Evidence Project

The evidence project promotes innovations in the production and use of rigorous, relevant research that could result in evidence-informed and equitable public policy. To support these aims, the project created two networks that serve as platforms for building coalitions, identifying challenges and opportunities, and encouraging testing and uptake of promising practices for connecting evidence, equity, and public policy. The evidence project created the Transforming Evidence Network (TEN) to serve as a global knowledge center for scholarship and promising practices, a networking hub for innovation, and a professional home for evidence experts . In the Transforming Evidence Funders Network (TEFN), public and private funders from around the world learn from each other and act on common challenges in increasing evidence use, inclusivity in research, and more equitable societal outcomes. Finally, the evidence project regularly hosts convenings and workshops to focus attention on critical issues in the evidence field, share experience and common lessons, and build collaborations between key innovators.

Position Overview

The work of the project has developed rapidly, and the team will be creating strategic plans for the next phase of growth of the networks. The senior officer will lead implementing TEN work already in process (including coordinating key partners and stakeholders) and work closely with the project director on the strategic planning processes for TEN and TEFN, leading specific components as needed. Finally, the senior officer will provide overarching guidance and coordination between and for all of the project's workstreams, and lead workstreams as needed.

The position, based in Pew's Washington, D.C. office, reports to the Project Director, Evidence Project and 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 project's related goals.
• Working closely with the evidence project team and external partners, manage the ongoing work of TEN, including coordinating key partners and stakeholders, and small events, identifying potential new workstreams, and building new partnerships and coalitions to support the work.
• In close coordination with the project director, lead the development of a strategic plan for the next phase of the TEN, in conjunction with consultants, external partners, and other staff within the institution.
• Cultivate and lead, when needed, high-level strategic relationships with partners and key thought leaders and create coalitions for support of project initiatives.
• Represent the project in key convenings and with key partners.
• Manage consultancies and contracts, in coordination with other evidence project staff.
• Lead, when needed, and contribute to evidence project meetings, workshops, and other events when appropriate.
• Collaborate with and represent the project director on key activities, such as:
  • The development of a strategic plan for the next phase of the TEFN, in conjunction with consultants and other staff within the institution, including (1) identifying and leading activities for shared learning, cooperative initiatives, and alignment among network members; and (2) building partnerships to help develop and execute project initiatives.
  • Developing internal evidence project strategic documents and collaborating with and coordinating among relevant staff within the institution.
  • Ensuring alignment between the different components of the evidence project.
  • Ensuring regular strategic prioritization of tasks and meetings of the project and the project director.
  • Working closely with the staff, draft and preview materials, including funding proposals, for completeness and alignment with evidence project goals.
  • Managing special projects including, but not limited to, background research on prospective partners or convenings and conferences.
  • Drafting and editing documents, including materials for senior management and external partners.
  • When needed, managing budgetary information for the project and its workstreams.
  • Manage and ensuring effective information flow from the project director to senior leadership and relevant staff in other parts of Pew as needed.

• Participate in activities that support program and Pew-wide objectives.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience, advanced degree is preferred.
• Ten years of work experience in the nonprofit, government, corporate or philanthropic sector.
• Persuasive and good at "marketing" ideas and gaining support and commitment for initiatives from individuals and organizations capable of providing financial support for Pew projects.
• Well-developed skills in leadership and diplomacy. Works productively with a wide array of different people and institutions with different perspectives and builds buy-in and coalitions.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills. Must be flexible, creative, and consistent and assume accountability for all areas of responsibility.
• Excellent time and project-management skills. Highly flexible, with the ability to juggle multiple priorities, adjust to changing circumstances, remain attentive to details, identify resources for projects, and work effectively within and across teams.
• Excellent systems thinker; demonstrated agility in connecting diverse issue areas, institutions, and thought leaders; embraces complexity.
• Strong initiative and entrepreneurial skills.
• Strong written and oral communications skills, including the ability to persuasively articulate complex ideas, thoughts and concepts for different audiences.
• Ability to analyze budgetary information and assess organizational capacity.
• Political awareness, with a non-partisan perspective and approach.

Travel

This position may involve some domestic and international travel to meetings and conferences.

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.

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