Urban Policy Applied Researcher, The Pew Charitable Trusts

Posted by Pew Charitable Trusts on January 14, 2020

Philadelphia Research Initiative (See the full job description for more information)

The Philadelphia research initiative produces timely, well-documented and highly readable reports and issue briefs on issues facing Philadelphia for the benefit of decision makers, the news media and the public at large. Topics come from a number of subject areas including demographic trends, government performance and innovation, tax and fiscal policy, K-12 education, economic development and job creation, and public safety. In addition, the initiative performs research in conjunction with the Philadelphia Policy Exchange, designed to stimulate focused conversations among policymakers and policy influencers on a range of issues. Those issues include, but are not limited to, evaluating tax incentives, improving tax collections, managing revenue volatility through rainy day funds, strengthening public sector retirement systems, delivering cost-effective corrections services, and reducing opioid abuse.

The initiative’s staff conducts research using a range of methodologies, including representative-sample polling, and looks beyond the city for relevant information from comparable cities. The research typically is based on public or proprietary data, peer-reviewed research methodologies, close consultation with subject-matter experts, and regular interaction with officials of local governments and organizations. Most of its reports lay out the facts and findings on a given issue. Some go further to discuss the data-based pros and cons of various policy options. In either case, however, the initiative does not advocate for specific solutions or favor any particular point of view. Its mission is to be an honest broker on the issues and effective contributor to civic discourse in Philadelphia and, where applicable, other cities. The goal is to be a consistent and effective contributor to civic discourse in Philadelphia. Examples of the initiative’s work are available at http://www.pewtrusts.org/philaresearch.

Position Overview

The senior associate, who is based in Pew’s Philadelphia office, reports to the manager, Philadelphia research initiative. The senior associate’s job is to help conceptualize, design and complete research and analysis on key issues affecting the city of Philadelphia. A research background, relevant experience, expertise in one of the initiative’s key subjects, and/or strong writing skills are desirable.

Responsibilities – see job description on Pew’s career site for complete list:

• Help senior staff organize and write reports, briefs, and web analyses. When appropriate, take the lead on producing shorter pieces.
• Monitor and identify emerging urban policy issues that are relevant to Philadelphia. Help prepare internal written summaries and data charts, tables or visualizations to help researchers and senior staff track and assess current and emerging issues for potential further research.
• Under direction of the initiative’s senior staff, compile and maintain datasets from various sources that may be used in research projects, perform first-level analysis of data, and conduct general background research on issues, including literature reviews and media scans.
• Help organize events organized by the Philadelphia policy exchange that facilitate discussion of issues facing the city, sometimes working with outside partners, in order to engage policymakers and bring attention to Pew’s work. Assist in efforts to maintain contact with policymakers to ascertain their priorities and to increase their awareness of and input into Pew’s work.
• Participate in conferences, seminars and other professional development activities to keep current on a broad range of urban policy issues.

Learn more and apply: https://jobs-pct.icims.com/jobs/6085/senior-associate%2c-philadelphia-research-initiative/job