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Searchlight Institute

Disrupt rigidity. Think Big. Spark a Realignment.

Senior Policy Advisor
Opens Nov 18 2025 12:00 AM (EST)
Deadline Dec 1 2025 11:59 PM (EST)
Description

STATUS:  Exempt

SALARY:  $130,000-$150,000 annually

REPORTS TO:  Vice President, Public Policy

DUTY STATION:  Washington, DC

ABOUT US

The Searchlight Institute is a home for creative thinkers dedicated to disrupting today’s paradigm of purity, smallness, and fear. We generate big ideas, break down ideological barriers, and bring clarity to a data environment polluted by misinformation. 

POSITION OVERVIEW

We seek an experienced public policy professional to manage a diverse portfolio, including artificial intelligence, workforce development, education, and other domestic policy issues. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of the last several years of policy development across these areas and will embrace nuanced, heterodox, and out-of-the-box solutions to these issues. 

TYPICAL RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Work with policy staff and Searchlight fellows to prepare policy proposals, briefing memos, and other materials;
  • Work with Hill offices and other external stakeholders to communicate policy expertise and provide real-time technical support;
  • Draft and contribute to public-facing Searchlight work products, including website and Substack posts, press releases, organizational newsletters, and other stakeholder engagement resources;
  • Draft short- and long-term policy proposals suitable for legislation;
  • Work with Searchlight senior leadership and government affairs team to support the introduction of legislative proposals;
  • Advise Searchlight senior staff on policy matters;
  • Serve as an on-the-record source for media outlets where directed;
  • Other duties as assigned by leadership.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • At least 7 years of relevant policy experience (e.g., U.S. congressional office or committee, executive branch, advocacy organization, or other similar field);
  • Demonstrated familiarity with the relevant policy areas, particularly with respect to federal legislative or administrative action, legal work, or some combination thereof;
  • Deep familiarity with the relevant congressional committees of jurisdiction for the listed policy areas;
  • Experience working with a high degree of autonomy and personal initiative;
  • Experience organizing stakeholder convenings;
  • A keen understanding of the major players, events, and dynamics shaping domestic federal policy;
  • A high degree of comfort with rapid response, fast-paced, and quickly changing dynamics;
  • A willingness to engage in real-time discourse to drive conversation topics among key audiences; and
  • A willingness to ruffle some feathers.
Apply

Senior Policy Advisor


STATUS:  Exempt

SALARY:  $130,000-$150,000 annually

REPORTS TO:  Vice President, Public Policy

DUTY STATION:  Washington, DC

ABOUT US

The Searchlight Institute is a home for creative thinkers dedicated to disrupting today’s paradigm of purity, smallness, and fear. We generate big ideas, break down ideological barriers, and bring clarity to a data environment polluted by misinformation. 

POSITION OVERVIEW

We seek an experienced public policy professional to manage a diverse portfolio, including artificial intelligence, workforce development, education, and other domestic policy issues. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of the last several years of policy development across these areas and will embrace nuanced, heterodox, and out-of-the-box solutions to these issues. 

TYPICAL RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Work with policy staff and Searchlight fellows to prepare policy proposals, briefing memos, and other materials;
  • Work with Hill offices and other external stakeholders to communicate policy expertise and provide real-time technical support;
  • Draft and contribute to public-facing Searchlight work products, including website and Substack posts, press releases, organizational newsletters, and other stakeholder engagement resources;
  • Draft short- and long-term policy proposals suitable for legislation;
  • Work with Searchlight senior leadership and government affairs team to support the introduction of legislative proposals;
  • Advise Searchlight senior staff on policy matters;
  • Serve as an on-the-record source for media outlets where directed;
  • Other duties as assigned by leadership.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • At least 7 years of relevant policy experience (e.g., U.S. congressional office or committee, executive branch, advocacy organization, or other similar field);
  • Demonstrated familiarity with the relevant policy areas, particularly with respect to federal legislative or administrative action, legal work, or some combination thereof;
  • Deep familiarity with the relevant congressional committees of jurisdiction for the listed policy areas;
  • Experience working with a high degree of autonomy and personal initiative;
  • Experience organizing stakeholder convenings;
  • A keen understanding of the major players, events, and dynamics shaping domestic federal policy;
  • A high degree of comfort with rapid response, fast-paced, and quickly changing dynamics;
  • A willingness to engage in real-time discourse to drive conversation topics among key audiences; and
  • A willingness to ruffle some feathers.
Apply
Opens
Nov 18 2025 12:00 AM (EST)
Deadline
Dec 1 2025 11:59 PM (EST)