Pew Charitable Trusts
Washington, DC
Associate, Policy, Data as a
Strategic Asset
For more
information and to apply - associate policy
Overview:
The Pew
Charitable Trusts is driven by the power of knowledge to solve today’s most
challenging problems. Pew applies a rigorous, analytical approach to improve
public policy, inform the public and invigorate civic life.
We are an
independent nonprofit organization – the sole beneficiary of seven individual
trusts established between 1948 and 1979 by two sons and two daughters of Sun
Oil Company founder Joseph N. Pew and his wife, Mary Anderson Pew.
Project
Overview:
Pew’s new Data
as a Strategic Asset project is assessing administrative data use across the 50
states, taking an in-depth look at whether and how effectively states are
leveraging data for decision making. Because the field is so new, there is no
comprehensive source of information about what states are trying; whether they
face common challenges; and the effectiveness of different approaches. This
18-month research project will provide policy makers with a better
understanding of how states across the country are using data to inform policy
and budget decisions and make operations more efficient.
Position Overview:
The Associate will
provide policy, analytic, and writing support for the Data as a Strategic Asset
team. Working with senior staff, the Associate will help design and implement a
50-state assessment detailing how states are using administrative data to
improve decision making across all states. After the assessment is complete,
the Associate will help prepare a series of reports on the challenges and
opportunities states face when integrating data across multiple sectors. The
Associate will also assist with communications and administrative
responsibilities as needed.
The Associate will
be based in Pew's Washington, DC office and will report to the Research
Manager. It is expected that this position is for a term period through March
31, 2017, with the possibility of renewal pending the success of the program,
funding sources and board decisions on continued support.
Responsibilities:
- Support the design and
implementation of a 50-state assessment on states’ use of administrative
data to inform policymaking, budgeting and operational effectiveness.
- Collect, organize, and
analyze legislation, rules, policies, and other documents related to
states’ use of administrative data.
- Arrange, conduct, and
document in-depth interviews with state officials.
- Synthesize research to
identify trends, best practices, opportunities, challenges, and compelling
examples.
- Monitor key activities of
federal, state and local governments, academia, foundations, and vendors
that relate to big data.
- Review and fact-check
materials produced by contractors and other staff; help coordinate
internal and external quality control processes.
- Develop and draft reports
and other research products on the states’ use of data in decision making.
- Prepare initial drafts of
talking points, presentations and other documents on key project issues as
requested.
- Help plan and execute
convenings, advisory meetings, and presentations designed to advance
project goals.
- Maintain knowledge of policy
issues relevant to Big Data, including participation at conferences,
seminars, and professional development activities.
Requirements:
- Associate’s degree required;
Bachelor’s degree preferred.
- A minimum of two years of
relevant professional experience, including demonstrated knowledge of
public policy and/or public administration.
- Acute political awareness
and nonpartisan perspective and approach.
- Knowledge of state, federal,
or local policy making.
- Strong interpersonal skills,
including the ability to develop and manage productive and collaborative
relationships both internally and externally.
- Excellent applied research
and analytical skills, including an ability to synthesize information and
identify themes.
- Ability to write clearly and
effectively about technical and policy matters for internal audiences,
policy makers, the media and public.
- Demonstrated time- and
project-management skills, including an ability to meet multiple deadlines
by maintaining a high level of organization.
- Proven track record of
working as a member of a team and individually to meet goals.
- Experience analyzing
legislation is preferred.
Compensation:
We offer a
competitive salary and excellent benefits package.