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.

Fiscal Policy Group

Pew's fiscal policy portfolio works to strengthen states' fiscal management practices through original research and direct engagement with policymakers. Our teams develop timely, rigorous analyses of states' fiscal conditions; elevate research-driven best practices; and identify emerging trends in state fiscal policy. By partnering with stakeholders across the political spectrum, we aim to support policymakers' efforts to deliver fiscally sound budgets and equip states to meet future challenges.

Position Overview

With significant experience designing and implementing successful research efforts and implementing best practices in state policy and practice changes, the director leads teams of policy experts, researchers, and advocates to ensure the effective execution of Pew's state and local fiscal policy work. The director leads teams with a specific focus on long-term liabilities-including public sector pensions, post-employment benefits, and deferred maintenance of infrastructure. At the same time, the director will work closely with other senior members of the fiscal and economic policy group to manage staff, design and execute research efforts, implement outreach strategies, and develop partnerships. Together, the fiscal policy group's teams are responsible for executing the State Fiscal Strategy, approved by the board in March 2022. The primary, shared goal of these projects is to ensure the long-term sustainability of state finances. Over a decade of efforts to date, the fiscal and economic policy group has demonstrated success producing impactful original research and driving state and local policy change.

The director reports to the senior director, fiscal and economic policy, and is based in Pew's Washington, DC office. This position is eligible for up to 60% telework.

Responsibilities

• Foster a work environment that is diverse, equitable, inclusive, and accessible and in line with Pew and the government performance portfolio's related goals.
• Manage and mentor members of the policy group, including day-to-day leadership and ongoing professional development.
• Work with project staff, contractors and experts to design and implement robust research efforts that produce measurable and meaningful results for project and portfolio objectives. Ensure communications strategies promote broad dissemination of Pew's work.
• Coordinate with other units such as government relations, communications, and others to develop strategies, leverage resources and coordinate effectively with other Pew initiatives where appropriate.
• Represent Pew with policymakers, partners and potential funders the media, and other key stakeholders.
• Develop new proposals for lines of work to support the fiscal policy group's long-term objectives.
• Ensure the smooth functioning of the liabilities team, including overseeing a multi-million-dollar budget, managing contracts, reviewing externally facing materials, and contributing to board-related documents.
• Work with staff and fiscal policy group leadership to establish positive and productive teamwork, effectively manage and coach individual staff, and provide appropriate opportunities for professional development.
• Serve on the fiscal policy group leadership team and government performance leadership cohort, participating in activities that support program and Pew-wide objectives.

Requirements

• Experience developing and implementing applied research on a range of state fiscal policy issues, including research design, data collection and analysis, and translating complex findings for a range of audiences.
• Aptitude to apply a non-partisan, evidence-based approach to projects that require support across the political spectrum.
• Politically astute; understands the needs and motivations of different individuals and institutions and can work effectively with an array of stakeholders.
• Skilled at informing and influencing internal and external audiences through written and oral communications.
• Deep operational management acumen.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.
• Generally, ten years of applicable experience, including staff, project, and/or consultant management experience.

Key attributes and preferred experience

• Knowledge of state fiscal policy and public finance issues and trends. Experience in state government, especially in the budget process, a plus.
• Skillful at setting short- and long-term planning goals in line with program strategies.
• Natural interpersonal skills and diplomacy with cultural sensitivity. Comfortable working productively in teams with a wide array of individuals and stakeholder groups.
• Seasoned judgment, makes decisions, justifies recommendations, and responds clearly and pragmatically with colleagues and partners.
• Effectively synthesizes information to focus quickly on the essence of an issue/problem and develop a solution. A commitment to producing measurable results.

Travel

Occasional overnight travel is expected.

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.

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.