Posted on February 17, 2012

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Senior Policy Analyst

The Open Society Foundations work to build vibrant and tolerant democracies whose governments are accountable to their citizens. To achieve this mission, the Foundations seek to shape public policies that assure greater fairness in political, legal, and economic systems and safeguard fundamental rights. On a local level, the Open Society Foundations implement a range of initiatives to advance justice, education, public health, and independent media. At the same time, we build alliances across borders and continents on issues such as corruption and freedom of information. The Foundations place a high priority on protecting and improving the lives of people in marginalized communities.

Investor and philanthropist George Soros established the Open Society Foundations, starting in 1984, to help countries make the transition from communism. Our activities have grown to encompass the United States and more than 70 countries in Europe, Asia, Africa and Latin America. Each Foundation relies on the expertise of boards composed of eminent citizens who determine individual agendas based on local priorities.

The OSF Washington Office conducts direct advocacy on a broad range of international and domestic issues, including human rights, civil liberties, drug policy, minority rights, public health, education, judicial independence, government transparency and criminal justice reform. The office houses the Open Society Policy Center (OSPC), a separately incorporated entity created under Section 501(c)(4) of the IRS Code, which has the legal capacity to take positions and lobby on legislation but which does not engage in any electoral activities.

Purpose of Position: The Open Society Foundation’s Washington Office seeks a Senior Policy Analyst to work on transparency, media and election issues, including the Open Government Initiative, whistleblower protections, government secrecy, internet policy, media diversity, campaign finance and voting rights. The Senior Policy Analyst will be the Washington Office’s expert on these issues and will advocate for open society principles in these areas, work with or create coalitions to develop and implement advocacy strategies, produce briefing materials and reports, engage with the media and be a liaison with other offices within OSF working on these issues. Work is carried out independently.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. OSI may add, change, or remove essential and other duties at any time.

• Analyze U.S. Government policy on transparency, media and election issues;
• Develop strategies and materials to move U.S. Government policy on these issues through effective public advocacy and discussions with key decision-makers;
• Work closely with representatives of other organizations and OSF grantees to help build effective coalitions on these issues;
• Represent OSF in meetings with the Executive branch, Congress and other nonprofit organizations;
• Create a range of documents, including articles, issue briefs, reports, memoranda, OpEds, blog posts and other written and electronic content on these issues;

Work with communications staff on media strategies and outreach on these issues;

• Develop close working relationships with the relevant staff in other OSF offices who work on these issues, including staff of U.S. Programs, the Information Program and the Media Program;
Travel is required;
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education/Experience: Advanced degree (M.A./M.S) and ten to fifteen years of relevant experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Experience in related policy fields;

• Extensive substantive knowledge of transparency, media policy and/or election reform issues and U.S. Government policies on those issues;
• Excellent knowledge of the U.S. political process and experience working with Congress on relevant issues.

Skills Required:

• Excellent communication skills, including a demonstrated ability to effectively communicate findings and positions, both orally and in writing;
• Strong advocacy skills and strategic judgment;
• Substantial background in developing and implementing advocacy strategies;
• Excellent written and editorial skills;
• Excellent research skills, including the ability to find, analyze, synthesize and report information;
• Strong self-initiative and the ability to set and meet goals;
• Flexibility and willingness to work on a range of tasks; and
• Ability to handle multiple tasks under tight deadlines.
• Proven ability to build effective and cohesive teams;
• Maintain relationships with other senior staff and their teams;
• Proven leadership qualities with delivering superior results;
• Expert in identifying and resolving complex issues;
• Integrity, professional discretion and ability to handle sensitive/confidential matters;
• Extraordinary initiative, creative thinker and strong analytical skills;
• Ability to connect a variety of issues to broader trends and new paradigms;
• Ability to develop and implement innovative and strategic priorities;
Proven commitment to the Open Society Foundations mission.

Work Environment and Physical Demands:

Essential functions are typically performed in an office setting with a low level of noise. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Program Specific Requirements:

Substantial practical experience in the field;

Advocacy work experience in Washington.

Start Date: Immediately

Compensation: Commensurate with experience. Excellent benefits package.

Application Instructions

To Apply:

Please email resume and cover letter with salary requirements before March 16, 2012 to: humanresources@sorosny.org Include job code in subject line: SPA-DC

OR

Open Society Foundations
Human Resources – Code SPA-DC
400 West 59th Street
New York, New York 10019

FAX: 646.557.2672

No phone calls, please. The Open Society Foundations is an Equal Opportunity Employer.