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.

Support the execution of VPA research and policy analysis.

• Perform research and policy analysis under the direction of senior directors and 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.
• Provide copy editing, blue booking, and fact-checking services.
• 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 research records 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.

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

• 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 or D.C. is necessary.