Policy and Communications Analyst

Ranking Digital Rights (RDR), a nonprofit human rights and corporate accountability project based at New America’s Open Technology Institute , seeks a fulltime Policy and Communications Analyst responsible for policy analysis, public promotion, and stakeholder engagement to maximize the policy impact and stakeholder adoption of RDR’s Corporate Accountability Index.

After more than two years of research, stakeholder consultation, pilot testing, and iteration, RDR released its inaugural Corporate Accountability Index in November 2015. The next Index will be released in the first half of 2017, after which the project aims to continue on an annual cycle of research, release, promotion, stakeholder engagement, and iteration. For a nonprofit professional who wants to have a direct impact on policy and practice in the area of freedom of expression and privacy, this position brings an exciting opportunity to contribute to the success of an innovative, early-stage project. For more information about the project please visit rankingdigitals.org. 

Core responsibilities:

The following activities will be supervised primarily by the Director:

-- Assist in developing and executing the project’s outreach and engagement strategy; 

-- Support the project’s engagement with companies during the Index research cycle as well as after publication of the Index results; 

-- Support engagement with other key stakeholders including investors, NGOs and policymakers before and after publication of each Index; 

-- Provide support and guidance to civil society groups and researchers seeking to use the Index methodology in their own advocacy and/or related research, and help to develop and maintain longterm partnerships with organizations around the world;

-- Represent and promote RDR’s work at relevant fora and events. 

The following activities will be supervised primarily by the Research and Editorial Manager:

-- Write regular blog posts and articles that help to promote the Index results and underlying standards, highlighting connections between the project’s work and recent developments in the news, etc.; 

-- Promote the project in social media and other relevant platforms and communities; 

--Assist the Index research team with policy analysis and policy related research; 

-- Assist in the writing and production of reports as needed; 

Minimum qualifications:

-- Strong knowledge of digital rights including freedom of expression and privacy online, in a global context, gained through prior employment or academic experience; 

-- Proven ability to function well on a team; 

-- Proven ability to write clearly, concisely, and on deadline about subjects related to RDR’s work; 

-- Professional social media experience; 

-- Public speaking experience; 

-- Detail oriented; 

-- Fluency in written and spoken English 

Additional qualifications:

--  Experience in carrying out advocacy and/or stakeholder engagement; 

--  Existing relationships with research and/or advocacy organizations around the world whose work includes digital rights; 

-- Prior research, advocacy, or policy experience related to business and human rights; 

-- Experience working in professional or academic environments outside the United States, particularly in the developing world; 

-- Experience working with remote team members; 

-- Proficiency in at least one language other than English; 

-- A relevant graduate degree

Location: Budapest, Hungary at the offices of RDR’s partner organization, the Center for Media, Data and Society at Central European University. Other cities where RDR has institutional relationships may also be considered.

Application instructions:

In addition to cover letter and CV, please include writing sample that showcases your ability to write about digital rights issues, especially in relation to companies, to a broad audience. 

Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

About Ranking Digital Rights :

Ranking Digital Rights is a nonprofit research initiative housed at New America’s Open Technology Institute, working with an international network of partners to set global standards for how companies in the information and communications technology (ICT) sector should respect freedom of expression and privacy. The project's inaugural 2015 Corporate Accountability Index ranked 16 of the world's most powerful Internet and telecommunications companies on their disclosed commitments, policies, and practices affecting freedom of expression and privacy.  Future iterations of the Index will expand over time to include more companies that produce a broader range of digitally networked products and services with implications for global human rights. 

About Open Technology Institute:

The Open Technology Institute at New America is committed to freedom and social justice in the digital age. To achieve these goals, it intervenes in traditional policy debates, builds technology, and deploys tools with communities.

About New America:

New America is dedicated to the renewal of American politics, prosperity, and purpose in the Digital Age. We carry out our mission as a nonprofit civic enterprise: an intellectual venture capital fund, think tank, technology laboratory, public forum, and media platform. Our hallmarks are big ideas, impartial analysis, pragmatic policy solutions, technological innovation, next generation politics, and creative engagement with broad audiences

New America is an equal opportunity employer committed to hiring a diverse workforce at all levels of the organization thereby creating a culture that allows us to better serve our clientele, our employees and our communities. We value and encourage the contributions of our employees and strive to create an environment where everyone can reach their full potential and drive outstanding results. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, gender identity or expression, or any other basis protected by local, state, or federal law. This policy applies with regard to all aspects of one’s employment, including hiring, transfer, promotion, compensation, eligibility for benefits, and termination.

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