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Seeking: Tech Policy Consultant

Joint Center January 25, 2022

Request for Proposals
January 24, 2022
Tech Policy consultant
from Feb. 10-July 31, 2022

Reporting To: Joint Center vice president of Policy

Work Location: Remote (in the United States)

Organizational Overview
The Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies, America’s Black think tank, provides compelling and actionable policy solutions to eradicate persistent and evolving barriers to the full freedom of Black people in America. We are the trusted forum for leading experts and scholars to participate in major public policy debates and promote ideas that advance Black communities. We use evidence-based research, analysis, convenings, and strategic communications to support Black communities and a network of allies. Currently, the Joint Center focuses on the future of work in Black communities, the impact of economic policies on Black communities in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, technology policy and Black communities, congressional staff diversity, and Black presidential appointments.

Summary of Services Requested
The Joint Center is searching for a consultant to support the organization’s Tech Policy goals between Feb. 10 and July 31, 2022. The consultant will help to implement the Joint Center’s 2022 Tech Policy strategy. By managing key Tech Policy projects at the Joint Center, the consultant will help enhance the Joint Center’s leadership on key Tech Policy issues affecting Black communities. We estimate that the work below will require about 30-40 hours per week.

Key Responsibilities:
Primary responsibilities for the Tech Policy consultant include superb project management of the Joint Center’s Tech Policy projects. The Tech Policy consultant is responsible for:

  • Following developments relevant to Black communities at the FCC, FTC, NTIA, relevant congressional committees, DC tech think tanks, and DC tech advocacy organizations.
  • Participating in the tech/telecom policy debate through policy analysis where appropriate.
  • Work in coalition with community stakeholders, key policymakers, philanthropy, and national partner organizations.
  • Representing the Joint Center in coalitions, at select meetings, and at other opportunities for public education on issues of tech policy and Black communities.
  • Managing the completion of current Joint Center projects, including (but not limited to):
    • Managing the production of a commissioned report on Section 230 and Black communities.
    • Commissioning or drafting a set of three issue briefs on Section 230 and Black communities based on the final commissioned report.
    • Planning and hosting a roundtable on digital equity and commissioning written pieces from roundtable attendees.
    • Editing, collecting feedback on, and publishing a report on data privacy and Black communities.
    • Working with the Joint Center president, vice president of Policy, and development team on grant applications and grant reports to ensure the sustainability and growth of the Joint Center and the Tech Policy program.
    • Working with the development team and vice president of Policy to ensure all donor obligations, including grant reports, renewals, and proposal submissions, are completed and ensure all deadlines met. Meeting weekly (or as otherwise needed) with the Joint Center leadership (e.g., vice president of Policy) to discuss progress, identify needed supports, and ensure alignment.
    • Meeting as needed with other Joint Center team members (e.g., communications team) to discuss ongoing work, and join other Joint Center team meetings as needed to understand the Joint Center and its work.
    • Performing other duties as assigned.

The ideal Tech Policy consultant will be:

  • Committed to the Joint Center’s values, which include: Mission is the metric; Black communities matter; commitment to rigor and excellence; constant feedback and growth; collaboration and respect; leadership and owning your own work; and being proactive (reflective, visionary, innovative, calm, strategic, purposeful, organized, and punctual).
  • Familiar with technology policy issues.
  • In possession of strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills, including the ability to manage up, down, and across a team.
  • In possession of strong project management skills, including meeting deadlines and ensuring work products are of high quality.
  • Experienced with commissioning research projects and managing a community of external experts and other consultants.
  • An exceptional writer and editor who has experience breaking down dense jargon (e.g., computer science concepts, legislative language, or demographic data) for a lay audience, community activists, journalists, and elected officials. The candidate must be committed to ensuring that the tech policy projects meet the Joint Center’s high standards for quality research. A candidate must demonstrate an ability to:
    • Vary and tailor writing styles for various audiences and outlets and modify writing styles to comport with the voice and style of the Joint Center;
    • Consistently meet deadlines; and
    • Edit the work of others and help develop the research and writing skills of others.
  • Experienced in Microsoft Office Suite.
  • Comfortable taking initiative.
  • Willing to work 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. EST (the Joint Center is in Washington, DC).
  • Effective at time management, organization, and independent follow through.
  • Able to maintain confidential and sensitive information.
  • Willing to work independently and as part of a team.
  • Able to balance multiple projects, stakeholders, and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
  • Able to serve as a compelling organizational ambassador.

How to Submit Proposal

Interested consultants should send a cover letter, resume or CV, and proposal as one document to the Joint Center at recruiting@jointcenter.org in PDF format with “Tech Policy consultant” in the subject line. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis, and a decision will be made as soon as the appropriate consultant is identified.