Food Systems and Agriculture Policy Analyst

Vanderbilt University Medical Center

. Conduct research and policy writing in the food systems and agriculture policy portfolio .

Posted 10/12/2026full-timeNashville • Tennessee • United StatesLeadWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in food systems and agriculture policy through research, policy writing, and stakeholder engagement. Capable of producing impactful policy communications and managing complex projects within the agricultural sector.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Food Systems RegulationAgricultural PolicyRural Economic DevelopmentPolicy WritingStakeholder Engagement

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

ResearchPolicy WritingProposal DevelopmentFact-CheckingCopyeditingWhite Paper ProductionPolicy BriefsOp-EdsPublic RelationsEvent Management

Soft Skills

CreativityInitiativeMaturityProject PrioritizationCommunication

Certifications & Qualifications

Advanced Degree in Food PolicyAdvanced Degree in AgricultureAdvanced Degree in Environmental LawAdvanced Degree in Public Policy

Industry Keywords

USDA PolicyFood Supply Chain GovernanceFood SystemsAgriculture ProgramsPolicy Impact

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Conduct research and policy writing in the food systems and agriculture policy portfolio
Support the Director of Food Systems and Agriculture Policy in cultivating, developing, and spreading foundational policy-relevant research
Build proposals and infrastructure for policy impact
Drive public narratives to advance food systems and agriculture policy topics
Produce research, white papers, policy briefs, op-eds, and other policy communications
Evaluate pressing challenges in food systems and agriculture policy
Conduct research on agriculture, food systems regulation, and rural economic development, with an emphasis on building regional food economies
Research, draft, and support the rollout of white papers, academic publications, and other policy products
Fact-check and copyedit white papers and other policy products
Perform administrative and coordination functions related to the policy portfolio
Manage and support academic conferences, meetings, briefings, public events, and other programming
Assist with public relations, media, press, and internal and external communications
Develop relationships and partnerships with local, regional, and national partners, stakeholders, and funders
Report to the Director of Food Systems and Agriculture Policy
No supervisory responsibilities

Requirements

What you’ll need

Five years of experience is necessary
Experience in food systems regulation, agricultural policy, rural economic development, or related areas is preferred
Familiarity with federal and state agriculture programs, USDA policy, and/or food supply chain governance is preferred
Ability to demonstrate maturity, creativity and initiative is necessary
Ability to perform complex tasks and prioritize multiple projects is necessary
An advanced degree (i.e., master's) in food policy, agriculture, environmental law, public policy, or a related field is preferred
Submit a cover letter, CV, and list of references

Benefits

Comp & perks

Hybrid work arrangement
Equal-opportunity employment
Professional learning and growth opportunities