Los Angeles, Washington D.C., or Virtual Office

About Reason Foundation

Reason advances a free society by developing, applying, and promoting libertarian principles, including individual liberty, free markets, and the rule of law. We use journalism and public policy research to influence the frameworks and actions of policymakers, journalists, and opinion leaders.

Join Our Team

The technology policy team conducts research, publishes commentary and policy briefs, authors amicus briefs, and engages with legislators and stakeholders to advance policies aligned with Reason’s mission. Key areas include digital free speech, AI innovation and regulation, data privacy, and antitrust. The current team includes researchers with expertise in antitrust, AI, privacy, and general policy, along with government affairs support. We are actively involved in state and federal-level legislative processes and aim to be a leading voice in communicating core technology policy ideas to lawmakers. Our primary metric of success is achieving positive policy changes.  

About the Role

Reason Foundation is seeking a dynamic and experienced technology policy expert to engage with policy makers and thought leaders and help manage its Technology Policy Project. The managing director will be responsible for representing the organization in efforts to achieve legislative change and in public discussions and debate over tech policy issues, leading outreach and engagement efforts with policymakers, corporate partners, and philanthropic foundations, helping provide strategic direction, and mentoring junior research staff. This role offers an exciting opportunity to shape the future of technology policy in line with Reason’s core principles. This position reports to the Director of Policy and can be in-office in Los Angeles, Washington D.C., or work virtually from anywhere within the country.

Responsibilities

Strategic Planning and Execution:

  • Contribute to the development and execution of Reason’s technology policy strategy, ensuring alignment with the organization’s overarching objectives.
  • Help prioritize focus areas and activities, balancing research, legislative engagement, and legal advocacy.
  • Work to maintain and enhance the team’s productivity and impact to secure current and future funding.

Team Leadership and Management:

  • Help oversee the day-to-day functions of the team, directing projects and deliverables.
  • Mentor and support the professional development of junior researchers, helping them to focus their efforts and improve their productivity and research output.

External Engagement and Outreach:

  • Serve as a key point of contact and build strong relationships with state and federal policymakers, effectively communicating Reason’s policy positions through meetings, technical memos, 1-pagers, testimony, and other means.
  • Act as a spokesperson for the team, particularly at the state level, to represent Reason’s views in policy discussions and potentially through media engagement.
  • Cultivate and maintain relationships with stakeholders in the technology industry.
  • Assist efforts to expand the team’s funding base by identifying and engaging with new corporate partners, philanthropic foundations, and major individual donors. This includes understanding grant obligations and ensuring deliverables are met.
  • Represent Reason at state-based conferences and government committee meetings to build connections with private and public partners.
  • Collaborate with government affairs staff to enhance the team’s reach and impact.

Policy Development and Research

  • Maintain a strong understanding of key technology policy debates, including digital free speech, AI regulation, data privacy, and antitrust.
  • Contribute to the development of high-quality research and commentary, including policy briefs, amicus briefs, and long-form studies.
  • Publish policy papers and briefs that communicate Reason’s positions on key technology policy issues.
  • Edit policy papers and briefs produced by other members of the team to ensure clarity, accuracy, and alignment with Reason’s messaging.
  • Translate complex technical discussions into clear and accessible language for policymakers and stakeholders.

Qualifications

  • Significant experience in technology policy, with a strong understanding of the current legislative and regulatory landscape related to digital free speech, AI, data privacy, and antitrust.
  • Demonstrated experience in mentoring and guiding researchers and other staff.
  • Proven track record of successful engagement with policymakers at the state and/or federal level.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to articulate complex policy issues clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences.
  • Experience in fundraising and development is a plus.
  • A strong alignment with Reason Foundation’s mission and principles of individual liberty, limited government, and free markets.
  • Familiarity with the activities and strategies of organizations operating in the technology policy space.
  • A background in law, public policy, economics, or a related field is preferred.
  • Requires minimal travel – less than 15%. 

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit the following materials in one PDF document: 

  • A cover letter detailing your alignment with Reason’s mission, your interest in the position, and how your experience has prepared you for this role
  • Resume 

Applications should be submitted to https://reason.org/jobs-apply/. 

Any questions can be directed to Talent Manager Lydia Ocampo, who is managing the search process: lydia.ocampo@reason.org.

While we thank all applicants in advance for their interest in this position, we are only able to contact those to whom we can offer an interview. Only direct applications will be considered. No phone calls, please.