OSI US Policy Manager
Location: Washington, DC area
Role: US Policy Manager
The US Policy Manager will be instrumental in leading the foundation’s public policy agenda and education promoting an understanding of the unique characteristics of the Open Source Software ecosystem and role in the public landscape. The ideal candidate will have a thorough grasp of public policy issues affecting software ecosystems – community and industry inclusive, exceptional advocacy and communication skills as well as a history of working effectively with a broad range of stakeholders.
About OSI
The Open Source Initiative (OSI) is a global nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and protecting open source software and communities. Since 1998, the OSI has been at the forefront of open source advocacy, education, and collaboration, working to ensure the long-term health and sustainability of the open source ecosystem. More information at OpenSource.org.
Responsibilities:
- Collaborate with the OSI’s leadership team to develop and implement a comprehensive public policy agenda for the US.
- Build educational programs designed to educate and inform policy-makers, their staff and other stakeholders to advance the public interest where open source software is concerned.
- Represent OSI’s mission at various levels of government, including meetings with government agencies and regulatory bodies
- Collaborate with other stakeholders in the open source community, including industry groups, non-profit organizations and academic institutions, to build a broad coalition in support of understanding open source principles and practices
- Lead coordination of the Open Policy Alliance initiative.
- Monitor and analyze public policy developments at the US national level that may impact the open source ecosystem, as well as working on peer with the OSI European policy staff to define OSI’s global priorities
- Prepare written materials, such as policy briefs, white papers, and blog posts, to educate stakeholders and the public about public policy issues affecting Open Source. Draft responses to public Requests for Comment from US Federal Agencies. Contribute to coordinated responses.
- Give presentations at conferences, workshops, and other events to raise awareness about public policy issues affecting open source.
- Meet with government officials, industry leaders, and other stakeholders to discuss public policy issues affecting open source
- Track and report on the OSI’s public policy activities, including successes, challenges, and emerging trends
- Serve as OSI representative to the Digital Public Goods Alliance.
Qualifications:
- 5+ years of experience in public policy, preferably with a focus on technology
- Strong advocacy and communication skills, including the ability to effectively convey complex policy issues to a diverse audience
- Excellent writing and presentation skills, with a demonstrated ability to produce high-quality written materials and deliver engaging presentations
Preferred:
- Bachelor’s degree in public policy, political science, or a related field
- Direct experience contributing to or collaborating with an Open Source software community.
Location:
- Routinely work remotely; proximity to the DC area for meetings and events
Benefits:
- Chance to make a real difference in the open source ecosystem and contribute to the advancement of open source software and its benefit to society
- Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package
- Opportunity to work on emerging public policy issues at the forefront of the Open Source technologies and community