Director of Food Systems and Agriculture Policy, VPA
Vanderbilt

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Director of Food Systems and Agriculture Policy is part of the Vanderbilt Policy Accelerator (VPA) in the Law School at Vanderbilt University and is the leader responsible for the development and implementation of the food systems and agriculture policy agenda and research portfolio. The Director will spend a significant amount of time providing strategic policy guidance and programmatic oversight of key VPA priorities in the areas of food production, distribution, agricultural regulation, rural economic development, and related governance challenges. This position reports to the Executive Director and Faculty Director of VPA. To be considered for this position, candidates must submit a cover letter, CV, and list of references.

The Vanderbilt Policy Accelerator (VPA) focuses on a small number of cutting-edge topics in political economy and regulation. We bring research, education, and policy proposals in these areas from infancy to maturity and periphery to centrality. We cultivate, grow, and spread research, education, and policy ideas-and at a pace that aligns with the urgency of today's challenges. We are currently in the midst of a political economy revolution. From antitrust to trade, swift changes are taking place that are reshaping how policymakers and the general public think about economic policy. These changes create an opportunity to advance new paradigms, research, and policy ideas. We are action focused. Each project we undertake seeks to accelerate developments in education, research, policy, and public debate.

Key Functions and Expected Performance:
Lead the development and implementation of the food systems and agriculture policy agenda and research portfolio.
• Evaluate pressing challenges in food systems and agriculture policy, working closely with the faculty director and executive director to develop and implement a comprehensive policy agenda.
• Develop a suite of new papers and policy proposals on topics of agriculture, food systems regulation, and rural economic development with an emphasis on building regional food economies.
• Manage relevant public relations, media, press, and internal and external communications in consultation with the faculty director and executive director.
• Responsible for project management of key initiatives in consultation with the executive director,ensuring administrative accuracy and integrity of VPA.
• Advise on key components of the VPA budget in consultation with the executive director.
• Expand outreach on key issue areas, overseeing the development of effective relationships and partnerships with local, regional, and national partners, stakeholders, and funders-including farm advocacy groups, food policy councils, rural development organizations, and relevant federal and state agencies. Manage outward-facing representation of VPA as a formal representative.

Produce research, white papers, policy briefs, and other policy communications like op-eds on key VPA priorities.
• Research, draft, and oversee the rollout of white papers, including academic publications and other policy products to be released by VPA.
• Draft and oversee the development of policy briefs and other policy communications on key VPA priorities-including press releases, social media copy, and op-eds-that promote VPA's work on food systems and agriculture policy proposals.
• Advise and direct the work of policy analysts.

Advise on overall VPA policy agenda and related political and communications strategy.
• Provide strategic advice and guidance to the faculty director and executive director in the execution of VPA's mission and administration of key programs.

Manage and support programming, initiatives, and partnerships related to VPA priorities, including academic conferences and meetings and briefings with academics, public officials, and other stakeholders.
• Manage conferences, events, and other programming related to the food systems and agriculture policy portfolio.
• Support programming across the VPA portfolio as needed.
• Plan and execute meetings and briefings with academics, public officials, and other stakeholders.

Supervisory Relationships:
This position reports to the VPA Executive Director and will oversee the day-to-day work product of junior staff and policy analysts and will directly manage junior staff and contractors working on rural policy, food systems, and agriculture policy projects.

Qualifications:
• A master's degree in food policy, agriculture, environmental law, public policy, or relevant field is necessary.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in food systems regulation, agricultural policy, rural economic development, or related areas, with demonstrated knowledge of federal and state agriculture programs, USDA policy, and/or food supply chain governance or relevant industry is necessary.
• Experience in a higher education setting is preferred.
• Candidates should have an interest in economic policy, political economy, regulation, and/or law.
• Demonstrated high levels of integrity, honesty, and openness to create strong and enduring collaboration with key leaders across the institution and community is necessary.
• Executive level interpersonal and communication skills are necessary.
• Ability to demonstrate maturity, creativity and initiative in expanding the Law School's presence locally and nationally is necessary.
• Ability to make sound administrative/procedural decisions using a high level of discernment is necessary.
• Ability to perform complex tasks and to prioritize multiple projects is necessary.
• Ability to provide technical advice and information to staff in area of expertise is necessary.

ABOUT US

At Vanderbilt University , our work - regardless of title or role - is in service to an important and noble mission in which every member of our community serves in advancing knowledge and transforming lives on a daily basis. Located in Nashville, Tennessee, on a 330+ acre campus and arboretum dating back to 1873, Vanderbilt is proud to have been named as one of "America's Best Large Employers" as well as a top employer in Tennessee and the Nashville metropolitan area by Forbes for several years running. We welcome those who are interested in learning and growing professionally with an employer that strives to create, foster and sustain opportunities as an employer of choice.

We understand you have a choice when choosing where to work and pursue a career. We understand you are unique and have a story. We want to hear it. We encourage you to apply today so that you might become a part of our story.

Vanderbilt University is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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