Location: Washington, D.C. (Hybrid: in-office 4 days/week)

Salary Range: $65,000 – $80,000 per annum, depending on experience

The Competitive Enterprise Institute (CEI) is seeking a Telecommunications Policy Analyst to join our team in Washington, D.C. This is an entry-level role for an analyst, ideal for candidates with free market principles and a strong intellectual curiosity about telecom policy and executive agency reform.

About CEI

CEI is a nonprofit public policy organization dedicated to advancing limited government, free enterprise, and individual liberty. We use a full-service approach—original research, legal advocacy, media engagement, and direct interaction with policymakers—to drive reform. CEI is especially known for its leadership in regulatory policy and principled, forward-looking ideas.

As a Policy Analyst, you will:

  • Monitor major regulatory and policy developments in telecom policy and at the Federal Communications Commission.
  • Produce research outputs, including analysis papers, white papers, op-eds, and blog posts.
  • Engage with colleagues and partners to advance understanding of free-market telecom reform.
  • Contribute to CEI’s advocacy efforts by participating in panels, media interviews, and coalition meetings.
  • Draft and support regulatory comments and testimony as appropriate.
  • Comment on procedural and regulatory matters at the FCC.

Key Issue Areas

  • Telecom policy: Track any policy issues moving through the FCC, other executive agencies, Capitol Hill, and at the state level. 
  • Federal Communications Commission Watchdog: Analyze the FCC’s actions and evaluate the agency for effective policies, adhering to Congress’ stated intent, and shrinking, not expanding the role of the agency in the telecom marketplace.

Qualifications

  • Strong commitment to free market principles.
  • Exceptional writing and analytical skills, with the ability to deliver timely commentary on fast-moving developments.
  • Some knowledge of telecom policy or executive agency function is a plus, but a willingness to learn is also sufficient.

Preferred Traits

  • Eagerness to engage with policymakers, media, and the broader policy community.
  • High levels of conscientiousness, intellectual rigor, and initiative.
  • Self-starter who can be entrepreneurial in the role.

Initial Goals (2026)

  • Develop working expertise in key issue areas.
  • Publish in-depth research papers, as appropriate.
  • Produce shorter commentaries (op-eds, blog posts), as appropriate.
  • Participate in meetings with other policy professionals, lawmakers and staff, industry, and other interested parties.

Why Join CEI?

This role offers an opportunity to launch or deepen your policy career in the nation’s most dynamic free-market think tanks. You will gain hands-on experience shaping the debate in telecom, learn from seasoned policy experts, and build a strong public profile as a voice for liberty.

To Apply

Qualified candidates should submit the following application materials in one PDF document:

  • Cover letter
    • Resume
    • Two writing samples (including at least one demonstrating policy analysis).

Applications should be submitted to [email protected]