Job Overview

The principal associate plays a leading role in helping policymakers enact data-driven reforms that deliver lasting results for state budgets. Reporting to the associate manager, state fiscal health, the principal associate will help states prepare for budget challenges and achieve long-term fiscal stability by producing research and providing technical assistance informed by qualitative and quantitative work.

Located in Pew's Washington D.C. office, this position will participate in Pew's core in-office days on Tuesdays and Wednesdays with flexibility to work from home the remainder of each week. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the country for which they are seeking employment without visa sponsorship.

The Government Performance Portfolio

Pew's government performance work identifies and advances effective approaches to help solve complex challenges at all levels of government in the United States. The portfolio's work can be traced back to our founders' early efforts to improve the lives of Americans by supporting efforts that promoted health, civic engagement, and democratic ideals. Today, we conduct research on emerging topics, develop data-driven reports, and highlight innovative, non-partisan approaches in addressing complex problems at the federal, state, and local levels as well as the interplay that can occur between jurisdictions. Current initiatives focus on health, fiscal and economic policy, and safety and justice, and take into account significant trends such as evolving technologies, and the increasing racial and ethnic diversity in the United States population.

Our teams explore and advance effective, evidence-based policies using credible, timely, and accessible research, assessing public support for change, identifying approaches that have proved successful elsewhere, and bringing together diverse perspectives to find common ground. We work in collaboration with organizations that share our commitment to rigorous research, measurable results, and public service, and we focus on developing durable policy change. In addition, our teams use strategic outreach and dissemination to ensure that good information is widely communicated to decision-makers, media, influential stakeholders, and the public.

State Fiscal Health

The state fiscal health project helps states advance sound, data-driven policies and practices that build fiscally well-managed states.

The project: 1) conducts independent and nonpartisan research that documents states' fiscal and economic challenges and opportunities to address them; 2) provides targeted technical assistance that helps state and local policymakers design and execute policies that improve their governments' long-term fiscal health; 3) designs and promotes fiscal management models and tools that help state and local government officials evaluate policy options; and 4) supports networks and seminars that engage and educate key stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Foster a work environment that is diverse, equitable, inclusive, and accessible and in line with Pew and the project's related goals.
• Serve as a technical lead and subject matter expert on the project's work.
• Use mathematical models and econometric techniques to inform research and technical assistance on long-term budget assessments, budget stress testing, and other fiscal issues.
• Collaborate with project leadership and contribute to explorations of new topics in state fiscal health. Identify key fiscal policy issues, develop research questions, produce state-specific content, conduct and manage research, and prepare internal and external materials.
• Provide writing and editing support as research products are developed, including major reports, issue briefs, and shorter pieces of timely content.
• Build and maintain a deep understanding of the policy and political landscape across states; identify and monitor emerging issues relevant to the project's issue focus and goals.
• Identify and cultivate relationships with subject-matter experts, key organizations, and in-state stakeholders.
• Represent the project and Pew at conferences, meetings, and other events, including preparing materials for distribution and making presentations. Contribute to and participate in broader portfolio and Pew-wide projects and activities as assigned.

Qualifications

• Exceptional writing and editing skills. Experience with producing various written products for a range of audiences, both independently and in collaboration.
• Aptitude with Excel required. Experience with statistical software (e.g., Stata, EViews, etc.) is strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated project and time-management skills, juggling multiple priorities, and adjusting to changing circumstances.
• Experience synthesizing and summarizing large amounts of information, focusing on the essence of an issue, as well as understanding and integrating different policy perspectives.
• Applying a non-partisan, evidence-based approach to projects and campaigns that require support across the political spectrum.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.
• Generally, six years of applicable experience.

Key attributes and preferred experience

• Knowledge of state fiscal policy and public finance issues and trends. Experience in state government, especially in budget and forecasting processes.
• Skillful at setting short- and long-term planning goals in line with program strategies.
• Interpersonal skills, diplomacy, and cultural sensitivity

Work Environment

Travel

This position requires occasional domestic travel to meetings and conferences.

Benefits

Total Rewards

We offer a competitive salary and benefit program, including: comprehensive, affordable health care through medical, dental, and vision coverage; financial security with life and disability insurance; opportunities to save using health savings and flexible spending accounts; retirement benefits to help prepare for the future; and work/life benefits to maintain a good balance.

About the Organization

The Pew Charitable Trusts is an equal opportunity employer, committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. Pew considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to age, sex, ethnicity, religion, disability, marital status, sexual orientation or gender identity, military/veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law.