Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Senior Policy Advisor

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

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree required
  • Minimum of five years of experience in government relations or policy
  • Experience with trade associations, non-profits, or government agencies preferred
  • Strong written and oral communication skills
  • Analytical skills with initiative and ability to manage diverse tasks

Responsibilities

  • Create and maintain relationships with federal agencies
  • Serve as the main point of contact between MIT and Congress
  • Analyze and monitor policy proposals from Congress and the Executive Branch
  • Communicate findings and impacts to MIT leadership
  • Advocate for MIT's positions and initiatives on relevant policies
  • Prepare MIT leadership for meetings with policymakers
  • Participate and lead within coalitions to promote science and education policy

Benefits

  • Opportunities for professional development and growth
  • Engagement with influential policymakers and organizations
  • Collaborative work environment with MIT leadership
  • Involvement in pressing emerging technology and education policy issues
Full Job Description
Posting Description
SENIOR POLICY ADVISOR, MIT WASHINGTON DC OFFICE, Office of the President , creates and maintains relationships with federal agencies and serves as principal point of contact between MIT and Congress, peers in national higher education, science, engineering, and industry organizations and MIT students, faculty, alumni, and senior leadership. Specific policy issues and areas of assignment will depend on the background and interests of the successful candidate but may include emerging technology including quantum and artificial intelligence, biotechnology, defense, government funded research efforts, and higher education policy. Analyzes and monitors policy proposals from Congress and the Executive Branch; communicates findings and outlook to campus departments and leadership to evaluate impacts to MIT; develops responsive arguments and messaging; directly advocates for MIT positions and policy initiatives on relevant topics to policymakers; arranges and prepares MIT leadership for meetings with federal policy makers and influencers; and actively participates in and takes leadership roles within coalitions, associations, and working groups to advance science, technology, and higher education policy.

The full job description is available, here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1KCoSbrShba740GeaDjssdD5hiJQhOr_wBdhlIh4KXkU/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 and/or policy for a trade association, non-profit, or corporation or within a government agency or the Congress; strong written and oral communication skills and analytical capabilities; and be willing and able to take initiative, juggle a diverse portfolio, and work both independently and as part of a team.

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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