Policy Director - Institute for Information, Internet, and Democracy

About the Opportunity

JOB SUMMARY

The Institute for Information, Internet, and Democracy seeks to support rigorous research on the problems of the contemporary information ecosystem, and to evaluate the potential of interventions into and uses of the affordances of the internet to support connection and to empower democracy. The Institute supports highly interdisciplinary research across political science, computer science, journalism, media, law, and public health, among other fields.

The Policy Director will develop the long-term policy goals of the Institute by overseeing policy research and analysis. The Policy Director will work closely with the Institute’s affiliated faculty, the larger Northeastern University body, and external stakeholders to determine and direct these goals. The Policy Director will build relationships with government officials, industry leaders, and academics to advance the Institute’s aims and stay informed on policy developments globally. The Policy Director will be a key leader in preparing communications and publications from the Institute. The Policy Director will also collaborate with the Institute’s Dublin coalition.

The College of Social Sciences and Humanities (CSSH) combines Northeastern University’s signature approach to experiential learning with liberal arts education, interdisciplinary research, and community engagement, both locally and globally.

The College comprises 17 academic units, including two schools, seven departments, and eight interdisciplinary programs, as well as 15 research centers and institutes. Our faculty connects liberal arts education with the challenges of our time, and fosters ethical reasoning and critical thought, with attention to the enduring significance of history, literature, and culture.  CSSH promotes inquiry with global perspectives and a culture of inclusion across interdisciplinary clusters of expertise including: Resilience, Sustainability, Health, and Equity; Cultural studies, Governance, and Globalization; and Network Science, Computational Social Science, Digital Humanities, and Data Ethics.

CSSH is strongly committed to fostering excellence through diversity and promotes a culture of inclusion for our students, faculty, and staff. Guided by a Strategic Plan on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging, the College enthusiastically welcomes applications from members of groups underrepresented in higher education administration.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Policy Development and Analysis: Lead development of evidence-based policy frameworks addressing technology and democracy challenges, analyze emerging threats to electoral integrity and platform governance, and synthesize Institute research into actionable policy recommendations for government decision-makers.

• Strategic Advocacy and Engagement: Build and maintain relationships with congressional staff, regulatory agencies, and election officials while advocating for research-backed policies through hearings, regulatory proceedings, and multi-stakeholder forums

• Research Translation and Communication: Translate academic research into accessible policy briefs, white papers, and testimony for policymakers, journalists, and civic organizations, ensuring timely analysis of emerging democratic challenges and legislative developments.

• External Partnership Development and Coalition Building: Cultivate strategic partnerships with civil society organizations, international democracy groups, and technology companies while organizing multi-stakeholder convenings and leading coalitions to defend democratic institutions online.

QUALIFICATIONS

Master's degree required in Public Policy, Law, Political Science, or related field. Minimum 3-5 years administrative and leadership experience with a deep knowledge of internet governance frameworks and election administration processes required. Ability to think strategically about long-term goals on a day-to-day basis. Experience negotiating with internal and external stakeholders, including federal or state policymakers. Excellent verbal and written communication skills and a high level of skill in strategic planning and policy research required.

Position Type

Additional Information

Northeastern University considers factors such as candidate work experience, education and skills when extending an offer.  

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Compensation Grade/Pay Type:

Expected Hiring Range:

With the pay range(s) shown above, the starting salary will depend on several factors, which may include your education, experience, location, knowledge and expertise, and skills as well as a pay comparison to similarly-situated employees already in the role. Salary ranges are reviewed regularly and are subject to change.