , Tennessee, on a 330+ acre campus and arboretum dating back to 1873, Vanderbilt is proud to have been named as one of “America’s Best Large Employers” as well as a top employer in Tennessee and the Nashville metropolitan area by Forbes for several years running. We welcome those who are interested in learning and growing professionally with an employer that strives to create, foster and sustain opportunities as an employer of choice through:
- Working and growing together as a community of communities... we are One Vanderbilt .
- Providing a work environment where every staff and faculty member can be their authentic and best self , while providing the resources and opportunities to learn and grow.
- Encouraging development, collaboration, and partnership both internally and externally while fostering the value that every member of the Vanderbilt community can lead and grow regardless of title or position.
We understand you have a choice when choosing where to work and pursue a career. We understand you are unique and have a story. We want to hear it. We encourage you to apply today so that you might become a part of our story.
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Vanderbilt University has made the health and safety of our students, faculty and staff and our surrounding communities a top priority. As part of that commitment, the University may require employees to comply with any testing or health and safety measures which the University may require.
At Vanderbilt University, we are intentional about and assume accountability for fostering advancement and respect for equity, diversity, and inclusion for all students, faculty, and staff. Our commitment to diversity makes us who we are. We have created a community that celebrates differences and lets individuality thrive. As part of this commitment, we actively value diversity in our workplace and learning environments as we seek to take advantage of the rich backgrounds and abilities of everyone. The diverse voices of Vanderbilt represent an invaluable resource for the University in its efforts to fulfill its mission and strive to be an example of excellence in higher education.
Vanderbilt University is an equal-opportunity, affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Please note, all candidates selected for an offer of employment are subject to pre-employment background checks, which may include but are not limited to, based on the role for which they have been selected: criminal history, education verification, social media review, motor vehicle records, credit history, and professional license verification.
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