Carnegie Mellon University's Department of Engineering and Public Policy and Wilton E. Scott Institute for Energy Innovation invites applications for a Director for Policy Engagement based in Washington, DC. The director will drive strategy and execution of activities to strengthen two-way engagement between policymakers and research conducted by the department and institute. Job responsibilities include building relationships with key decision-makers, monitoring policy developments, and identifying ways to effectively use research to inform policy decisions. The director will report to the Head of the Engineering and Public Policy Department and coordinate with the Director of the Scott Institute for Energy Innovation and the Associate Vice President for Government Relations.

Core responsibilities will include:

• Building and maintaining positive relationships with policy organizations, including federal agencies, Congress, NGOs, and other relevant bodies.

• Tracking and strategizing engagement in policy developments with a particular focus on energy, environment, information and communication technology, risk, and technology innovation policies.

• Keeping faculty informed of on-going and anticipated policy developments relevant to the department's and institute's research.

• Organizing outreach activities to interface with policymakers and other key constituencies, including events, briefings, and workshops.

• Distilling research findings into communications and briefing materials most relevant to the specific policymaker's concerns and upcoming decisions.

• Planning and implementing activities that increase input and participation of policymakers in shaping future research directions.

• Maintaining strong connections with faculty and staff at the Pittsburgh campus through a combination of travel and online participation in activities.

• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree required (graduate degree preferred).

• Significant demonstrated experience at the federal level in government relations, public policy and/or policy communications.

• Demonstrated excellence at building relationships within the organization and with external constituencies, including Capitol Hill, federal agencies, NGOs, and other relevant parties.

• In-depth understanding of federal legislative and executive processes, including government office purviews and legislative and rule-making processes.

• Demonstrated ability to work independently, coordinate with diverse groups, manage competing priorities, and identify and execute strategic actions.

• Excellent communicator with an ability to understand complex issues in science and technology and deliver effective communications to different policy audiences.

Requirements:

• Successful background check

About the Department of Engineering and Public Policy

Engineering and Public Policy (EPP) is a unique department focused on bringing interdisciplinary methods to policy problems where the technical details matter and to technology problems where social influences and impacts must be considered. EPP is a department within the College of Engineering at CMU with close ties with all other engineering departments as well as other schools throughout the university through joint faculty appointments, joint degrees, multidisciplinary research projects and centers, and a high level of shared educational and research activities both within the college and with other colleges, departments and programs at CMU. EPP research spans many areas of engineering and policy including energy systems, climate and the environment, information and communications technology, technology innovation, and risk analysis.

About the Scott Institute for Energy Innovation

The Wilton E. Scott Institute for Energy Innovation at Carnegie Mellon University is focused on developing and demonstrating the technologies, systems and policies needed to accelerate the transition toward a more sustainable future. We support impactful work that strives to optimize resources and reduce environmental consequences associated with energy production and use. We understand that energy and social equity issues are deeply interconnected, and society can benefit with improved energy access. At the Scott Institute, we are unique in our ability to take a systems approach to energy problems and create real-world solutions. One of our objectives is to engage decision-makers and the general public to better inform public discourse on energy-related issues.

Application Instructions

Candidates should submit applications by June 24, 2024. Applications must include a full curriculum vita, a list of at least three references, and a cover letter describing what the candidate's strategy for increasing policy engagement would be and how their experience will contribute to implementing the strategy.

The position offers a highly competitive salary commensurate with experience. It is anticipated that the position will begin in Fall 2024. The position is based in Washington, DC.

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