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Policy Associate/Analyst, Equity in Civic Technology Project

The Center for Democracy & Technology is seeking a full-time policy associate/analyst to support its Equity in Civic Technology Project, which focuses on responsible data and technology use in the delivery of public services, especially in the education sector. 

The associate/analyst will conduct research and develop subject matter expertise on topics related to the responsible use of data and technology by public agencies, and support CDT’s advocacy and thought leadership through written communication, partnership management, and event coordination and attendance. This position reports to the Director of Equity in Civic Technology. CDT offers substantial autonomy as well as the opportunity to work collaboratively across a wide variety of technology policy issues.

Responsibilities

Public agencies and civic institutions increasingly rely on data and technology to carry out their responsibilities, from designing educational programs and providing healthcare options for uninsured families, to allocating unemployment benefits and addressing food and housing instability. As governments expand their use of technology and data, it is critical that they do so in ways that affirm individual privacy, respect civil rights, foster inclusive participatory systems, promote transparent and accountable oversight, and advance just social structures within the broader community.

CDT furthers these goals by providing balanced advocacy that promotes the responsible use of data and technology while protecting the privacy and civil rights of individuals. We engage with these issues from both technical and policy-minded perspectives, creating solutions-oriented policy advocacy and resources and actionable technical guidance.

This is a substantive advocacy role, which will include supporting and conducting in-depth research and analysis, including CDT’s annual polling of teachers, parents, and students, stewarding external relationships including supporting student privacy learning communities, and organizing and speaking at events ranging from coordinating CDT-hosted events to leading public presentations. 

We seek a committed advocate who will work collaboratively with other CDT staff as well as with external partners and support an ambitious advocacy agenda before policymakers, practitioners, and civil society peers.

The responsibilities of this position on the Equity in Civic Technology Project include:

  • Provide research and writing support for the Equity in Civic Technology Project, with a special focus on projects related to student privacy issues;
  • Support the Equity in Civic Technology Project’s qualitative and quantitative research, including survey research, policy analysis, monitoring of current events in education and technology policy, and other research needs;
  • Develop subject matter expertise on foundational and emerging policy issues regarding the ethical and responsible use of data and technology for service delivery like student surveillance, civil rights, and generative AI; 
  • Develop policy recommendations and advocacy documents such as policy papers, blog posts, press releases, and social media content;
  • Support, maintain, and evaluate external engagement strategies and activities to reach targeted stakeholders;
  • Help plan and execute CDT convenings with a focus on logistics and organizational details, as well as represent CDT at other events; and
  • Assist with other duties as needed including crafting funding proposals and reports, assisting with outreach to external stakeholders, and other administrative duties related to the efficient functioning of the Equity in Civic Technology team.

Qualifications

Required qualifications include:

  • A knowledge of education policy, technology policy, or privacy, with at least 1-2 years of experience in these areas preferred;
  • Excellent research and writing skills, and an ability to explain technical topics clearly to general audiences;
  • Attention to detail in written deliverables and project coordination, as well as the ability to organize events and manage multiple projects; 
  • A passion for supporting policies and practices that ensure that technology works for everyone; and
  • An energetic, entrepreneurial and collaborative working style.

Preferred qualifications include:

  • A graduate degree in law, education, or public policy;
  • Basic knowledge of internet/data-driven technologies and a demonstrated interest in technology policy issues;
  • Experience working in or with Congress or federal agencies, state education agencies, school districts, and charter management organizations; 
  • Basic data literacy and familiarity with quantitative analysis techniques, and
  • Experience analyzing policy and legislation.

Compensation, Title and Location:

The compensation for this position ranges from $55K-$85K. Compensation is determined on a tiered pay scale based on years of experience and the responsibilities of the role. Experienced candidates may be eligible for a title of Policy Analyst, which is typically available to people with advanced degrees and/or significant experience. Candidates may request guidance on where they would fall within the salary range and whether they would be eligible for the position of Policy Analyst during or prior to their first interview.

This position is based in CDT’s Washington, D.C. office, which operates on a hybrid schedule with a target of 3 days in office per week. A different hybrid schedule or fully remote work may be considered in exceptional cases, and is available if needed as a disability accommodation.

To Apply

Applications will be considered on a rolling basis starting on March 10, 2023. Application materials should be sent to [email protected]. Please submit:

  • a cover letter explaining your interest in working at CDT, what skills you would bring, and why those skills would allow you to be successful in this position (and if you are seeking a remote position); 
  • a current resume; and 
  • a writing sample that is a maximum of five pages single-spaced or equivalent. Writing samples on a relevant subject matter and/or demonstrating written policy analysis or advocacy are strongly preferred.

Please send a resume, cover letter, and writing sample to [email protected].

The Center for Democracy & Technology is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer. CDT does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, marital status, or sexual orientation in any of its activities or operations. We believe that a diverse staff enables us to do better and more impactful work. Women, people of color, disabled people, and members of low-income, LGBTQIA+, and other marginalized communities are strongly encouraged to apply.