Senior Policy and Advocacy Expert

About the Internet Society

The Internet Society is a global non-profit organization that works to protect the Internet as a place of opportunity. We connect and empower communities to ensure the Internet remains trustworthy, open, globally connected, secure, and a resource for good in the world. We believe the Internet is for everyone. But it’s more than just a privilege; it’s our responsibility to improve it.

We mobilize technologists, end users, potential users, policymakers, government agencies and institutional and corporate partners to defend and promote the collaborative inter-networking, technical standards, and protocols that grow and strengthen the Internet.

If you believe in the power and possibility of the Internet, be part of our mission.

The Internet Society (ISOC) is committed to a culture of diversity and inclusion, where all individuals are valued for their distinct contributions. Our people are the most valuable strengths we have. The collective sum of the individual differences, life experiences, knowledge, inventiveness, innovation, self-expression, unique capabilities, and talent that our staff invests in their work represents a significant part of not only our culture, but our reputation and ISOC’s achievements.

About the Position

The Internet Society is looking for a Senior Policy and Advocacy Expert in the Washington, D.C. metro area to join our team to advocate for an open, globally connected, secure and trustworthy Internet for everyone. This position offers an exciting opportunity to join a global team of Internet experts and help drive campaigns that promote and defend the Internet both in Washington, D.C. and across the globe. You’ll bring Internet policy expertise, advocacy experience, leadership skills, and a strong network of contacts to advance our projects and help shape the future work of the Internet Society.

Location

This is a work from home position based within the Washington D.C area.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Position the Internet Society’s policy agenda strategically and powerfully with policymakers, partners and influencers in Washington, D.C.
• Drive advocacy activities on Internet policy issues based on Internet Society priorities and areas of work.
• Craft Internet Society positions, engagement processes, and other policy activities.
• Monitor the US policy, regulatory, and legislative landscape to identify and assess developments and proposals that could negatively impact the Internet.
• Work in collaboration with project experts across the globe to mobilize partners and community members to advocate for policy changes that protect an open, globally connected, secure and trustworthy Internet.
• Represent the Internet Society in a variety of settings, including in the media, and with governments, legislatives bodies, regional and international policy and technical fora, civil society and the private sector in a manner that maintains the high standards of the Society.
• Research, write, and edit briefing documents, papers, reports, talking points, presentations/speeches, and other materials to advance policy goals.

Basic Qualifications

• Exceptional leader and collaborator with experience in government relations, advocacy, and Internet policy research.
• Recognized Internet policy expert with 8-10 years of experience in government, industry, or non-profit advocacy.
• Expertise in at least one of the following Internet/tech policy areas: Intermediary protections and liability, encryption law and policy, connectivity policy, free flow of information, telecommunications law, and digital trade policy.
• Solid understanding of U.S. government legislative and regulatory processes and demonstrated ability to engage effectively in those processes. Experience with U.S. state level legislative and policy processes.
• Sufficient Internet technical expertise or familiarity to effectively translate technical topics into policy advocacy.
• A proven capacity to engage effectively with a wide range of actors and communities on Internet policy issues, particularly policy issues impacting the growth and security of the Internet.
• The demonstrated ability to develop, implement, and/or monitor advocacy strategies that will advance Internet Society objectives within different legal and regulatory environments.
• Commitment to the Internet Society’s mission, values, goals, and objectives.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced policy environment, manage change, and provide constructive advice on how to address problems that do not have clear solutions or outcomes.
• Communicates effectively: Is effective in a variety of communication settings: one-on-one, small and large groups, or among diverse styles and position levels; adjusts to fit the audience and the message.
  
• Values differences: Seeks to understand different perspectives and cultures, and applies others’ diverse experiences, styles, backgrounds, and perspectives to get results.
• Interpersonal savvy: Relates comfortably with people across levels, functions, culture, and geography, acting with diplomacy and tact while building constructive relationships with people both similar and different to self.
• Being resilient: Is confident under pressure and handles and manages crises effectively with the ability to grow from hardships and negative experiences.
• Ability to work within a globally distributed team across time zones.
• Infrequent travel may be expected.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree or equivalent advanced degree in technology or similar field of study.
• Experience working within an international non-profit organization.

What You'll Love About Us

• Make an Impact.  We have an exciting vision and mission to bring the Internet to everyone!
• Great Company Culture.  We are a global team and live our values of collaboration, inclusion, respect, people, and passion in all of our HR programs including our new recognition program!
• Rest and Relaxation.  Generous paid time off and paid public holidays.
• Benefits.  Based on local in-country guidelines.
• Give back.  Get paid to volunteer in your community!
• Professional Development and Educational Benefits.  Annual company contribution towards professional development or higher education.
• Flexible Work Models.  Flexible work-from-home option for most locations.

The Internet Society is an equal opportunity employer, committed to hiring regardless of any protected characteristic, such as race, ethnicity, national origin, color, sex, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability status, or military/veteran status. Together, our employees are empowered to share their expertise and collaborate with others to achieve personal and professional goals.