Project Director, Government Performance Research, Washington D.C.

Project Director, Government Performance Research, Pew Center on the States
Job ID: 7093592

Sector: Nonprofit
Company Name: The Pew Charitable Trusts
Field of Interest: Research and Evaluation Methods
Location(s): Washington, Dist. Columbia, United States

Posted: August 13, 2010
Job Function: Management/Administrative
Entry Level: No
Job Type: Full-Time
Degree Desired: Master's: MPA, MPP, MPM, etc.
Level of Experience: Mid-Career
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Job Description

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 organizes our work in three areas, helping states: 1) operate government more efficiently and effectively; 2) ensure fiscal health, by spending less and achieving better outcomes; and 3) make smart investments in programs that provide the strongest returns. This position will primarily contribute to the development of our government performance research.

Position Overview

Through Grading the States, a decade-long series of report cards on government management and performance, Pew has undertaken comprehensive assessments of key topics such as money, people, information and infrastructure.

PCS is reevaluating how to streamline this research and amplify its impact. Working closely with the Deputy Director for Government Performance, the Project Director will conceptualize and justify a new research agenda and manage project teams of research/policy analysts and consultants to undertake multiple and diverse major research projects for PCS, from identifying and exploring new issues to helping build the evidence base for board-approved, issue-specific policy initiatives

The Project Director, Government Performance Research, reports to the Deputy Director for Government Performance, and will work from the Washington, DC office. The Project Director will also supervise a range of staff from Project Managers to Associates.

Responsibilities include:

· Conceptualize and implement a research agenda that offers a coherent frame to PCS’ government performance work, contributes to policy deliberations and advances and complements PCS’ broader research agenda.

· 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 the Communications staff, external writers and other consultants.

We offer a competitive salary and excellent benefits package, a generous 401(k) plan and flexible benefit options. To view the full job description candidates are invited to visit the Careers@Pew page on our website at www.pewtrusts.org. Direct link to the position: http://jobs-pct.icims.com/jobs/2232/job
Job Requirements

Requirements include:

· 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.

· Excellent research and analytical skills including study design, sampling, measurement and analysis. Knowledge of SPSS and/or SAS is required as is the ability to quickly learn software specific to the department or institution. Experience evaluating data study feasibility and creativity in the face of limited data valued.

· Excellent written and oral communications skills, including an ability to synthesize and summarize research findings and recommendations. Clear, effective writing and presentation style.

· Knowledgeable about a range of issues facing state policy makers or demonstrated ability to learn and master new issues quickly. Solid understanding of government performance and management field.
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Apply URL: http://www.jobs-pct.icims.com