Associate I, Philadelphia Research and Policy Initiative

Philadelphia, PA

Philadelphia Research and Policy Initiative

The purpose of the Philadelphia research and policy initiative (PRPI) 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; (4) engaging extensively with policymakers and influential stakeholders before and after convenings to increase the impact of our work and consider promising solutions; and (5) making direct policy recommendations.

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

Position Overview

Reporting to the policy team’s project director, the associate I will support the development and implementation of strategies to leverage research, convening, and policy engagement tools to inform and enable Philadelphia policymakers, including but not limited to convenings linking Pew research to policy solutions, periodic conversations with policymakers and their staff members, and technical assistance agreements with city agencies. Prior knowledge about one or more of the issues PRPI focuses on, familiarity with local government and policymaking, and/or experience with community-based organizations are desirable.

Candidates from diverse backgrounds and with lived experience related to the issues PRPI works on are strongly encouraged to apply.

The position, based in Pew’s Philadelphia, PA office, 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 must be legally authorized to work in the country for which they are seeking employment without visa sponsorship.

Responsibilities

• Under the direction of the project director and/or senior officer responsible for engagement strategy, support PRPI’s external engagement with policymakers and key audiences, including invitation-only convenings, government official briefings, social media campaigns, and presentations to civic, business, nonprofit, and community-based organizations.
• Under the direction of PRPI content leaders, support peer city analysis and best practice research, including summarizing key research and policy findings, with a particular focus on the city’s fiscal health and economy.
• In coordination with PRPI content leaders, help conceptualize and draft content for outreach to external audiences, including city government, civic leadership, and other policy stakeholders.
• Develop and maintain broad knowledge of key issues facing Philadelphia, local political and policy context, and promising practices. Identify policy engagement opportunities and key updates to share internally and externally.
• Support the policy team’s engagement with City Council and other local government offices, including attending Philadelphia City Council public hearings, tracking local legislation, and attending meetings with government officials.
• In coordination with the senior associate, support the Philadelphia Program’s government compliance reporting through the Salesforce customer relationship management (CRM) platform.
• Build and sustain relationships with relevant policymakers and government officials, as well as nonprofit, business sector, and civic sector stakeholders, to both increase their awareness of and input into Pew’s work and stay current on their priorities.
• Help ensure that PRPI’s policy work considers racial disparities and is informed by broad, deep, and diverse knowledge networks. Build relationships with new stakeholders the team has not yet identified or engaged with to strengthen and broaden PRPI’s research and policy recommendations.
• Foster a work environment that is diverse, equitable, inclusive, and accessible and in line with Pew and the project’s related goals.
• Participate in activities that support program and Pew-wide objectives.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required.
• Generally, one year of applicable full-time work experience.
• Demonstrated interest in and understanding of issues of importance to policymakers in Philadelphia, as well as current trends and issues affecting Philadelphia specifically and cities in general.
• Solid time- and project management skills, including meeting multiple deadlines by maintaining a high level of organization and moving complex projects forward while working as part of a team.
• Effective research, data collection, analysis, and writing skills; facility with quantitative data; effectively communicates complex research, data analyses, and relevant findings to a broad group of distinct and diverse audiences.
• Develops and manages productive and collaborative relationships both internally and externally.
• Thinks strategically and creatively as an individual contributor and a collaborative member of diverse teams.
• Thinks strategically, collaboratively, and creatively, and adjusts to changing circumstances.
• Develops and thrives in a work culture that emphasizes teamwork and excellence.

Key attributes and preferred experience

• Knowledge/understanding of the Philadelphia area and its stakeholders.
• Effective communication skills, excellent listening skills, and experience effectively communicating with diverse audiences.
• Experience in local government is highly preferred.
• Experience in economic development policy and/or public sector finance is desired.

Travel

This position requires occasional overnight travel for meetings and conferences, as well as travel to The Pew Charitable Trusts office in Washington, D.C.

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.

Apply Here

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