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.

Managing Fiscal Risks

Managing Fiscal Risks helps state policymakers evaluate and plan for risks to their states’ fiscal long-term stability. Through research, technical assistance, and stakeholder engagement, the project aims to provide state policymakers with the tools and information they need to better evaluate new and emerging fiscal risks and uncertainty and their impact on state budgets. In addition to working with state policymakers, the project engages entities outside state government that play a significant role in states’ long-term fiscal stability, notably the federal government and the municipal bond and insurance markets.

Position Overview

The senior associate, research and policy, will help states achieve fiscal stability and improve their budgeting practices by supporting the project’s research and outreach efforts to strengthen states’ management of federal funding. Reporting to the manager, the senior associate, research and policy, will contribute to research publications, track relevant policy and practice changes, explore new research opportunities, develop outreach materials, and engage key external stakeholders.

Located in Pew's DC office, this position 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

• Foster a work environment that is diverse, equitable, inclusive, and accessible and in line with Pew and the project’s related goals.

• Conduct policy research and provide recommendations for policy and practice changes.

• Contribute to research reports and issue briefs; critically review and fact-check materials produced by contractors and other staff.

• Monitor key activities of federal and state governments, academia, and advocacy groups that relate to states’ response to federal spending.

• Identify and develop relationships with government and non-governmental stakeholders and support outreach efforts to help advance project goals.

• Represent Pew at meetings and convenings; comfortably discuss complex subject matter with stakeholders, including government officials.

• Participate in activities that support program and Pew-wide objectives.

Requirements

• Excellent research and analytical skills, including synthesizing large sets of information and identifying key themes.

• Skilled at informing and influencing internal and external audiences through written and oral communications.

• Fiscal policy experience preferred, specifically with federal spending practices in states and state budgeting processes.

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.

• Generally, four years of applicable experience.

Key attributes and preferred experience

• Naturally develops and manages productive and collaborative relationships.

• Familiarity with relevant research and policy topics and knowledge of state and federal government, including budgeting processes.

• Experience working with or in federal and/or state government is highly preferred.

Travel

This position requires occasional domestic travel to meetings and conferences.

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.

For more than 75 years we have used data to make a difference—addressing the challenges of a changing world by illuminating issues, creating common ground, and advancing ambitious strategies that lead to tangible progress. Through rigorous inquiry and knowledge sharing, we inform and engage public-spirited citizens and organizations, linking diverse interests to pursue common cause. We are a dedicated team of researchers, communicators, advocates, subject matter experts, and professionals working on some of today’s big challenges – and we know we are more effective and creative collectively than we are individually. With Philadelphia as our hometown and the majority of our staff located in Washington, D.C., our U.S. and international staff find working at Pew personally and professionally rewarding.

Wise stewardship of resources allows Pew employees to pursue work that strategically furthers our mission in significant and measurable ways. We collaborate with a diverse range of philanthropic partners, public and private organizations, and concerned citizens who share our interest in fact-based solutions and goal-driven initiatives to improve society. Pew attracts top talent, people of integrity who are service-oriented and willing to take on challenging assignments. We provide competitive pay and benefits, a healthy work-life balance, and a respectful and inclusive workplace. Pew employees are proud of their colleagues, proud of where they work, and proud of the institution’s reputation.