Rotational IPA Assignment (Data Policy or Evidence Capacity), Full-Time or Part-Time

Policy and Research Analyst or Senior Policy and Research Analyst 

The Data Foundation is a Washington, DC-based non-profit organization that champions the use of data and evidence-informed policy to improve society for everyone. We are a trusted authority on the use of open, accessible data to fuel a more efficient, effective, and accountable government; spark innovation; and provide insights to the country’s most pressing challenges. As a nonpartisan think tank, we conduct research, collaborative thought leadership, and advocacy programs that advance practical policies for the creation and use of accessible, trustworthy data. 

POSITION OVERVIEW

This position is for GS-9 to GS-15 federal employees who are eligible for a rotational assignment (detail) under the Intergovernmental Personnel Act (IPA) on a non-reimbursable basis. The Data Foundation is currently seeking experienced researchers and analysts to support activities for ongoing and emerging research and policy-relevant projects.

The Policy and Research Analyst or Senior Policy and Research Analyst requires experience working with federal laws, regulations, or policies that relate to how agencies collect, organize, and make data accessible. Potential areas of expertise could include research, data science, natural science, statistics, policy analysis, performance management, evaluation, computer science, or privacy.

The position focuses on the following core responsibilities, which are adjustable based on leadership development and professional development goals of candidates: 

  • Enhancing the Data Foundation’s capacity to support federal agencies in implementing relevant data and evidence laws, such as the Foundations for Evidence-Based Policymaking Act, OPEN Government Data Act, Confidential Information Protection and Statistical Efficiency Act, DATA Act, Government Performance Results Act Modernization Act of 2010, and the Paperwork Reduction Act.

  • Supporting Data Foundation activities that encourage public discourse about the use of data in society, including for evidence-informed policymaking and data-driven decision-making.

The analyst will be expected to learn about new and evolving policy issues, and will interact with policy experts, researchers, and data leaders in the US and internationally. The position will provide opportunities to write substantive content, to conduct primary research, to develop public-facing explanatory materials, and to engage with policymakers and academics.

This is ideally a 6-month, full-time rotational assignment in Washington, DC, with longer durations available. Part-time applicants will also be considered. The position is non-supervisory and will report to the President.

 ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Provide subject matter expertise on relevant data policies and practices in the federal government

  • Conduct primary research on issues that relate to data policies, including privacy technologies, artificial intelligence, confidentiality protections, data sharing approaches, or other aspects of data infrastructure or management

  • Draft white papers and articles, and develop policy options on issues related to the availability, use, and protection of survey and administrative data for decision-making

  • Develop relevant policy briefs, blog posts, and fact sheets that address timely issues of relevance to the Data Foundation

  • Plan and support events sponsored by the Data Foundation to provide lay-accessible dialogue about relevant concepts and issues

  • Lead or support ongoing working groups related to government data strategies

QUALIFICATIONS AND COMPETANCIES

  •  Experience conducting and using policy research

  • Willingness to work in a non-partisan capacity

  • Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, particularly through written materials

  • Knowledge of and interest in data policy, evidence-based policymaking, statistical policy, evaluation policy, science policy, or privacy policy

  • Demonstrated understanding of or experience working with implementation of Federal government programs and policies

  • Ability to multi-task on numerous projects, large and small, in both collaborative and independent situations

  • Demonstrated research and organizational skills

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Applicants should have a relevant graduate degree and work experience with the Federal government on issues that relate to or interact with policies about data, confidentiality, privacy, IT systems, research, statistics, evaluation, or performance management. 

APPLICATION PROCESS

Individuals interested in this position should send a resume and brief explanatory statement about your interest in the position to careers@datafoundation.org including the position title in the subject line of the email. Applications are considered on a rolling basis.

If selected, the Data Foundation will work with the individual and agency to enter into an Intergovernmental Personnel Act (IPA) agreement for the mobility assignment under a mutually agreeable set of conditions, timeframes, and topical areas. The Data Foundation is a recognized 501(c)(3) for IPA agreements, with approval granted by OMB in 2023. For more information on the IPA, individuals should consult with their managers and agency human resource office. Also, the U.S. Office of Personnel Management guidance on IPAs can be found here: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/hiringinformation/intergovernment-personnel-act/

 The Data Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer.