Location: Remote. Preference will be given to candidates residing in the Washington, DC area
Commitment: Full-time
Start Date: Immediate
About the Role
Portulans Institute (PI) is seeking an experienced and highly motivated Policy Research and Management Associate to lead the production of PI’s long-term and short-term research projects. This includes managing PI’s flagship global indices, supporting derivative research, and strengthening associated networks and partnerships.
This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to impactful work at the intersection of innovation, technology governance, and digital policy within a globally connected think tank.
Key Responsibilities
Program and Project Management
- Coordinate and oversee the administration and delivery of PI programs and projects in close collaboration with PI’s President, CEO, and external partners.
- Develop and maintain project work plans, timelines, and reporting systems to track progress and ensure milestones and deliverables are met on schedule.
- Supervise and manage the project staff as needed to support project execution.
Policy Analysis and Research
- Monitor and analyze national and international policy trends in innovation, digital transformation, and technology governance.
- Draft and contribute policy briefs, blogs, and other thought leadership pieces on emerging issues aligned with PI’s focus areas.
- Conduct literature reviews, prepare research summaries, and support data collection and analysis for PI’s global indices and other research outputs.
- Assist in refining methodologies and maintaining the rigor and professionalism of PI’s research products.
Communications and Stakeholder Engagement
- Assist in developing engaging communications materials to promote PI’s reports, events, and initiatives across the website, blog, newsletters, and social media platforms.
- Support planning and execution of PI webinars, workshops, and high-level events involving global stakeholders.
- Help manage relationships with key partners, advisory board members, and affiliated networks to advance PI’s mission and expand its reach.
Partnerships, Fundraising, and Governance Support
- Contribute to fundraising efforts by researching potential donors and grant opportunities, assisting in the preparation of proposals, and supporting donor engagement strategies.
- Provide administrative support for corporate governance activities including board meetings, drafting meeting minutes, and coordinating with PI’s partners on joint initiatives.
Qualifications & Experience
- Master’s degree in Public Policy, Technology Policy, International Relations, Economics, or a related field (PhD is a plus).
- Minimum of 4 years of experience in program/project management, policy research, or similar roles within think tanks, international organizations, or academia.
- Strong understanding of global innovation and digital policy issues.
- Excellent research, writing, and analytical skills, with the ability to synthesize complex ideas for diverse audiences.
- Proven ability to manage multiple projects and meet tight deadlines with minimal supervision.
- Strong presentation and public speaking skills, with the confidence and presence to represent the organization in high-level forums.
- Working knowledge of basic legal concepts and the ability to review standard legal documents such as contracts, MOUs, and partnership agreements.
- Experience in stakeholder engagement, communications, and grant writing.
- Fluency in English is required.
- Familiarity with research or data-driven projects is a strong plus.
- Proficiency in project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, spreadsheets).
- Comfortable working across time zones and in virtual team environments.
Why Join Us
At PI you will join a small, dynamic team working to advance global conversations and research on innovation and digital transformation. You will contribute to high-profile international projects and engage with leading experts, policymakers, and institutions worldwide.
Ready to Apply?
If you are passionate about shaping global innovation and technology policy, we would love to hear from you. Please send a resume and brief cover letter outlining your interest and relevant experience to administrator@portulansinstitute.org
