The Pew Charitable Trusts uses data to make a difference. For more than 70 years, we have focused on serving the public, invigorating civic life, conducting nonpartisan research, advancing effective public policies and practices, and achieving tangible results. 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 home town 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.
The Research and Science Portfolio in Program
The research and science portfolio includes programmatic, functional, and outreach elements. It spans all of Pew’s programmatic work with a focus on advancing quality research and science and deploying research expertise to further the goals of ongoing projects. The portfolio reviews the design of new research projects across the institution to ensure they are high-quality, unbiased, and methodologically sound. The programmatic elements of the portfolio include specific projects related to biomedical science, environmental science, and fiscal federalism. In addition, research and science has a role in communicating timely, accurate information on state issues to the general public as the Pew daily news publication, Stateline, is part of our organization.
Fiscal Federalism Initiative
Pew’s fiscal federalism initiative is housed in the research and science portfolio and led by the director of fiscal federalism initiatives. The initiative provides research and analysis on issues where federal and state fiscal interests and funding overlap. Our goal is to provide the data and analysis that is missing from the conversation and to inform the critical decisions by policymakers at both levels of government.
The initiative produces both short analytical pieces that are timed to inform the current debate and longer more in-depth research to illuminate issues where data are missing from the debate. The topics are focused on issues where federal and state interests intersect and cover both spending and tax policies – ranging from higher education and Medicaid to natural disasters and tax conformity, among others.
Position Overview
The officer will work with the director and the project’s management staff to implement the current research agenda, develop accessible data and information, and play a leadership role in the exploration of new research and lines of work. The officer authors and co-authors research papers and issue briefs, critically reviews project materials, helps implement the project’s communications and outreach strategy, presents research findings in appropriate venues, and may oversee contracts.
The position, based in Pew’s Washington, D.C., office, reports to the director. The position has a set time frame that could be extended based on the success of the program, funding sources, and board decisions on continued support.
