Senior Associate, Civic Science Fellow, Evidence Project

Job description

Philadelphia and Scientific Advancement The evidence project is part of the Philadelphia and Scientific Advancement 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, 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. Evidence Project The evidence project coordinates with philanthropies, public funding agencies, and a diverse array of leaders in government, academia, and civil society to close the gap between research and real-world impact, ensuring that research more consistently translates to policy, practice, and community benefit. The evidence project works to close this gap by (1) generating actionable evidence about what makes research relevant and trusted, (2) accelerating uptake of promising practices across funders and institutions, and (3) embedding those practices in research organizations to sustain impact at scale. Position Overview The senior associate, civic science fellow, Evidence Project, supports the project’s work to expand and strengthen research capacities and infrastructure for public impact, especially through a council of university presidents and chancellors. Reporting to the manager, Evidence Project, the senior associate drives outreach and engagement across higher education institutions, research funders, and other research organizations around implementation strategies for enhancing public impact developed by the Evidence Project and the council. As a participant in the civic science fellows program, the senior associate will participate in a national cohort of next-generation leaders who are innovators in connecting science and society. Under the direction of the manager and Pew’s scientific advancement leadership, the fellow will co-design and complete a fellowship project focused on expanding the reach of the council’s work that contributes to the field of civic science. Located in Pew’s Washington, D.C. office, this position participates in Pew’s hybrid work program with core days in the office and the flexibility to telework the remaining days. 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. Support the development and implementation of outreach and engagement strategies for bolstering university- and funder-led efforts to strengthen research partnerships, broaden opportunities for public engagement, and enhance societal impact. Develop and draft web analyses, Q+A features, slide decks, blog posts, social media content, overview materials, and email outreach that contribute to Pew’s engagement goals. Support the planning and execution of virtual roundtables and in-person convenings, including by developing agenda and pre-read materials and managing participant communications. Support the maintenance and management of project relationships with a wide array of external stakeholders, including university leaders and research funders. Assist in the preparation of proposals and updates to funders, effectively communicating project developments and achievements. Represent Pew by participating in meetings and events with partners from the higher education, philanthropic, and scientific communities. Co-design and complete a civic science fellowship project focused on the uptake and implementation of recommendations from a strategic blueprint developed by the council. Participate in a national cohort of next-generation civic science leaders, including attending and contributing to regular fellow calls and periodic convenings. Participate in activities that support program and Pew-wide objectives. Requirements Demonstrated research and analytical skills, including a capacity to synthesize and summarize large amounts of information and to focus quickly on the essence of an issue. Excellent written and oral communication skills, including a capacity to synthesize issues effectively and clearly. Aptitude to write quickly and succinctly as well as revise and edit based on input from a range of reviewers. Effective interpersonal skills. Demonstrated capacity to develop and manage productive and collaborative relationships both internally and externally. Aptitude to apply a non-partisan, evidence-based approach. Knowledge of various technical systems including proficiency with Microsoft 365. Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience. Experience or future interest in post-graduate education is a plus for fellowship participation. Generally, four years of applicable experience. Key attributes and preferred experience Knowledge of science policy, higher education policy, or issues related to the role of science in society. Experience or demonstrated interest working with research, higher education, or scientific communities. Experience developing and moving projects forward with a high degree of independence and autonomy. Aptitude to think strategically and creatively, adjust to changing circumstances, remain attentive to details and exercise sound judgment in problem-solving. Travel This position requires occasional domestic and international 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 United States Pay Range: $79,900 - $89,300 The 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.