Senior Officer, Philadelphia Research and Policy Initiative

Philadelphia Research and Policy Initiative

The purpose of the Philadelphia research and policy initiative is to enable policymakers to identify and enact policies and practices that improve city government and the well-being of the city's residents by conducting rigorous research regarding important challenges and trends facing Philadelphia. Central to this policy work is the production of timely, well-documented reports on these issues for the benefit of policymakers, the news media and the public at large.

Working directly with stakeholders, the initiative conducts in-depth research, looking beyond the city and region for relevant information from comparable locales. Our approach includes: (1) researching important policy topics and solutions; (2) analyzing administrative, demographic and polling data to benchmark progress; (3) holding policy-oriented convenings; and (4) engaging extensively with policymakers and influential stakeholders before and after convenings to increase the impact of our work and consider promising solutions.

Examples of the initiative’s work are available at www.pewtrusts.org/philaresearch.

Position Overview       
The senior officer develops, in consultation with the project director, aspects of the initiative’s research agenda, and manages and creates growth and learning opportunities for staff, among other duties. The senior officer will manage projects independently and will help to inform the direction of the project’s research agenda.

The senior officer reports to the project director, Philadelphia Research and Policy Initiative and is based in Pew’s Philadelphia office. The position will participate in Pew’s core in-office days on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and will have flexibility to work from home the remainder of each week.

Candidates reflecting the diverse backgrounds of Philadelphia residents are encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

• Foster a work environment that is diverse, equitable, inclusive, and accessible and in line with Pew and the project’s related goals.
• With project director, lead, develop, oversee, and engage with implementation of the initiatives’ research agenda based on established criteria and develop the scope of research needed to fully explore topics.
• Lead and engage in research conceptualization and methods identification to ensure high-quality publications based on current research practices.
• Identify and lead opportunities for staff development of technical practices. Establish twice annual continuing education for staff on methods, software, and other research-specific skills development.
• Conceptualize and write major policy research reports and shorter issue briefs that are relevant to policy deliberations and easily understood by the public, media and policymakers, often in collaboration with external writers and consultants.
• Implement effective dissemination techniques, including written products and online communications strategies, working with Pew’s Communications department. Serve as a spokesperson for Pew research at public events and research conventions.
• Monitor and identify emerging urban policy issues that are relevant to Philadelphia and to the priorities of the initiative.
• Contribute to and participate in other work tasked to the initiative as well as broader Pew-related projects and activities.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required; advanced degree preferred.
• Generally, ten years of applicable experience.
• Relevant experience in public policy, the public sector, academia, journalism or with nonprofits preferred, with evidence of increased responsibilities over time.
• Special expertise in at least one city-focused subject area—public safety, transportation, human services, government operations, etc.—or proven knowledge and command of city-related data sources.
• Excellent written and oral communications skills, including experience briefly summarizing the essence of issues and the means to address them. Clear, effective writing style.
• Adept at synthesizing and summarizing large amounts of information and focusing quickly on the essence of an issue, determining whether it is ripe for in-depth analysis, and identifying the means to examine it.
• A task-oriented style, with a focus on achieving clear and ambitious goals. Demonstrated experience meeting multiple deadlines by maintaining a high level of organization.
• Proven experience developing and moving projects forward with a high degree of independence and autonomy.
• Effective interpersonal skills; develops and manages productive relationships with consultants, partners, and others who contribute to the development of a project by anticipating possible outcomes. Excellent listening skills.
• Track record of working professionally and collegially within a culture that emphasizes excellence and teamwork.
• Experience working successfully with a broad range of stakeholders.
• Attention to detail, including exacting standards to maintain accuracy and impartiality in all work products.
• Knowledge of current trends and issues affecting Philadelphia specifically and cities in general preferred. 

Travel
Overnight travel for meetings and conferences as required, as well as occasional trips to The Pew Charitable Trusts office in Washington, D.C.

Work Authorization

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the country for which they are seeking employment without visa sponsorship.

Salary Range

The salary range represents a reasonable estimate of the annual salary based on Pew’s commitment to provide equitable and market-competitive pay. The actual salary offered will take into consideration many factors including but not limited to job-related knowledge, skills and experience, internal pay equity, and business need.

Total Rewards

We offer a competitive salary and benefit program, including: comprehensive, affordable health care through medical, dental, and vision coverage; financial security with life and disability insurance; opportunities to save using health savings and flexible spending accounts; retirement benefits to help prepare for the future; and work/life benefits to maintain a good balance.

The Pew Charitable Trusts is an equal opportunity employer, committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. Pew considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to age, sex, ethnicity, religion, disability, marital status, sexual orientation or gender identity, military/veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law.