Policy Counsel

Position Summary

The Knight First Amendment Institute defends the freedoms of speech and the press in the digital age through strategic litigation, research, policy advocacy, and public education. We aim to promote a system of free expression that is open and inclusive, that broadens and elevates public discourse, and that fosters creativity, accountability, and effective self-government.

Since its establishment in 2016, the Institute has filed precedent-setting litigation, undertaken major interdisciplinary research initiatives, and become an influential voice in debates about the freedoms of speech and the press in the digital age. Its active litigation docket includes cutting-edge cases relating to transparency, surveillance, and social media. Through its research program, the Institute has hosted leading thinkers as visiting scholars and published influential essays focused on emerging threats to the system of free expression. It has also hosted public events on issues including new technology and public discourse, data journalism and the law, the First Amendment and inequality, national-security journalism, and the implications for public discourse of economic concentration in the technology sector. The Institute formally launched its policy program in the spring of 2024 with the aim of expanding its understanding of the current and emerging landscape around speech and privacy online, deepening the Institute’s involvement in policy debates, strengthening the Institute’s ability to influence regulatory and legislative agendas, and forging policy-focused partnerships within the broader Columbia community.

The Policy Counsel will be the second full-time member of this new program and will be a key contributor to the program’s development. Reporting to the Policy Director, the Policy Counsel will advance the Institute’s policy-focused efforts by researching and analyzing legislation, regulatory proposals, reports, and other policy initiatives; drafting legislative language; formulating public policy positions for the Institute and aiding in the development of advocacy strategies to further these positions; supporting the Institute’s involvement in policy debates and discussions; and engaging with coalition partners and others on behalf of the Institute. The Policy Counsel must have at least four years of relevant experience, including experience engaging in legal and policy analysis and strategy, and have a demonstrated understanding of issues concerning free speech, privacy, and technology. Experience working on Capitol Hill or in a federal agency is strongly desired. The Policy Counsel must also be a strong writer and have the judgment, energy, initiative, creativity, flexibility, and passion required to work effectively individually, as part of a team, and collaboratively across programs. The Policy Counsel will be based in Washington, D.C., with frequent travel to the Institute’s offices in New York City. This is a two-year, grant funded role with possibility of extension after two years if additional funds are secured.

Responsibilities

• Monitor, research, analyze, and advise on legal, legislative, political, technological, and other developments in assigned issue areas; identify other areas that warrant the Institute’s attention.
• Support the formulation of legislative and regulatory proposals related to the Institute’s policy focus areas.
• Produce policy-related publications, including memoranda, legal analyses, white papers, reports, essays, op-eds, and blog posts.
• Coordinate Institute responses to requests from legislators and regulators for advice on policy proposals.
• Represent the Institute in coalition meetings and events; liaise with counterparts at colleague organizations.
• Identify and arrange opportunities for Institute staff to provide expert testimony and other guidance on issues relating to Institute projects and priorities; help prepare witnesses for Congressional and agency testimony.
• Evaluate coalition sign-on letters and other requests for Institute endorsements or support on policy-related questions.
• Assist in hiring and supervision of policy program staff, including interns, externs, and fellows.
• Perform additional duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• JD degree.
• Minimum of four years of relevant experience working on policy and legislative matters. Capitol Hill or federal agency experience strongly preferred.
• Extensive knowledge of current policy questions at the intersection of free speech and new technologies.
• Thorough command of federal legislative processes.
• Flexibility and adaptability to navigate dynamic political landscapes and respond to evolving policy priorities.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze legislative and regulatory policy; experience drafting and analyzing legislative language.
• Strong legal research and analytical skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience serving as a counsel or senior counsel to a legislative committee on the Hill.
• Facility with Quorum.

Salary Range

• $130,000 - $157,000

How To Apply

Applicants must apply through the Columbia University careers site here. Applications will consist of the following:

1. Cover letter explaining your interest in the position, including a description of any relevant life or work experience
2. Resume
3. One writing sample

Additional information may be requested during the application process. Incomplete applications will not be considered.