The Future of Privacy Forum (FPF) is a non-profit organization that serves as a catalyst for privacy leadership and scholarship, advancing principled data practices in support of emerging technologies. The Youth & Education Privacy team advises policymakers, academics, companies, districts, and states on child and student privacy law and best practices; oversees the Education Privacy Resource Center website, Student Privacy Compass, and the review of applicants to the Student Privacy Pledge; and convenes stakeholders to ensure the responsible use of student data and education technology in schools.
General Overview
This position will support FPF work on youth and student privacy issues in the K-12 and higher education realm to support the fulfillment of grant deliverables, help respond to technical assistance requests from stakeholders, draft publications and resources, and other responsibilities as they arise. The ideal candidate will be a superior writer; have a strong desire to effect change in the world with a focus on compromise, nuance, and bringing stakeholders together to find actionable solutions; be able to help translate complicated legal or technical topics for a variety of audiences; have the ability to remain professional and impartial while working in a political environment; and a willingness to support team members. The Policy Fellow will interact regularly with leading senior figures in government, corporations, academia, advocacy groups, and law firms.
Importance of Fit
We are looking for someone who is enthusiastic about exploring the nuances of privacy in society; helping stakeholders reach consensus on ethical norms, policies, and business practices to address new privacy challenges; and the ability to thrive in a rapidly evolving policy environment. An ideal candidate will be able to maintain order and solve problems with creativity, determination, and collaboration. An interest in deep legal research, particularly of state laws is strongly preferred.
Position Requirements:
The fellowship is a 16-month, public interest fellowship with the option to extend, dependent on performance and grant funding. Applicants should have:
- Outstanding verbal and written communication skills, including editing and proofreading skills.
- Demonstrated legal research skills and a superb ability to synthesize complex information into plain language.
- A demonstrated ability to work efficiently, meet deadlines, and manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong work ethic, a collaborative mindset, flexibility, creativity, and professional demeanor.
- Ability to work effectively and seamlessly with a wide variety of people.
Desired Attributes:
- Previous internships or other experience in education, privacy, security, technology policy, political campaigns, or government positions, particularly that demonstrate your ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
- Experience tracking and analyzing federal and state legislation;
- Reputation for being entrepreneurial, energetic, positive, and focused.
- Deeply interested in exploring the nuances between protecting student privacy and the potential for data and technology to improve education.
FPF knows that having a diverse workforce is essential to our work. We do not discriminate against any candidate based on their race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity or expression, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, or age.
Further, FPF prides itself on providing equal opportunities in employment and can make further accommodations to meet your accessibility needs. Please, send an email to [email protected] with the subject line “PolicyFellowYE2021_[NAME]” if you need assistance in submitting your application.
Salary and Benefits:
$65,000; includes excellent health, dental, and vision coverage, three weeks of vacation plus the week between Christmas and New Year’s, Juneteenth and all federal holidays.
This is a full-time position based out of the Washington DC office. FPF staff are working remotely until January 2022, with the option to work in-office as preferred, in accordance with building and organization COVID-19 safety regulations.
How to Apply:
Please send your resume, a cover letter, law or grad school transcript if you are or were in school within the past two years, and two writing samples to [email protected], with subject line “PolicyFellowYE2021_[NAME].” Please submit at least one sample that has not been edited by another party. Writing samples that are similar to blog posts or articles are especially useful. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply ASAP but no later than May 30.