Senior Associate, State Fiscal Health and Economic Growth, Pew Center on the StatesSenior Associate, State Fiscal Health and Economic Growth, Pew Center on the States
Job ID 2013-3279
Location US-DC-Washington
Department Pew Center on the States
Posted Date 1/26/2013
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Overview:
Pew Center on the States
The Pew Center on the States (PCS) is a division of The Pew Charitable Trusts that identifies and advances effective solutions to critical issues facing states. Pew is a nonprofit organization that applies a rigorous, analytical approach to improve public policy, inform the public, and stimulate civic life.
The Pew Center on the States grew from the recognition that America’s success and prosperity depends upon the strength of the states. Our purpose is to help build high-performing states that work efficiently and effectively to deliver better results, achieve long-term fiscal health through budget discipline, and make smart investments in programs that provide the strongest returns.
We take an in-depth, nonpartisan approach to track and report on what happens across the 50 states and the District of Columbia—using evidence to determine which policies work and which do not. When the facts are clear, Pew and our partners advocate for practical reforms, including federal policies that affect states, in areas such as elections, corrections, pre-kindergarten, children’s dental health, and voluntary home-based programs for new and expectant families.
Our staff of over 150 policy experts, researchers, journalists, and campaign strategists has produced more than 75 reports since 2007 and is driving significant changes to public policy, increasing benefits to taxpayers, and improving the quality of life in the states.
Project Overview
The State Fiscal Health and Economic Growth Project, based in the Pew Center on the States, is a three-year initiative to help states adopt policies and practices designed to improve their long-term fiscal health and economic growth.
The project has three primary objectives: (1) provide highly credible, independent, and nonpartisan research that helps lawmakers understand states’ fiscal and economic challenges and how to address them; (2) engage and educate critical constituencies that influence policy decisions; and (3) provide selected states with customized technical assistance and research.
Position Overview
As part of a team, the senior associate will focus on exploring the most effective policies states can use to measure and manage the impact of tax incentives for economic development. The senior associate will be a key part of the research team, will serve as the lead writer for data-driven reports, briefs, infographics, and other types of content, and will reach out to policy makers and key stakeholders in the field to inform and advance the project’s goals. This position, based in Pew’s Washington, D.C. office, will report to a Project Manager, Research. It is expected that this position is for a term period through December 31, 2015, with the possibility of an extension pending the success of the program, funding sources and board decisions on continued support.
Responsibilities:
* Research current state practice using a variety of sources, but in particular through in-depth interviews with policy makers, state officials, and experts. Develop a high level of expertise on tax incentive policy.
* Synthesize research to identify trends, best practices, opportunities and challenges, and compelling examples.
* Develop content ideas that will effectively convey the findings of the research to key audiences, including policy makers, the media, and other stakeholders.
* Serve as lead writer for a range of digital and print products.
* Develop and execute effective presentations of research findings for internal and external audiences.
* Work collaboratively with communication and outreach staff to identify and develop external relationships that will inform and advance the project’s goals and by developing and executing in-person and online convenings (e.g., webinars) of policy makers and other key audiences.
* Contribute to and participate in tasks of PCS as well as broader Pew-related projects and activities.
Requirements:
* Bachelor''s degree required.
* At least four years of experience researching and writing about public policy. Experience working as a journalist or in a similar role is highly preferred.
* Acute political awareness and non-partisan perspective and approach.
* Understanding of state budget and tax policy and/or economic development. Experience covering these issues is preferred. Excellent written and oral communications skills. Clear, effective writing style. Demonstrated ability to produce thorough, compelling, analytical narratives accessible to a range of audiences.
* Demonstrated skills in researching and analyzing public policy issues, including an ability to synthesize and summarize large amounts of information and to focus quickly on the essence of an issue. Demonstrated ability to learn and master new issues quickly.
* Able to develop and manage productive and collaborative relationships both internally and externally.
* Ability to think strategically, critically and creatively; juggle multiple priorities; adjust to changing circumstances; organize time efficiently; remain attentive to details; and identify resources for projects.
* Computer-assisted reporting skills or experience with Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Access and/or research databases a plus.
* Demonstrated track record of delivering complex projects or project components on time and on budget. Ability to meet multiple deadlines by maintaining a high level of organization.
* Ability to fit into a creative, fast-paced, and highly professional corporate culture which emphasizes excellence, collegiality, and teamwork. Has a proven track record of working as a member of a team and individually to meet goals.
Travel
Occasional travel in the United States and to relevant national conferences expected.
Pew is an equal opportunity employer.
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