Senior Associate, Suicide Risk Reduction

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.

The suicide risk reduction project seeks to make suicide screening and care part of routine health care in the United States. Project goals include expanding suicide screening and discharge care in accredited hospitals, improving public and private health insurance coverage for hospital discharge protocols, identifying state policy solutions to expand these interventions, and executing a research agenda and communications strategies to advance project goals.

Reporting to the manager, the senior associate informs and supports the expansion of suicide screening and care practices. This position will be responsible for supporting the project's state and federal policy outreach, conducting research to advance the project's objectives, and collaborating with experts in the field to promote the project's goals.

The senior associate position is based in Pew's Washington, D.C., office and will participate in Pew's core in-office days on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and will have flexibility to work from home the remainder of each week. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the country for which they are seeking employment without visa sponsorship.

• Foster a work environment that is diverse, equitable, inclusive, and accessible and in line with Pew and the project's related goals.

• Support strategies to successfully advance state and federal policy objectives, including working with external experts and stakeholders to identify evidence-based policies, analyzing existing policy efforts, conducting policy research, and assessing community-based efforts to improve suicide screening and care.

• Develop and maintain knowledge of the research, policies, and politics around suicide screening and discharge care.

• Plan, organize, and implement convenings of experts in suicide care, health care, state policy, and others to develop policy principles.

• Represent Pew at meetings and convenings and discuss complex subject matter with stakeholders, including government officials.

• Lead outreach and engagement with leaders in the private insurance industry, including organizing convenings, to identify opportunities to promote and improve insurance coverage and payment mechanisms for suicide care.

• Author/coauthor research reports, issue briefs, and other public communications for the project. Critically review and fact-check materials produced by contractors and other staff. Collaborate with Pew's communications department to prepare materials for the project's website and ensure that they are timely, accurate and relevant.

• Work closely with colleagues in communications, government relations, strategy, and other units to develop effective messaging and outreach strategies to promote the project's objectives.

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

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.

• Generally, 4 years of applicable experience.

• Experience working with state and/or federal policy, public health, and/or behavioral health.

• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including experience informing and influencing internal and external audiences.

• Works effectively with colleagues to advance complex projects toward successful completion with measurable results.

• Aptitude for building relationships and supporting efforts to develop consensus and move toward a desired outcome, includes applying a non-partisan, evidence-based approach to projects and policy analysis.

• Experience collaborating with stakeholders in government, academia, and nonprofit organizations.

This position requires occasional domestic travel to meetings and conferences.

Salary Range

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.

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.