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
The officer, who is based in Pew’s Philadelphia office, reports to the policy team project director, Philadelphia research and policy initiative. The officer’s job is two-fold: (1) helping to conceptualize, design, and complete research on key issues affecting the city, with a particular focus on city fiscal issues; and (2) developing and implementing strategies to generate and support the adoption of responsive policy solutions.
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
- Lead the conceptualization, design, and execution of research, analysis, and policy translation on key issues affecting the city of Philadelphia, with a particular focus on the city’s fiscal health and economy.
- Lead policy translation, including developing presentations and “leave-behind” written materials; soliciting and responding to feedback from target audiences; and synthesizing research findings and related policy implications across PRPI products.
- Actively manage PRPI’s internal coordination on fiscal health and economic development topics, as well as contractor/vendor relationships for high-visibility projects that engage government officials, economic development stakeholders, and civic stakeholders.
- Develop and write issue briefs and web analyses relevant to policy deliberations and easily understood by policymakers, civic stakeholders, the media, and a wider public audience.
- Develop and implement PRPI’s external engagement strategy in collaboration with PRPI colleagues, including organizing and leading public and invitation-only convenings, government official briefings, social media campaigns, and presentations to civic, business, nonprofit, and community-based organizations.
- Serve as an expert on Pew’s research and policy solutions, including participating in speaking engagements/public forums, providing technical assistance to policymakers, testifying before city council, and serving on task forces/working groups.
- Build and sustain relationships with relevant policymakers and government officials, as well as nonprofit, business, and civic sector stakeholders, to increase their awareness of and input into Pew’s work and stay current on their priorities.
- Build relationships with new stakeholders the team has not yet identified or engaged with to strengthen and broaden PRPI’s research and policy recommendations.
- Help ensure that PRPI’s policy work considers racial disparities and is informed by broad, deep, and diverse knowledge networks.
- Develop and maintain broad-based knowledge of key issues facing Philadelphia, local political and policy context, and promising policy solutions. Participate in conferences, seminars, and other professional development activities to keep current on relevant research and policy issues. Continually scan for potential research topics and policy engagement opportunities and share information about the same with colleagues.
- In addition to stakeholder engagement activity, track interactions and impact in the Salesforce customer relationship management (CRM) platform.
- 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 eight years of applicable experience in public policy, public sector, research/academia, journalism, or nonprofit field, with evidence of increased responsibilities over time.
- 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.
- Demonstrated research, data collection, analysis, and writing skills; facility with quantitative data; and special expertise in at least one city-focused subject area – preferably economic development.
- Experience synthesizing and summarizing large amounts of information and focusing quickly on the essence of an issue, including policy implications. Demonstrated skill in policy translation for diverse audiences, including in developing audience-appropriate presentations and “leave-behind” written materials.
- Demonstrated time- and project management skills, including meeting multiple deadlines by maintaining a high level of organization and to move complex projects forward while working as part of a team. A task-oriented style, with focus on attention to detail and achieving clear and ambitious goals.
- Effective communication skills, including a clear, effective writing style; excellent listening skills; and experience effectively communicating with diverse audiences.
- Experience developing and managing productive and collaborative relationships both internally and externally with diverse audiences.
- Demonstrated experience conceptualizing, planning, and advancing projects with a high degree of independence and autonomy, including by effectively working with consultants and partners.
- Thinks strategically, collaboratively within a team, and creatively, and adjusts to changing circumstances.
- Foster a work environment that is diverse, equitable, inclusive, and accessible and in line with Pew and the project’s related goals.
- Experience with Salesforce CRM preferred.
Travel
Overnight travel for meetings and conferences as required, as well as occasional trips to Pew’s Washington, D.C. office.
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.
