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 public interests.
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.
Project Description:
Government Performance (GP), an internal operating division of The Pew Charitable Trusts, identifies and advances effective policy approaches to critical issues that affect Americans. GP researches emerging topics, develops data-driven reports and highlights innovative approaches to complex problems. GP initiatives focus on five areas: (1) strengthening the economic well-being of America’s families; (2) promoting fiscal health at the state, federal and local levels; (3) advancing innovative, data-driven state policy in targeted areas, such as corrections, elections and oral health; (4) safeguarding and improving the public’s health; and (5) fostering cutting-edge biomedical research and advancing patient safety. By using credible and user-friendly research, assessing public support for change, and reaching out strategically to key stakeholders, GP identifies approaches that have proven to be successful elsewhere. When the facts are clear, GP advocates for nonpartisan, pragmatic solutions.
Position Overview:
Based in Washington, DC the Program Assistant, Research will serve in a cross-cutting role across the different project areas within GP, assisting in data collection and analysis in the early phases of project research and in quality control in the later phases. Program Assistant, Research are deployed and supervised by senior-level research review staff, in coordination with project-area Directors and Managers. Program Assistant, Research also help with exploratory research to determine new project areas. The position will report to the Manager, Research Review and Support.
This position is term-limited to not exceed a period of three years from the date of hire.
Responsibilities:
Under direction of senior research staff, assist with research efforts that support particular project teams and cross-cutting efforts within GP.
- Research work will include managing datasets, reviewing code and/or using research software to process and analyze data, producing literature reviews, and composing draft tables, charts, and write-ups for GP’s research products.
- Program Assistant, Research also assist other cross-cutting staff in reviewing methodologies and other strategies proposed by project teams in the early stages of research, and in checking data and calculations in the final stages before publication.
- Contribute to and participate in tasks of GP, as well as broader Pew-wide projects and committees as needed.
Requirements:
Compensation: We offer a competitive salary and excellent benefits package.
Travel: This position is not anticipated to involve travel.
- A bachelor’s degree is required, but new graduates of master’s-level programs would also be well-suited.
- Relevant research experience in the form of summer internships and/or coursework research projects required; at least some previous full-time employment desirable.
- The ideal candidate will have an interest in public policy and an educational background in economics, public policy, statistics/mathematics, computer science, or other social science field.
- Strong computer skills and experience. Experience handling large data sets and models preferred. Experience with software such as SPSS, STATA, and other statistical/econometric packages.
- Ability to synthesize and summarize large amounts of information and to focus quickly on the essence of an issue.
- Ability to communicate ideas, thoughts and concepts clearly and concisely, both in writing and orally.
- Ability to be responsive to the direction of research managers/supervisors while working with a high degree of independence within a creative, fast-paced, action-oriented and collegial environment.
- Demonstrated time- and project-management skills, including the ability to meet multiple deadlines by maintaining a high level of organization.
Travel: This position is not anticipated to involve travel.
