Senior Associate, Government Relations-- The Pew Charitable Trusts

Senior Associate, Government Relations All times are in Eastern Daylight Time. Job ID 2015-4199 Location US-DC-Washington Department Government Relations Posted Date 6/12/2015 Options: Apply for this job online: https://jobs-pct.icims.com/jobs/4199/senior-associate%2c-government-relations/login 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. Our work lays the foundation for effective policy solutions by informing and engaging citizens, linking diverse interests to pursue common cause and insisting on tangible results. Our projects encourage efficient, responsive governments – at the local, state, national and international levels – serving the best interests of the people. We partner with a diverse range of donors, public and private organizations and concerned citizens who share our interest in fact-based solutions and goal-driven investments to improve society. With offices in Philadelphia, Washington, DC, Brussels and London and staff in other regions of the United States as well as Australia, Pew provides an exciting learning environment and the opportunity to work with highly talented individuals. We are a dynamic, rapidly evolving organization that values creativity and innovative thinking and fosters strong teamwork with mutual respect. Government Relations: Government Relations (GR) was established in 2006 to complement and advance Pew’s work in the public policy arena. Government Relations is comprised of a Senior Vice President and units that oversee advocacy of Pew’s programmatic agenda as well as operations and institutional advocacy. The priorities of the department are to: (1) provide relevant, timely and insightful advice on legislation of direct relevance to the Trusts, its programs and advocacy goals; (2) develop close effective relationships with key congressional offices, the administration and the government affairs staffs of major trade organizations relevant to our work; (3) develop Pew’s annual advocacy strategy as well as manage and facilitate its implementation; (4) work hand in hand with program staff and policy experts to guide advocacy from inception to successful completion; (5) coordinate, collaborate and communicate with and between Government Relations and program staff to advance institutional priorities, (6) monitor, track, review and approve all interactions between Pew staff and government officials including participation in coalition efforts and work with our external stakeholders; and (7) ensure full compliance by Pew with all applicable regulations related to lobbying and advocacy. Government Performance: Government Performance (GP), an internal operating division of The Pew Charitable Trusts (PCT), identifies and advances effective policy approaches to critical issues. GP operates federal, state and local level initiatives in public pensions, children’s dental health, drug safety and innovation, sentencing and corrections, cost-benefit analysis, state budgeting and tax expenditures, food safety, and election reform, among others. GP makes use of the basic tools required to help policymakers 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 decision-makers, media, influential stakeholders, and the public; the capacity to bring together diverse perspectives and find common ground; and the ability to identify and apply approaches that have proven successful elsewhere. Position Overview: The Senior Associate will be an integral part of the Government Relations team in Washington, D.C. and will have lead responsibility for providing government relations counsel to a portfolio of research and advocacy projects within the Government Performance (GP) division including the Fiscal Federalism Initiative (FFI), the Immigration and the States projects, and the Pew-MacArthur Results First Initiative. In addition to working directly with these program teams within GP, the Senior Associate will report to and work closely with the Director of Government Relations. FFI and Immigration and the States are research projects that assess how federal laws and policies impact other levels of government and convene federal and state policymakers to foster a better understanding of the impact of federal policy changes on the states. The federal-state-local intersection of policies explored by FFI comprises a number of timely issues including tax reform, transportation funding, and higher education spending. FFI has played an active role in working with both federal and state legislators as they consider reauthorization of the Federal Highway Trust Fund and changes to both the federal and state gas tax. Immigration and the States explores the intersection of federal, state, and local immigration laws and policies and their fiscal and economic impacts. The Senior Associate will also provide support to the Pew-MacArthur Results First Initiative, which works with states to implement an innovative cost-benefit analysis approach that helps them invest in policies and programs that are proven to work. This program offers tools to states that more accurately assess the true costs and benefits of public programs in areas ranging from criminal justice to substance abuse to education. This allows policymakers to identify options that yield the greatest return on investment for taxpayers. As the Results First team continues to expand its work and looks for ways to increase the use of evidence-based policies in states, the Senior Associate will work to explore and potentially shape ways to promote the use of evidence-based guidance in decisions affecting federal policies and funding. Responsibilities: In concert with GP program teams and the state campaigns team, develop and implement effective outreach strategies for bringing Pew’s work to the attention of elected and appointed federal and state policymakers including direct contact, conferences, electronic communications, and other activities. Help develop, manage, and maintain systems to track policymaker use of Pew products. Work with GP staff and other Government Relations staff to develop and implement strategies to achieve specific project and campaign goals for projects within the portfolio as assigned. Research and identify policymakers particularly relevant for the programs, analyze their needs and work with program staff to translate complex information into accessible written materials for distribution to government officials at the national and state levels; review materials produced by program staff for relevance to public policy debates; and work with PCT communications and eAdvocacy teams to develop web materials and emails relevant to policymaker requests, information needs, or program needs. As necessary to meet program goals, identify, schedule and attend appropriate lobbying or educational visits with staff and members of Congress and the Executive branch and counterparts at the state and local level. Track and analyze legislation, regulations, other policy proposals, and hearings, announcements, and other government actions relevant to Pew and share summary information with program team on a timely basis. Fully comply with, and assist others in complying with, all relevant federal and state lobbying disclosure and ethics rules Develop and maintain strong working relationships with national organizations to advance the Pew agenda including developing coalitions and identifying partners who can advance program goals with a focus on organizations representing state and local government officials. Work with and direct government affairs consultants in support of campaign activities as needed. Requirements: A minimum of five years of professional experience working with policymakers and staff in government relations, government service, state or federal campaigns and/or policy advocacy. Experience in both state and federal government desirable. Bachelor’s degree required. Master’s degree in public policy or a related discipline preferred. Strong political and interpersonal skills. Excellent written and oral communications skills, including an ease in reaching out to policymakers and their staff, and in communicating complex concepts in a clear effective fashion. Recognized ability to meet multiple deadlines by maintaining a high level of organization. Demonstrated strong analytical skills, including an ability to synthesize large amounts of information and to focus quickly on the essence of an issue. A strong commitment to producing measurable results. Demonstrated ability to take initiative, and to work both independently and as part of a team. Compensation: We offer a competitive salary and excellent benefits package. Travel Limited travel within the United States. Pew is an equal opportunity employer.