Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Senior Advisor Science and Innovation Policy Advocacy

Education, Government & Non-Profit
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree required, with 5+ years of relevant experience in government relations or similar roles.
  • Expertise in science, research, and higher education policy.
  • Strong communication skills for preparing and presenting policy documents.
  • Ability to analyze complex policy issues critically and inform senior leadership.
  • Proficient in juggling diverse projects while working both independently and in teams.

Responsibilities

  • Advocate for MIT's research policy interests at the federal level.
  • Advise MIT leadership on federal policies impacting research and training.
  • Engage with Congress and federal agencies on various science-related topics.
  • Represent MIT in coalitions that influence science policy advocacy.
  • Prepare policy briefings and memos for internal and external communications.

Benefits

  • Access to networking opportunities within Washington's higher education community.
  • Engagement with influential policymakers and advocacy groups.
  • Opportunity for professional growth in a prominent institutional role.
Full Job Description
Posting Description
SENIOR ADVISOR SCIENCE AND INNOVATION POLICY ADVOCACY, MIT WASHINGTON DC OFFICE, Office of the President , serves as a key advocate representing MIT's research policy interests at the federal level across all science domains before Congress, federal agencies, the White House, and the Washington higher education advocacy community; advises MIT's policy and government affairs leadership as well as academic and administrative departments on federal policies that impact the Institute's research and training mission. Topics of focus include but not limited to biotechnology, basic science, emerging technologies, research regulations, research funding, general research policy, higher education, student visas and skilled immigration, and intellectual property. Acts as an external facing advocate and lobbyist for MIT and within science policy and advocacy coalitions deemed most impactful to MIT's policy interests.

The full job description is available, here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1_cm9A3j13qwQApQUeIuiLAQyyYTq_62_9PuY2h6edQU/edit?tab=t.0

Job Requirements
REQUIRED : Bachelor's degree and a minimum of five years of relevant experience, including work in government relations, or in a government agency or the Congress; demonstrated expertise in science and research policy, higher education policy, and/or technology policy issues and the ability to advise senior leadership; strong communication and analytical skills, including experience preparing and presenting memos and policy briefings; and ability to take initiative, juggle a diverse portfolio, and work both independently and as part of a team. PREFERRED : Leadership experience within advocacy coalitions and mentorship of junior staff; or a PhD with experience in research programs.

This position is located in MIT's Washington, DC Office.

9/14/2026

About Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is a private research university located in Cambridge, Massachusetts. MIT is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU) and is classified among "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity". The university is known for its strong emphasis on scientific and technological research and its engineering programs. MIT was founded in 1861 and has a long history of innovation and entrepreneurship. The university has produced numerous Nobel laureates, Rhodes Scholars, and MacArthur Fellows.
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