The Pew Center on the States The Pew Center on the States (PCS), an internal operating division of The Pew Charitable Trusts, identifies and advances effective policy approaches to critical issues facing states. It researches emerging topics, develops 50-state comparisons, and highlights innovative approaches among states to complex problems. When the facts are clear, PCS advocates for nonpartisan, pragmatic solutions. PCS makes use of the basic tools required to help states explore and advance effective policies, regardless of the issue: credible, timely and user-friendly research; assessments of public support for change; strategic outreach and dissemination to ensure that good information is widely communicated to state decision-makers, media, influential stakeholders and the public; the capacity to bring together diverse perspectives and find common ground; and the ability to identify approaches that have proven successful elsewhere. PCS tracks and measures how well states are faring on a range of important issues through 50-state assessments, policy briefs, case studies, report cards and innovative tools. For instance, Trends to Watch is an online tool that compares and contrasts states on cutting-edge issues driving state policy in the 21st century. Our Government Performance Project measures and grades states on how efficiently and effectively they operate, and helps states learn from one another to improve their performance. And Stateline.org tracks, analyzes and investigates state news and policy developments daily. When the facts support particular policy approaches, PCS works to advance them. PCS operates major initiatives in early education, children’s dental health, intensive home visiting/parent mentoring for at-risk families, sentencing and corrections, and election reform. PCS also partners with other Pew projects in areas such as climate change, mortgage lending and foster care reform. While these issues are quite different, the projects have several important elements in common. All are grounded in credible, rigorous, nonpartisan research, focused on pragmatic solutions, and shine a spotlight on what works so that states across the country can learn about effective approaches. PCS staff have expertise in research, communications and coalition building; those engaged in issue-specific projects have deep substantive expertise. Position Description The Project Director reports to the Deputy Director, Research and Development (R&D), PCS, who is based in Washington, DC. The individual will work with the Deputy Director to design and manage PCS’ research agenda and oversee project teams of research/policy analysts and consultants to conceptualize, design and implement research and analysis that informs state policy-focused efforts on a wide range of issues of interest to Pew. Responsibilities - Working closely with the Deputy Director, R&D, help develop and oversee multiple and diverse major research projects across the entire continuum of Pew’s state policy work, from identifying and exploring new issues to helping build the evidence base for board-approved, issue-specific policy initiatives. In that capacity:
- Collaborate with PCS senior officers and project directors of specific initiatives to identify and respond to the research needs of the division and design effective strategies. - Help build and position PCS’ research unit as an internal consulting arm of Pew on state-based policy research. Leverage the research unit’s existing capacity to collaborate on broader Pew-related projects with a state focus, and to work with outside donors on state policy research and analysis. - Design and oversee 50-state assessments that analyze how states are faring in emerging policy areas. - Identify expert policy analysts and researchers in a variety of fields and commission research projects, ensuring the work is designed to answer relevant policy questions and conducted in a high quality, rigorous and timely manner. - Conceptualize and design the research methods used for a variety of research products, including empirical analysis, compilation and analysis of data sets, and literature reviews. - Develop and write reports and other research products that are highly relevant to policy deliberations and easily understood by the public, media and policy makers, often in collaboration with PCS/PCT Communications staff and external writers and other consultants. - Oversee processes that ensure all of PCS’s research products meet the highest standards for rigor and accuracy. - Work closely with PCS/PCT Communications staff to design and implement effective dissemination techniques, including written products, online communications strategies, and high-level convenings. Present findings internally and externally at workshops, forums and/or conferences as appropriate. - Cultivate and maintain a broad knowledge of public policy discussions and research methodologies and practices. Participate in conferences, seminars and other professional development activities to keep current in areas of focus.
- Manage, mentor and provide professional development and day-to-day supervision for PCS research staff.
Impact - Help advance the goals of PCS by supporting programmatic efforts to produce measurable and meaningful results.
Requirements - An advanced degree with a significant research focus and at least 10 years experience designing, conducting and managing research projects aimed at informing and advancing effective public policy.
- Knowledgeable about a range of issues facing state policy makers or demonstrated ability to learn and master new issues quickly. Understanding of state budgets and fiscal issues a plus.
- Excellent research and analytical skills including design, sampling, measurement and analysis. Knowledge of SPSS and/or SAS required. Ability to quickly learn software specific to the department or institution.
- Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects, including significant experience managing teams. Ability to manage research undertaken by external experts based at universities, nonprofits and other entities and ensure rigorous, policy relevant and timely results.
- Excellent written and oral communications skills, including an ability to synthesize and summarize research findings and recommendations. Clear, effective writing style.
- Demonstrated experience in managing and developing staff.
- Strong interpersonal skills. Able to develop and manage productive and collaborative relationships both internally and externally. Demonstrated ability to work consultatively with internal clients (i.e., senior officers and project directors of specific initiatives) and a proven track record of customer service.
- Proven track record of working as a member of a team and individually to meet goals.
Compensation We offer a competitive salary and excellent benefits package, including four weeks of vacation, a generous 401(k) plan and flexible benefit options. Travel Occasional travel to Philadelphia (once or twice a month) and to relevant national conferences expected. How to Apply The fastest way to apply for this position is to create a profile and apply through the link at the top of this page.
If you prefer, simply email a Word version of your resume and cover letter to Gina Schurman at resumes@staffingadvisors.com with the title of the position in the Subject line of the email. (We do acknowledge every resume received, but please note that it may take us an extra day or two to get back with you if you choose to apply via email).
For more information about Pew and PCS, candidates are invited to visit the Trusts’ Web site at www.pewtrusts.org and PCS’ web site at www.pewcenteronthestates.org.
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