Policy Analyst

Policy Analyst

This position will be based in Philadelphia Pennsylvania or Washington D.C. FIRE operates on a hybrid work schedule that allows for a mix of intheoffice and remote work for eligible employees. This position is not eligible for fully remote work.

About FIRE

The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expressions mission is to defend and sustain the individual rights of all Americans to free speech and free thought the most essential qualities of liberty. FIRE educates Americans about the importance of these inalienable rights promotes a culture of respect for these rights and provides the means to preserve them.

Position Description

The Policy Analyst will report to the Vice President of Research and work within the Research team. This role will support FIREs efforts to expand its research into free expression issues beyond higher education helping to identify analyze and communicate trends that shape the landscape of First Amendment rights and free speech more broadly. The Policy Analyst will also work closely with FIREs Litigation Legislative and Public Advocacy teams to provide research that supports crossfunctional initiatives.

The duties for this position include but are not limited to:

• Conduct original research on a wide range of questions related to freedom of expression including legal legislative cultural and technological dimensions.
• Investigate and synthesize publicly available data legal cases academic research and government records.
• Submit and navigate public records requests.
• Draft research memos policy briefs white papers and written products that translate complex issues for internal stakeholders and external audiences.
• Collaborate with FIREs legislative public advocacy and litigation teams to provide policy context and analysis relevant to their work.
• Present research findings clearly through presentations or public commentary as appropriate.
• Track emerging issues in the free speech landscape and help generate new research ideas.

This position involves a minimal amount of travel. Although projected to be rare there may be some occasional work on weekends and evenings.

The expected start date for this position is as soon as possible.

Qualifications

A successful candidate will have a good work ethic be a solutionist and have the ability to work independently. Most importantly the candidate must demonstrate a knowledge and passion for FIREs mission and an ability to articulate that passion in a way that will make others enthusiastic about our cause. A candidate must also be able to demonstrate:

• Bachelors degree (or equivalent training) in public policy political science law economics sociology or a related field; masters degree or legal training is a plus.
• 3 years of relevant experience in research policy analysis journalism or legal work.
• Demonstrated interest in civil liberties free speech or First Amendment issues.
• Excellent research and writing skills including the ability to clearly communicate nuanced or controversial topics.
• Comfortable working with both qualitative and quantitative data (experience with statistical analysis or public records requests is a plus).
• Selfstarter with intellectual curiosity and a collaborative mindset.
• The ability to use sound judgment and exercise discretion.

• Experience working with large datasets or conducting legal research.
• Familiarity with public records requests legislative tracking or case law databases.
• Prior work at a think tank civil liberties organization or policyfocused nonprofit.

The projected salary range is $80000$90000 based upon experience and education level. FIRE conducts periodic evaluations where employees may receive raises or bonuses for outstanding and excellent work. FIRE also offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes employerpaid comprehensive health dental and life insurance; a Section 125 Flexible Spending Account option; matching retirement contributions; and a generous paid timeoff plan.

Applications

Applicants should provide a resume cover letter demonstration of work (if possible) salary requirements and contact information of at least two professional references. All applications are confidential. Please address applications to Cait Scanlan Chief People Officer.

FIRE is an equal opportunity employer.