Senior Officer, Philadelphia Research and Policy Initiative

The Pew Charitable Trusts • Philadelphia, PA

8d • $142,800 - $159,600 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Philadelphia Program aims to enhance civic life in Philadelphia by partnering with local institutions to foster arts and culture, support vulnerable residents, inform public discussion, and strengthen the city's appeal. The Philadelphia Research and Policy Initiative (PRPI) specifically focuses on enabling policymakers to improve city government and resident well-being through rigorous research on key challenges and trends. This involves producing timely reports, conducting in-depth research by looking beyond the city for comparable information, analyzing data, holding policy convenings, engaging with stakeholders, and making direct policy recommendations. The Senior Officer, PRPI, will lead the development and implementation of strategies to leverage research, convening, and policy engagement to inform Philadelphia policymakers, with a strong strategic focus on local economic advancement, affordable housing, pathways to middle-wage jobs, fiscal policy analysis, and government performance. The role requires bringing the right mix of outreach, policy research, and Pew’s national expertise to drive action by policymakers and other stakeholders. Candidates from diverse backgrounds and with lived experience related to PRPI's work are encouraged to apply. This position is based in Pew’s Philadelphia office and operates under a hybrid work program.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required; advanced degree preferred.
• Generally, 10 years of applicable experience.
• Relevant experience in public policy, the public sector, academia, journalism, or with nonprofits preferred, with evidence of increased responsibilities over time.
• Special expertise in at least one city-focused subject area—economic advancement, fiscal analysis, budgeting, government performance, etc.—or proven knowledge and command of city-related data sources.
• Demonstrated interest in, and understanding of, issues of importance to policymakers in Philadelphia, as well as current trends and issues affecting Philadelphia specifically and peer 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 advancement, fiscal policy, budgeting, departmental operations and/or government performance.
• 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.
• 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.
• Conceptualizes, plans, and advances projects with a high degree of independence and autonomy, including by effectively working with consultants and partners.
• Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the country for which they are seeking employment without visa sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

• Advanced degree preferred.
• Experience working with Salesforce CRM preferred.

Responsibilities

• Foster a work environment that inspires excellence, values impact, encourages transparency, builds mutual trust and respect, embraces and values diversity, and is collaborative, caring and compassionate.
• Help 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 government performance.
• Help ensure that PRPI’s policy work considers racial disparities and is informed by broad, deep, and diverse knowledge networks.
• 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.
• Help lead and develop peer city learning models and networks to support the transfer and adoption of practices that have demonstrated success in improving local outcomes.
• In collaboration with communications and government relations colleagues, develop and implement PRPI’s external engagement strategy, 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.
• Conceptualize and draft web analyses, Q&As, and other content relevant to policy deliberations that are easily understood by policymakers, civic stakeholders, the media, and a wider public audience.
• Serve as an expert on Pew’s research and policy solutions, including through 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 sector, and civic sector stakeholders, to both 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.
• 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, policy engagement opportunities, and peer city learning opportunities and share information about the same with colleagues.
• Partner with Pew’s government performance (GP) teams to identify opportunities for shared learning, collaboration, and local application of GP’s research and policy insights.
• Contribute to and participate in broader Philadelphia program and Pew-related projects and activities as assigned.
• To further stakeholder engagement activity, track interactions and impact in the Salesforce customer relationship management (CRM) platform.
• As relevant, manage contractor/vendor relationships, from partner selection through project conclusion.
• Participate in activities that support program and Pew-wide objectives.

Benefits

• 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
• work/life benefits to maintain a good balance

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior