Food Systems and Agriculture Policy Analyst, Vanderbilt Policy Accelerator; VPA)

The Food Systems and Agriculture Policy Analyst is part of the Vanderbilt Policy Accelerator (VPA) in the Law School at Vanderbilt University. Operating within the Food Systems and Agriculture Policy workstream, this policy analyst conducts research and policy writing in the food systems and agriculture policy portfolio, supporting the Director of Food Systems and Agriculture Policy in: i) cultivating, developing, and spreading foundational policy-relevant research;

ii) building the proposals and infrastructure for policy impact; and iii) driving public narratives to rapidly advance these topics. The policy analyst will spend a significant portion of their time conducting policy research, producing communications and publications, and supporting programmatic activities that advance VPA’s priorities in the areas of food production, distribution, agricultural regulation, rural economic development, and related governance challenges.

This position reports to the Director of Food Systems and Agriculture Policy. 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.

• Produce research, white papers, policy briefs, and other policy communications like op-eds on key VPA priorities.
• Evaluate pressing challenges in food systems and agriculture policy, working closely with the Director of Food Systems and Agriculture Policy, the faculty director, and the executive director to implement a comprehensive food systems and agriculture policy agenda.
• Conduct research supporting a suite of new papers and policy proposals on topics of agriculture, food systems regulation, and rural economic development, with an emphasis on building regional food economies.
• Research, draft, and support the rollout of white papers, academic publications, and other policy products on food systems and agriculture topics to be released by VPA.

• Perform essential administrative and coordination functions related to the food systems and agriculture policy portfolio, including detailed fact checking and copyediting and exercising independent judgment and discretion.

• Assist in managing relevant public relations, media, press, and internal and external communications in consultation with the Director of Food Systems and Agriculture Policy and the executive director.
• Support the development of effective relationships and partnerships with local, regional, and national partners, stakeholders, and funders—including farm advocacy groups, food policy councils, rural development organizations, and relevant federal and state agencies.
• Manage and support conferences, events, and other programming related to the food systems and agriculture policy portfolio.

This position does not have any supervisory responsibilities and reports to the Director of Food Systems and Agriculture Policy.

• An advanced degree (i.e., master's) in food policy, agriculture, environmental law, public policy, or a related field is preferred.
• Five years of experience is necessary. Experience in food systems regulation, agricultural policy, rural economic development, or related areas, with familiarity with federal and state agriculture programs, USDA policy, and/or food supply chain governance is preferred.
• Ability to demonstrate maturity, creativity and initiative is necessary.
• Ability to perform complex tasks and to prioritize multiple projects is necessary.
• Remote work can be considered on a case‑by‑case basis.