Senior Manager, Policy Research

Job Summary:

The Senior Policy Research Manager leads a variety of GDS’s policy research, development, and implementation efforts. This role is responsible for the leadership of GDS liaison and implementation projects and relationships in assigned areas for the GNSO and as requested, the ccNSO.  The responsibilities of this role also include management, coordination, and administration of the implementation of one or more policy areas, including supporting relevant research projects. This position requires advanced project management skills, the ability to lead cross-functional project work, the experience to drive successful outcomes independently, and the need to work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders in a community-facing role.

Key Responsibilities & Duties:

Leads on policy research and implementation of multiple projects for ICANN's Global Domains and Strategy function. Specifically, the Senior Policy Research Manager will:

- Lead completion of deliverables and problem-solving for current and future consensus policy development support and implementation-related project work in the assigned areas.
- Provide leadership and coordination for all IDN-related policy-related activities, including execution and evolution of GDS liaison role, delivery of operational modeling and internal analysis, and leadership of Implementation Review Team (IRT) activities.
- Develop and maintain productive working relationships with community stakeholders.
- Develop and maintain transparency and communications mechanisms for visibility to the assigned work areas.
- Provide critical thinking and support to evolve the Consensus Policy Implementation Framework, including internal and external training and education on updates to procedures and practices.
- Lead cross-functional project teams.
- Support colleagues in formulating long-term strategy for policy development liaison and policy implementation leadership roles, an area with high visibility for the community.
- Present complex issues related to policy implementation in easily digestible format to executives and Board members to facilitate decision making on community-facing issues.
- Deliver and manage written reports of research and analysis of issues with recommended solutions for relevant policy and implementation projects.
- Manage and support preparation of materials for senior leadership, the Board of Directors, and relevant Board caucus groups and committees.
- Lead on drafting and/or overseeing the drafting and editing of written materials, including business correspondence, research papers, memos, briefings, talking points and presentations.
- Provide focused project leadership and support, including collaboration with internal and external stakeholders on problem-solving and issue resolution.
- Develop and implement new procedures and associated documentation throughout internal and external consultative processes, especially with a view to the policy development and implementation lifecycle.
- Train and supervise others on relevant projects and procedures.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):

- Demonstrated ability to:

Provide thought-leadership in gTLD policy development and implementation.
- Lead complex, multi-functional projects in support of the org’s role in the policy development and implementation lifecycle.
- Understand and work consistently with documented policy development and implementation processes.
- Maintain a productive working relationship with relevant stakeholder groups including the GNSO Council.
- Lead complex projects using ICANN’s project management framework and industry-wide best practices
- Lead cross functional teams throughout the policy development and implementation lifecycle.
- Manage internal resources efficiently to identify and meet key milestones and relevant deadlines.
- Work independently and in teams to identify and solve complex problems and recommend best practices and solutions
- Develop project plans, resource needs, budgets and forecasts and manage to plan
- Apply quantitative and qualitative analysis skills
- Effectively report status on projects/processes to management and peers
- Multi-task and manage projects with attention to detail in a fast-paced environment
- Socialize new ideas across different departments and groups
- Grasp political, societal, legal, and operational implications of complex issues
- Adapt to new situations, processes, procedures, or tools
- Leverage the use of existing tools and processes for maximum benefit
- Demonstrated proficiency in using generative AI (e.g., ChatGPT) and other AI-enabled internal tools responsibly to support research, analysis, productivity, communication, and routine work activities, including verifying AI-generated output for accuracy, and following company policies regarding confidentiality, data privacy, and information security.
- Write and communicate clearly at an appropriate level for multiple audiences

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Education and Experience Requirements:

- Bachelor’s Degree required; Master's Degree preferred

Experience:

- Minimum of 10+ years of related experience. Master’s degree with 8 years of experience or a PhD with at least 5 years of experience.
- Minimum 6 years of progressive work experience in a professional or academic environment
- Prior experience working for an international organization, strongly preferred.
- ICANN values diversity and gives preference to candidates with demonstrated skills in languages in addition to proficient written and spoken English

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Working Conditions & Physical Requirements: (select all that apply)

- Work is performed in a normal office environment with limited privacy and some exposure to background noise
- While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand and walk. The employee regularly is required to sit. The employee is frequently required to talk or hear; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and to reach with hands and arms. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, and ability to adjust focus.
- The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds
- Work Location is Los Angeles, CA, or remote location in accordance with org policy
- Willingness and ability to travel domestically and internationally up to 10% of the time