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 stimulate 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, D.C., 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 Performance:
Government Performance (GP), an internal operating division of The Pew Charitable Trusts (PCT), identifies and advances effective policy approaches to critical issues. It researches emerging topics, develops data-driven reports, and highlights innovative approaches to complex problems. When the facts are clear, GP advocates for nonpartisan, pragmatic solutions.
GP operates major state and local level initiatives in public pensions, children's dental health, intensive home visiting/parent mentoring for at-risk families, sentencing and corrections, cost-benefit analysis, state budgeting and tax expenditures, and election reform, among others. GP makes use of the basic tools required to help states and localities 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.
Project Overview:
The Public Safety Performance Project (PSPP) was launched in 2006 as an initiative of The Pew Charitable Trusts. The project helps states advance fiscally sound, data-driven policies and practices in sentencing and corrections that protect public safety, hold offenders accountable and control costs. In 2012, PSPP expanded its portfolio to include work in the juvenile corrections system. For more information about this project, visit www.pewpublicsafety.org.
Position Overview:
PSPP produces a high volume of publications, presentations, and other documents for policy makers, the press, and the public. The officer collaborates with project staff to maximize the quality and impact of the materials. The position is based in Pew's Washington, D.C. office and reports to the PSPP research director.
It is expected that this position is for a term period through March 31, 2016, with the possibility of an extension pending the success of the program, funding sources and board decisions on continued support.
- Create original documents, presentations and other materials, including topical briefs and expert Q&As;
- Identify and conceptualize information graphics that highlight key data and messages and help explain complex data in an accessible visual form.
- Work with the research director to set the project's research agenda and prioritize workflow.
- Review and edit reports, briefs, presentations and other documents produced by project staff and partners, assisting with conceptualization and outlining as needed;
- Ensure consistency in policy messages and data.
- Ensure the editorial excellence of all materials, including writing that is compelling, concise and clear and free of jargon and errors in grammar and punctuation.
- Liaise with the Pew publication process and outside providers as needed to facilitate smooth and timely release of materials;
- Make presentations at conferences and meetings if needed;
- Develop and maintain an informed awareness of current public safety issues;
- Contribute to and participate in tasks of the project and department as assigned, as well as broader Pew-wide projects and committees as needed.
- Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred.
- A minimum of eight years of experience in writing and/or editing publications and presentations for general audiences. Daily journalism experience a plus. Background in criminal and/or juvenile justice and public safety issues strongly preferred.
- Excellent writing and editorial skills, including ease in translating complex concepts clearly and effectively, a passion for quality writing, an expressive vocabulary, and an aptitude for creating data visualizations.
- Demonstrated strong analytical skills applied to public policy issues, including an ability to synthesize and summarize large amounts of information and focus quickly on the essence of an issue.
- Exceptional attention to detail and the ability to meet multiple deadlines by maintaining a high level of organization and coordination. Experience with project management preferred.
- Operates as a team player and supports staff to prioritize and multi-task appropriately; independently delivers high quality products in a timely manner, anticipates unmet needs and works proactively with colleagues to ensure that they are addressed.
- Acute political awareness and a non-partisan perspective and approach.
Travel:
Occasional overnight travel for meetings and conferences is expected.
Pew is an equal opportunity employer.