Director, Tech Policy Program

Center for European Policy Analysis; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 160,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) retirement plan

Paid vacation and holidays

Job summary

Center for European Policy Analysis in Washington, DC seeks a strategic, experienced Director to lead the Tech Policy Program—CEPA’s flagship initiative. You will shape the program’s policy agenda, oversee research, fundraising, and external engagement, and build partnerships with policymakers, industry, and international partners.

This role requires a proven track record in technology policy, leadership, and the ability to translate complex ideas into actionable policy recommendations that

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in public policy, international affairs, technology policy, law, political science, or related field.
• Eight or more years of progressively responsible policy experience.
• Demonstrated expertise in technology policy and digital governance.
• Proven leadership and staff management.
• Strong fundraising and external engagement experience.
• Excellent writing, analytical, and public speaking skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in fast-paced policy environment.

Responsibilities

• Set and execute the strategic direction of the Tech Policy Program in line with institutional strategic objectives.
• Direct and oversee research production, policy analysis, convenings, and programmatic initiatives to ensure quality, policy relevance, and timely execution.
• Supervise, mentor, and develop program staff, fellows, and nonresident experts.
• Lead fundraising efforts, cultivate and steward donor relationships, ensure grant compliance, and manage program budgets.
• Represent CEPA in public speaking engagements as well as high level meetings with policymakers, industry leaders, donors, media, and external partners through public speaking, media engagement, and high-level convenings.
• Through demonstrated thought leadership and strategic implementation, build and ensure CEPA’s strategic position as a leading voice on the most cutting edge geopolitical debates on tech.
• Develop and expand CEPA's portfolio of work on technology policy, including emerging technologies, artificial intelligence, digital governance, and related issues affecting transatlantic cooperation.
• Work in close collaboration with CEPA leadership to advance institutional priorities and identify opportunities for cross-program initiatives.

Skills

Policy leadership

Staff management

Fundraising

Public speaking

Policy analysis

Strategic partnerships

Advanced degree or experience

Education

Advanced degree or equivalent experience

Job description

Position: Director, Tech Policy Program Schedule: Full-time Location: On site, Washington DC

The Center for European Policy Analysis (CEPA) is seeking a strategic, innovative, and experienced thought leader to serve as the Director of the Tech Policy Program – CEPA’s flagship institutional initiative. This position requires an individual with demonstrated experience leading policy initiatives, managing complex programs, establishing and building strategic partnerships, and advancing substantive work in technology and national security. The successful candidate will have a deep understanding of the global tech policy debate around the AI stack, emerging tech, and related areas as well as an ability to translate complex ideas to drive measurable policy impact.

CEPA's Tech Policy Program advances allied cooperation on technology by convening policymakers, industry leaders, and experts to address critical issues including artificial intelligence, data governance, export controls, and other emerging technologies. Through cutting-edge analysis, strategic convenings, and policy engagement, the program develops actionable recommendations that strengthen democratic innovation and promote secure, responsible technology governance.

Key Responsibilities

• Set and execute the strategic direction of the Tech Policy Program in line with institutional strategic objectives;
• Direct and oversee research production, policy analysis, convenings, and programmatic initiatives to ensure quality, policy relevance, and timely execution;
• Supervise, mentor, and develop program staff, fellows, and nonresident experts;
• Lead fundraising efforts, cultivate and steward donor relationships, ensure grant compliance, and manage program budgets;
• Represent CEPA in public speaking engagements as well as high level meetings with policymakers, industry leaders, donors, media, and external partners through public speaking, media engagement, and high-level convenings;
• Through demonstrated thought leadership and strategic implementation, build and ensure CEPA’s strategic position as a leading voice on the most cutting edge geopolitical debates on tech;
• Develop and expand CEPA's portfolio of work on technology policy, including emerging technologies, artificial intelligence, digital governance, and related issues affecting transatlantic cooperation;
• Work in close collaboration with CEPA leadership to advance institutional priorities and identify opportunities for cross-program initiatives.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in public policy, international affairs, technology policy, law, political science, or a related field or relevant years of work experience;
• Eight or more years of progressively responsible experience in a policy insitution, government, international organization, private sector or similar policy setting;
• Demonstrated expertise in technology policy, artificial intelligence, digital governance, with expertise in China/tech highly desired;
• Proven leadership and staff management experience;
• Strong fundraising and external engagement experience;
• Excellent writing, analytical, and public speaking skills;
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced policy environment.

A Successful Candidate Will

• Demonstrate a strong understanding of and commitment to CEPA's mission and values;
• Be an entrepreneurial, impact driven, collaborative,and solutions-oriented leader;
• Foster an inclusive, high-performing, and mission-driven team culture;
• Successfully manage multiple priorities while maintaining the highest standards of quality and professionalism;
• Build and maintain strong relationships with colleagues, policymakers, donors, and external partners; and
• Exercise sound judgment, integrity, and discretion when handling confidential or sensitive information.

CEPA Offers a Competitive Salary and Comprehensive Benefits Package Including

• Generous employer-subsidized health insurance;
• 401(k) retirement plan;
• Paid vacation leave, sick leave, and holidays;
• Opportunities for professional development and career growth.

About CEPA

CEPA is a 501(c)(3) non-partisan organization, and its mission is to ensure a strong and democratic transatlantic alliance for future generations. Headquartered in Washington, DC and led by a new generation of leaders from both sides of the Atlantic, CEPA brings an innovative approach to the policy arena. Our cutting-edge analysis and timely debates galvanize communities of influence while investing in the next generation of leaders to understand and address present and future challenges to transatlantic values and principles.

Equal Opportunity

CEPA is an equal opportunity employer. We prohibit discrimination and harassment based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic outlined by federal, state, or local laws.

This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization, including, but not limited to, hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, leave of absence, benefits, and internships. CEPA makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business necessity.

To be considered for the position, candidates must have the legal authorization to work in the United States.