Officer, Philadelphia Research and Policy Initiative

Philadelphia, PA

Application Deadline: April 18, 2025, at 5 PM EST

Philadelphia Research and Policy Initiative The purpose of the Philadelphia research and policy initiative is to enable policymakers to identify and enact policies and practices that improve city government and the well-being of the city's residents by conducting rigorous research regarding important challenges and trends facing Philadelphia. Central to this policy work is the production of timely , well-documented reports on these issues for the benefit of policymakers, the news media and the public at large. Working directly with stakeholders, the initiative conducts in-depth research, looking beyond the city and region for relevant information from comparable locales. Our approach includes: (1) researching important policy topics and solutions; (2) analyzing administrative, demographic and polling data to benchmark progress; (3) holding policy-oriented convenings; and (4) engaging extensively with policymakers and influential stakeholders before and after convenings to increase the impact of our work and consider promising solutions. Examples of the initiative's work are available at www.pewtrusts.org/philaresearch.

Position Overview The officer, Philadelphia Research and Policy Initiative, serves in a key role leading and conducting research on topics impacting the city of Philadelphia and its residents including demographic benchmarking, the city's fiscal health, economic development, and other key areas. The officer will lead research projects and, in collaboration with the project director, will identify areas for future research. A research background, expertise on issues that are important to Philadelphia, and strong writing skills are strongly preferred. The officer reports to the project director , Philadelphia R esearch and P olicy I nitiative and is based in Pew's Philadelphia office. The 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 reflecting the diverse backgrounds of Philadelphia residents are encouraged to apply.

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

• Contribute to the conceptualization, design, and implementation of research and analysis on key issues affecting the city of Philadelphia.
• Identify and develop the scope of research needed to fully explore the topics.
• Conduct background and primary research or support external contractors engaging in research, including quantitative analysis of complex datasets; compilation; empirical analysis; literature reviews; and interviews with stakeholders.
• Develop and write major policy research reports and shorter issue briefings that are relevant to policy deliberations and easily understood by policymakers, civic stakeholders, the media, and a wider public audience , often in collaboration with colleagues as well as external writers and consultants.
• Engage with Pew's internal quality control processes, including research support and quality.
• Coordinate production and publication of graphics. Prepare charts and tables as needed. Edit and proof draft documents for accuracy.
• Monitor and identify emerging urban policy issues that are relevant to Philadelphia and to the priorities of the initiative .
• Maintain, strengthen and expand a broad knowledge of research methodologies and practices.
• Contribute to and participate in other work tasked to the initiative as well as broader Pew-related projects and activities.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience required ; advanced degree preferred.

• Generally, eight 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.
• Experience synthesizing and summarizing large amounts of information and focusing quickly on the essence of an issue, determining whether it is ripe for in-depth analysis and identifying the means to examine it. Proven experience in statistical software and/ or g eospatial analysis.
• Special expertise in at least one city-focused subject area-public safety, transportation, human services, government operations, etc.-or proven knowledge and command of city-related data sources.
• Excellent written and oral communications skills, including experience briefly summariz ing the essence of issues and the means to address them. Clear, effective writing style.
• A task-oriented style, with a focus on achieving clear and ambitious goals. Demonstrated experience meeting multiple deadlines by maintaining a high level of organization.
• Proven experience develop ing and mov ing projects forward with a high degree of independence and autonomy.
• Effective interpersonal skills; develops and manages productive relationships with consultants, partners, and others who contribute to the development of a project by anticipating possible outcomes . Excellent listening skills.
• Track record of work ing professionally and collegially within a culture that emphasizes excellence and teamwork.
• Experience working successfully with a broad range of stakeholders.
• Attention to detail, including exacting standards to maintain accuracy and impartiality in all work products.
• Knowledge of current trends and issues affecting Philadelphia specifically and cities in general preferred.

Travel Overnight travel for meetings and conferences as required, as well as occasional trips to The Pew Charitable Trusts office in Washington, D.C. Work Authorization Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the country for which they are seeking employment without visa sponsorship.

Salary Range$110,800 USD - $123,800 USD

The salary range represents a reasonable estimate of the annual salary based on Pew's commitment to provide equitable and market-competitive pay. The actual salary offered will take into consideration many factors including but not limited to job-related knowledge, skills and experience, internal pay equity, and business need.

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.

PI267147112