Officer, Philadelphia Policy Exchange

PEW |

Overview

The Pew Charitable Trusts is driven by the power of knowledge to solve today’s most challenging problems. Pew applies a rigorous, analytical approach to improve public policy, inform the public and invigorate civic life.

 

We are an independent nonprofit organization – the sole beneficiary of seven individual trusts established between 1948 and 1979 by two sons and two daughters of Sun Oil Company founder Joseph N. Pew and his wife, Mary Anderson Pew.

 

Our work lays the foundation for effective policy solutions by informing and engaging citizens, linking diverse interests to pursue common cause and insisting on tangible results. Our projects encourage efficient, responsive governments – at the local, state, national and international levels – serving the public interests.

 

With offices in Philadelphia, Washington DC, Australia, Brussels and London, and with additional staff in other regions of the United States and around the globe, Pew provides an exciting learning environment and the opportunity to work with highly talented individuals. We are a dynamic, rapidly evolving organization that values creativity and innovative thinking and fosters strong teamwork with mutual respect.

 

The Philadelphia Program

Through the Philadelphia Program, Pew seeks to enhance civic life in its hometown. We partner with many local institutions in encouraging a thriving arts and cultural community, supporting the health and welfare of the region’s most vulnerable residents, informing policy discussions on important issues facing the city, and, more broadly, strengthening Philadelphia’s appeal to visitors and residents alike.

Position Overview
The officer will support Pew’s efforts to help decision makers and influential stakeholders in the Philadelphia region address key policy challenges by providing them with relevant data and research, and bringing to bear national expertise and examples of policy reforms that have been successful in other cities. The project will concentrate its efforts on areas (1) where Pew has built expertise in our local, state, and national projects; (2) that are recognized by influential constituencies in Philadelphia as important and timely; and (3) where research has shown there are effective policies or practices in other states and localities that could inform Philadelphia’s decisions.

 

This initiative will draw on the research and expertise of Pew’s Philadelphia research initiative, which was established to provide data and impartial analysis on issues critical to the city’s future, and the robust national networks of experts that exist within Pew’s D.C.-based state and local government programs. The core element of the project will be an ongoing series of convenings intended to allow relevant local policymakers and stakeholders to engage in candid dialogue with both subject matter authorities who have conducted extensive study on targeted issues and public officials who have innovated and implemented more effective approaches. Our goal for this project over the next two years is for policymakers to draw on the research and expertise provided by Pew to enact policies, adopt agency practices or make resource allocations in at least two issue areas that will be examined by the project.

 

The ideal candidate will have a strong policy background combined with the capacity to coordinate both internal and external logistics and be capable of designing, planning, and executing convening sessions. The candidate will be knowledgeable about the local policy and political landscape, and have the proven ability to facilitate policy conversations and discussions of research with key decision makers. In addition, the successful candidate will have the ability to communicate and work effectively with diverse individuals and organizations in the nonprofit, public and private sectors. Finally, the candidate will be able to work with research and policy teams at Pew to synthesize data and existing research and participate in conceiving and drafting original materials for both internal and external consumption.

The officer will report to the project director, Philadelphia Policy. The position has a set time frame that could be extended based on the success of the program, funding sources, and board decisions on continued support.

Responsibilities

  • Under the leadership of the project director, contribute to the development of strategies for and the facilitation of an ongoing series of public and invitation-only gatherings on key fiscal and policy issues facing the Philadelphia region.
  • Collaborate with the project director as well as Pew’s Philadelphia research initiative and Pew’s state and local government performance teams to identify the research, national experts, and materials needed to support the project’s goals.
  • Manage the day-to-day logistical activities of the project internally and externally, including responsibility for maintaining project schedules and budgets, and developing systems for tracking the use of the research and expertise brought to bear by the project.
  • Design, plan, and execute meetings including, but not limited to, communication with participants, coordinating with Pew’s conference center, communicating with vendors, drafting invitations, preparing materials, and facilitating.
  • Track closely changes in public policy, government funding, demographic trends and research and best practices in Philadelphia.
  • Play a lead role in developing and executing digital and print products and presentations that will effectively convey research findings to key audiences, including policymakers, the media, and other stakeholders. Serve as a high-level expert on Philadelphia policies before key audiences and the media.
  • Synthesize research to identify trends, best practices, opportunities and challenges, and compelling examples.
  • Work collaboratively with communication and outreach staff to identify and develop external relationships that will inform and advance the project’s goals. Develop and execute in-person and online meetings and conferences (e.g., webinars) for policymakers and other key audiences.
  • Represent Pew at public forums and speaking engagements. Prepare written materials for external use.
  • Working with Pew’s legal and government relations teams, ensure that the project is in strict compliance with all federal, state and local lobbying and ethics laws.
  • Assist project director with the board agenda preparation process, including contributing program information, budgets, and program funding history information.
  • Contribute to and participate in broader Philadelphia Program and Pew-related projects and activities as assigned.

Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree required. Advanced degree in public policy or other relevant field strongly preferred.
  • At least eight years of relevant experience.
  • Demonstrated time and project-management skills, including the ability to think creatively, juggle multiple priorities, adjust to changing circumstances, organize time and remain attentive to details.
  • Demonstrated strong analytical skills, including the ability to synthesize and summarize large amounts of information and to focus quickly on the essence of an issue.
  • Ability to write clearly and cogently for internal and public audiences.
  • A strong drive for achieving measurable results.
  • Seasoned judgment with the capacity to make difficult choices, justify recommendations and provide constructive feedback to colleagues and partners.
  • Experience working with a broad range of stakeholders including community-based nonprofit organizations, policy makers and other potential partners for the program.
  • Ability to work collegially within a creative, fast-paced corporate culture that emphasizes excellence and team work.

Travel
The travel is primarily focused on the Philadelphia region. Occasional travel to meetings outside of the region is required.

Compensation and Benefits
As this is a full-time position, we offer a competitive salary and complete 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 help you 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.

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