Field Analyst for Business Planning Full-time

The Open Technology Institute at New America Foundation (OTI) seeks a field analyst with experience in social entrepreneurship to investigate sustainable business models for community-based technology projects.

OTI’s field operations team is adding to successful collaborations in Detroit, New York, and Philadelphia, with new collaborations in San Francisco, New Orleans, and in multiple international locations. The work includes citywide strategic planning for broadband access, pilot wireless networks in select areas and ongoing analysis of broadband adoption projects in terms of their social and economic impact and their implications for privacy and surveillance. We are developing innovative methodologies and models for understanding and addressing issues of equity in urban broadband access.

In addition to evaluating the economic and social impact of broadband opportunity, we are investigating innovative business models to support collaborative and cooperative broadband strategies. The field analyst will guide these efforts as part of a larger effort to develop sound models for sustainable and equitable broadband access. This will require working directly with communities to understand needs and capacities, and collaboratively developing solutions that support the vision and practices of community partners and their constituents.

The ideal candidate has a familiarity with a range of nontraditional business approaches including freemium and cooperative models, as well as experience with incubation and small-scale venture capital.
Responsibilities

Work closely with the field team (analysts, associates, engineers) to support community technology projects in multiple locations
Work directly with community organizations and institutions to understand needs and capacities in project locations
Customize socially responsible business models to meet local needs and capacities
Develop economic impact evaluation model to apply to current and future project initiatives
Produce reports, briefs, and related media detailing business plans for diverse audiences
Incorporate popular education and other pedagogical approaches to develop business innovations for community wireless networks.

Qualifications

Experience with incubation and small-scale venture capital
Familiarity with cooperative and freemium business models
Familiarity with principles of social entrepreneurship
Strong writing and analytical skills
Political imagination
Attention to detail
Excellent organizational skills and the ability to prioritize work and manage time in order to meet multiple deadlines
Familiarity with open source technology, digital literacy, community media, participatory design, popular education, online privacy or digital surveillance
Experience engaging communities in on-the-ground organizing efforts in the United States or abroad
Flexible, self-motivated, and enthusiastic team player
Fluency in additional languages is a plus

Application Process

Submit a cover letter, resume, and writing sample (no more than six pages) by . The position will be open until filled. No phone calls or emails, please. Salary commensurate with experience; excellent benefits. The New America Foundation is an equal opportunity employer.

http://newamerica.net/node/84588