Philadelphia and Scientific Advancement
The State Science Policy Fellowship Initiative is part of the Philadelphia and Scientific Advancement Program portfolio, which houses all of Pew’s grantmaking initiatives, including two that support scientific research nationally and internationally—the Pew Biomedical Programs and the Pew Fellows Program in Marine Conservation—and one that supports state-level science policy fellowships. The portfolio’s grantmaking also focuses on supporting thriving communities in Pew’s hometown of Philadelphia. In Philadelphia, our grants support health and human services nonprofits, artists and arts organizations, and public spaces that make the city a better place to live for everyone, and we also perform research and policy work on local issues such as housing, jobs and the economy, poverty, and demographics. Furthermore, the portfolio includes the Evidence Project, which seeks to catalyze collective action among philanthropies, public funding agencies, and a diverse array of leaders in government, academia, and civil society to close the gap between research and outcomes.
State Science Policy Fellowship Initiative
This initiative supports the development of science policy fellowships in state legislatures. Science policy fellowship programs offer a promising means of informing decision-making with science and evidence. Fellows engage with legislators and legislative staff to translate and synthesize complex scientific information, draft briefing or policy documents, analyze data, and contribute strategic insights.
In coordination with partners, the project will make grants to help launch or expand fellowship programs in up to 20 states or territories.
Position Overview
The Officer, State Science Policy Fellowship Initiative, collaborates with the project director to manage grantmaking operations to eligible organizations, such as state- or territory-based nonprofits and universities to design and run programs and place fellows in their legislatures. The team will work closely with partners to secure support to sustain the programs over the long-term and ensure fellowship programs adopt effective approaches for promoting fellows’ career growth and making substantive contributions to policymaking.
Reporting to the Project Director, the Officer will work closely with the initiative’s advisory committee, grantees, in-state partners, and The National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL).
Located in Pew’s Washington, DC, office, this position participates in Pew’s hybrid work program with core days in the office and the flexibility to telework the remaining days each week. Staff also enjoy four telework “flex weeks” per year.
Responsibilities
Foster a work environment that inspires excellence, values impact, encourages transparency, builds mutual trust and respect, embraces and values diversity, and is collaborative, caring and compassionate.
Manage the advisory committee, including leading regular meetings, presenting grant applications, and engaging the committee in fundraising strategy and donor updates.
Serve as the primary touchpoint with grantees through proposal development, application process, and term of the grant agreements.
Manage relationships between grantees and in-state partners.
With the project director and partners, develop and refine grant application and guidance materials.
Represent Pew in the NCSL community of practice.
Review grant applications and liaise with operations teams to execute agreements.
Create communications products for the Pew website and other outlets.
Other tasks as needed to support the efficient management and running of the program.
Participate in activities that support program and Pew-wide objectives.
Requirements
Skilled at developing and managing productive and collaborative relationships.
Demonstrated experience working independently and managing competing priorities with limited supervision.
Skilled at informing and influencing internal and external audiences through written and oral communications.
Operational management acumen.
Politically astute; capacity to understand the needs and motivations of different individuals and institutions.
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
Generally, eight years of applicable experience.
Key attributes and preferred experience
Experience working with the scientific community and at the interface of science and policy, including at the state-level.
Grant program support experience.
Proficiency in constituent management systems like Salesforce and grants management systems.
Skilled at working productively in teams with a wide array of individuals and partners.
Travel
This position requires occasional domestic travel to meetings and conferences.
Work Authorization
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the country for which they are seeking employment without visa sponsorship.
Salary Range
$110,800 USD - $123,800 USDThe salary range represents a reasonable estimate of the annual salary based on Pew’s commitment to provide equitable and market-competitive pay. The actual salary offered will take into consideration many factors including but not limited to job-related knowledge, skills and experience, internal pay equity, and business need.
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.
Pew is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment decisions without regard to race, ethnicity, gender, or any other protected characteristics.