Officer, Government Relations (Strategic Initiatives)

Officer, Government Relations

Government Relations

Government Relations (GR) seeks to advance Pew’s nonpartisan policy and research goals at all levels of government, in the United States and internationally. We focus on sharing the organization’s research and fact-based recommendations, shaping pragmatic strategies to achieve program objectives, and building relationships with key government officials to forge compromise and consensus on issues that make a difference to the public.

Position Overview

The officer, government relations will report to the senior vice president (SVP), GR and assist the SVP in preparing policy, legislative, and political research; drafting briefing memos; preparing presentations; and coordinating with Pew’s programmatic staff. The position will be charged with leading the collaboration on various internal- and external-facing initiatives and will be required to have the necessary substantive and political judgement to identify problems, recommend solutions, and spearhead the execution of solutions.

The officer will also partner with the SVP and the GR senior director for strategy and operations to support external and internal relationship- and team-building initiatives, including those designed to advance nonpartisanship on Capitol Hill and among state lawmakers In addition, they will represent GR at internal meetings designed to further collaboration among and the efficacy of Pew’s programmatic and GR teams. Finally, when time allows, the position will support the GR senior director for environment and the GR senior director for government performance and their teams as they work to advance Pew’s policy objectives at the local, federal, and international level. as

This position is based in Pew’s Washington, DC office, and will participate 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

• Provide public policy and political guidance, analysis, and recommendations to the SVP and collaborate with the SVP to ensure the efficient and effective use of time and substantive resources.
• Partner with the SVP to prioritize internal and external initiatives and represent the SVP at key internal meetings.
• Use sound judgment to independently review and evaluate the policy and political aspects of documents and issues. Review and edit documents for substantive accuracy and consistency with Pew editorial style.
• Provide substantive research for the SVP on Pew’s broad-based public policy and civic engagement initiatives. Such research will focus on policy, legislative, and political issues. Draft memos and other briefing documents that prepare the SVP and other GR team members for meetings with international, federal, state, and local lawmakers and for internal meetings with Pew’s programmatic staff.
• Prepare PowerPoint presentations, draft talking points, and overview materials for the SVP for external and internal presentations and high-level meetings.
• Gain a general understanding of Pew’s policy, legislative, regulatory, and technical assistance strategies and tactics.
• Spearhead and project manage various special projects for the SVP and GR team.
• Develop an understanding of the international, federal, and state political and policy environment in which the GR team is attempting to effectuate Pew’s policy goals.
• Occasionally provide similar research, writing, and monitoring support for other senior members of the GR team.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent experience. A juris doctor, masters of public policy, or similar advanced degree preferred.
• Generally, eight (8) years of professional experience.
• A strong knowledge of various substantive international and domestic public policy issues and the associated political realities. The curiosity and capacity to independently and quickly familiarize oneself with emerging policy/political issues.
• Excellent policy and legislative research skills.
• Independent political judgment that aligns with Pew’s nonpartisan values and advances the mission of the organization.
• Excellent writing skills and experience summarizing complex policy and political issues into cogent memos and other briefing documents. The capacity to edit complex policy documents for substance and consistent with Pew’s exacting editorial style.
• Experience working in an organization focused on government relations, public policy-focused communications, federal or state campaigns, and/or policy advocacy. Direct experience working with an international, federal, or state government preferred.
• Experience working in a multifaceted, matrixed organization with numerous simultaneous organizational objectives and initiatives.
• A genuine curiosity and excitement to engage in relationship- and team-building projects and activities. Must be a true team player.
• Experience handling confidential information appropriately and exercising sound discretion and good judgment.
• Excellent time and project management skills. Flexible, with the capacity to juggle multiple priorities, adjust to changing circumstances, and remain attentive to details.
• Experience working independently and responsibly when given the latitude to prioritize and structure one’s work. Capacity to anticipate the needs of the SVP and GR team and to act accordingly.
• Strong PowerPoint skills. Experience with CRM systems, such as Salesforce and business intelligence tools, is a plus.
• Prior to commencing employment with Pew, candidates for this position who were registered to lobby in any jurisdiction must certify termination of previous registration(s) and provide copies of termination notices with said jurisdiction(s) to Pew.

Travel

Minimal travel anticipated.

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: $121,700 - $136,000

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.