Associate I, Research, Safety and Justice

Associate I, Research, Safety and Justice (Hybrid)

The Government Performance Portfolio within Program
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.

Position Overview

The associate I will serve in a cross-cutting role across the Safety & Justice (S&J) unit, assisting in the production of timely, high-impact research for the public safety performance and mental health and justice projects, and other work for the S&J unit as assigned. They will also participate in project conceptualization, background research and drafting analysis products with increasing autonomy. The position involves extensive writing tailored to an educated lay audience and involves collaborating with colleagues who are focused on technical assistance, partnerships, communications, and other activities to improve the systems Americans rely on for safety and justice.

The ideal candidate will have background in social science research, knowledge of justice and/or behavioral health systems, understanding of public policy, and experience with data collection and analysis.

The position, based in Pew's Washington, D.C. office, is eligible for up to 60% telework, and reports to a senior manager, S&J.

Responsibilities

Support project staff in the production of rigorous and timely research that will sharpen the national conversation and inform key stakeholders.

• Identify, gather and clean data for analysis using research tools such as Excel, R, Stata, Qualtrics, and/or Python.
• Produce write ups, presentations, and data visualizations for use in external publications and to inform internal conversations.
• Conduct background research, including literature reviews and media scans for research topics across the S&J issue areas.
• Prepare documentation for quality control checks of data and facts by Pew's Research Review and Support team.
• Develop an expanding knowledge of research and practice in the Safety & Justice portfolio's core subject areas.
• Provide rapid-response research and analysis as needed by staff to respond to internal and external requests for information.
• Participate in other activities as assigned, including meetings, trainings, and more.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent coursework and/or experience that will provide the applicant with necessary research skills is required.
• At least one year of applicable hands-on social science research experience, preferably in university research, private research services, or the public sector. Demonstrated ability to prepare literature reviews, acquire, clean and analyze data and develop of data visualizations.

• Demonstrated experience using statistical software packages such as Stata, R, SAS or advanced Excel functions. Experience and proficiency in using qualitative software such as NVivo a plus.
• Demonstrated time and project management skills, including experience meeting multiple deadlines by maintaining a high level of organization. Experience adjusting to changing circumstances, while remaining attentive to details and identifying resources for projects.
• Strong written communication skills, particularly in explaining complex material for a general audience.
• Interest in contributing to an inclusive working environment and collaborating with a diverse team of internal colleagues and external partners and stakeholders.
• Knowledge of current trends and issues in criminal or civil legal systems and their intersection with behavioral health systems is preferred.
• Willingness to adhere to a nonpartisan perspective and approach.

Travel

This position requires occasional overnight travel, approximately once every two to four months, for 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.