Policy Analyst, Vanderbilt Policy Accelerator (VPA)

The Policy Analyst is part of the Vanderbilt Policy Accelerator (VPA) in the Law School at Vanderbilt University and is responsible for performing research, policy analysis, and scholarly writing. The position is akin to a staff position at a think tank and reports to the Executive Director of VPA. To be considered for this position, candidates must submit a cover letter explaining your background and interest, 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 to worker power, 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. Our “projects” are just that—enterprises designed to achieve specific goals. Each project we undertake seeks to accelerate change in education, research, policy, and public debate. 

Key Functions and Expected Performance: 

Support the execution of VPA research and policy analysis.

•Perform research and policy analysis independently and in some cases under the direction of the faculty director.
•Involved in designing certain aspects of research projects and independently conducts work complementary to the overall research objectives.
•Provide, under direct supervision, support for a research project involving intervention, and data collection; assist in investigating, gathering,assessing, and clarifying data; record and distribute information.
•Process incoming source data; restructure data files; evaluate data quality and perform data-cleaning operations as needed.
•Provide guidance for protocols around data storage and documentation, data security, and systems for maintaining human subjects researchrecords and documentation.
•Work with other team members to ensure a quick turnaround on some tasks as required.
•Compile data for research reports, assist with summary and analysis tasks.
•Designs and/or develops data tracking mechanisms or database platforms.
•Write white papers and op-eds.
•Engage in policy advocacy, independently and in collaboration with the Executive Director and other affiliates.

Supervisory Relationships: 

This position does not have supervisory responsibility; the position reports to the Executive Director of VPA.

Qualifications: 

• An undergraduate degree is necessary. 
• A graduate degree in law, public policy, or a related field is a plus. 
• A minimum of 2 years of experience in government, public policy, a think tank, or academia is strongly preferred. 
• Five years of experience in government, public policy, a think tank, or academia is preferred. 
• Candidates should have an interest in economic policy, political economy, regulation, and/or law. 
• Ability to demonstrate maturity, creativity and initiative is necessary. 
• Ability to perform complex tasks and to prioritize multiple projects is necessary. 
• Relocation to Nashville is necessary.

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.