Policy Analyst, Food Systems and Agriculture

Vanderbilt University Medical Center

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

Posted 10/3/2026full-timeUnited StatesLeadWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in policy research and writing within food systems and agriculture, with a strong ability to develop impactful proposals and communications. Proven experience in managing stakeholder relationships and coordinating events to advance policy initiatives.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Policy ResearchFood Systems RegulationAgricultural PolicyRural Economic DevelopmentProposal Development

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Policy WritingResearch ProductionWhite Paper DevelopmentPolicy Brief CreationFact-CheckingCopyeditingComplex Task ManagementProject Prioritization

Soft Skills

CreativityInitiativeMaturity

Certifications & Qualifications

Master’s Degree

Industry Keywords

USDA PolicyFood Supply Chain GovernancePublic RelationsStakeholder EngagementPolicy Communications

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Conduct policy research and policy writing in food systems and agriculture policy
Cultivate, develop, and spread foundational policy-relevant research
Build proposals and infrastructure for policy impact
Drive public narratives to advance food systems and agriculture topics
Produce research, white papers, policy briefs, op-eds, and other policy communications
Evaluate pressing challenges in food systems and agriculture policy with senior VPA and university leadership
Conduct research supporting papers and policy proposals on agriculture, food systems regulation, and rural economic development
Research, draft, and support rollout of white papers, academic publications, and policy products
Fact-check and copyedit white papers and other policy products
Perform administrative and coordination functions for the policy portfolio
Manage and support academic conferences, meetings, briefings, 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

Requirements

What you’ll need

A master’s degree is necessary
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 to prioritize multiple projects is necessary
Relocation to Nashville, TN or Washington, D.C. is necessary
Candidates must submit a cover letter, CV, and list of references

Benefits

Comp & perks

Equal-opportunity employment
Professional learning and growth opportunities