Senior Associate, Substance Use Prevention and Treatment Initiative (State Campaigns)

The Government Performance Portfolio within Program 
Pew’s government performance work identifies and advances effective approaches to help solve complex challenges at all levels of government in the United States.  
 
The portfolio’s work can be traced back to our founders’ early efforts to improve the lives of Americans by supporting efforts that promoted health, civic engagement, and democratic ideals. Today, we conduct research on emerging topics, develop data-driven reports, and highlight innovative, non-partisan approaches in addressing complex problems at the federal, state, and local levels as well as the interplay that can occur between jurisdictions. Current initiatives focus on health, fiscal and economic policy, and safety and justice, and take into account significant trends such as evolving technologies, and the increasing racial and ethnic diversity in the United States population. 
  
Our teams explore and advance effective, evidence-based policies using credible, timely, and accessible research, assessing public support for change, identifying approaches that have proved successful elsewhere, and bringing together diverse perspectives to find common ground. We work in collaboration with organizations that share our commitment to rigorous research, measurable results, and public service, and we focus on developing durable policy change. In addition, our teams use strategic outreach and dissemination to ensure that good information is widely communicated to decision-makers, media, influential stakeholders, and the public. 
 

Substance Use Prevention and Treatment Initiative

The substance use prevention and treatment initiative works to develop and support policies that (1) expand access to effective opioid medication treatments, (2) address challenges associated with alcohol and stimulants – also known as polysubstance use, (3) elevate lifesaving strategy (harm reduction) programs proven to reduce physical harm and save lives and, (4) explore opportunities that focus on evidence-based and promising practices for school-based prevention strategies and approaches.

The project provides direct, in-depth technical assistance by invitation of states interested in improving access to evidence-based, high-quality treatment for people with substance use disorders. The project also conducts advocacy in Washington, D.C., to achieve its programmatic objectives. To inform this work, the project conducts and publishes research and other information on evidence-based and emerging practices and maintains relationships with external experts and other stakeholders. The team comes from a wide variety of professional backgrounds with policy, advocacy, and research experience.

Position Overview

Working closely with team members and support staff from communications, government relations, and other Pew departments, the senior associate will provide project management and strategic guidance for one or more states’ technical assistance efforts. This work includes participating in the development and implementation of Pew’s state campaigns to expand access to effective treatment for substance use disorders through policy analysis, conducting key informant interviews, and planning and facilitating stakeholder meetings, conferences, webinars, and other events designed to inform policymakers and achieve the project’s goals.

The senior associate also assists with special assignments, including identifying and analyzing emerging issues related to substance use disorders and contributing to the development of written materials such as fact sheets, issue briefs, and policy memoranda.

This position, based in Pew’s Washington, DC or Philadelphia, office, reports to the manager, technical assistance and 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.

Responsibilities

• Lead a direct effort to inform state policymaking through customized research and analysis, including, system evaluation, policy scans, and state implementation support, in compliance with local laws. This includes conducting project management responsibilities such as delegating tasks, maintaining detailed activity records, communicating project updates to team leadership, ensuring compliance with Pew policies, and working towards achieving goals and deadlines, as well as conducting research and analysis tasks such as evaluating a state’s treatment system, scanning relevant policy documents, assessing the readiness of selected states for reforms and working toward the achievement of measurable goals and deadlines for state campaigns.
• Plan, organize, and implement stakeholder meetings, expert panels, webinars, conference panels, roundtables, and other events to gain insights into the particulars of select state’s efforts to address the harms caused by substance misuse and to identify policy barriers that prevent people from accessing substance use treatment, recovery, harm reduction, and integrated physical health and behavioral health services.
• Develop state implementation plans with evidence-based recommendations to support the state’s efforts to adopt substance use prevention, treatment, recovery, harm reduction, and integrated physical health and behavioral health strategies in an equitable and efficient manner.
• Inform state leaders about substance use and misuse trends within their state, disparities in access to care, and promising policy approaches to addressing gaps in access to care.
• Develop and edit written materials for internal and external audiences, including research plans, reports, fact sheets, web articles, issue briefs, presentations, and talking points.
• Evaluate national and state initiatives related to substance use prevention, treatment, recovery, harm reduction, and integrated physical and behavioral health services and have a thorough understanding of the existing and emerging models and the supportive evidence surrounding the impacts of these programs.
• Collaborate closely with other substance use prevention and treatment initiative staff, including strategic advisors, subject matter experts, and data experts to support state policy engagements, and coordinate with other Pew departments, including those dedicated to research quality, contracts and grants, and government relations.
• Foster a work environment that is inclusive, diverse, and equitable and in line with Pew’s diversity, equity, and inclusion goals.
• Contribute to and participate in tasks of the project and department as assigned, as well as broader Pew-wide projects and committees as needed.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.
• Generally, four years of applicable experience. Experience in policy or health-related discipline is required.
• Professional experience in substance use disorders or related research or health care policy area preferred along with experience developing and implementing state-based policy campaigns and initiatives.
• Familiarity with health insurance programs, including private and public (preferably Medicaid or other state programs) plans a plus.
• Knowledge of one of the following: harm reduction, lived experience and recovery, housing, outpatient treatment, in-patient services, integrated physical health and behavioral health services, and/or opioid settlement funds a plus.
• Aptitude to focus quickly on the essence of an issue as well as identify, understand, and synthesize different policy perspectives.
• Writes clearly and cogently for internal audiences, policy makers, the media and the public with examples of previous documents available upon request.
• Demonstrated commitment to a non-partisan, evidence-based approach to policymaking.
• Demonstrated project- and time-management skills, along with a track record of thinking strategically and creatively.
• Proven capacity to juggle multiple priorities, adjust to changing circumstances, resolve problems creatively and logically, organize time efficiently and remain attentive to details.

Travel
Regular domestic travel up to two times per month for meetings and conferences.

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.