Principal Associate, Field Operations

The Pew Charitable Trusts · Washington · $109,800–$122,700 (stated in the posting)

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Principal Associate, Field Operations

Government Relations

Field Operations   

Field Operations (Field) advances public policy solutions for Pew projects by engaging government officials, policymakers, local elected officials and other relevant stakeholders in their home states and countries through education, mobilization, coalition building, media coverage and government official outreach and engagement. Field staff and contractors (organizers) develop unique state- and country-specific strategies and then organize and execute grass tops, grassroots, public education, and lobbying activities to advance project objectives. In all efforts, Field works in coordination with program, communications, government relations colleagues and other Pew staff to tailor state- and jurisdiction-specific strategies that contribute to project goals.    

• Education: Field uses the best available science and data to educate the public and policymakers about policy issues for Pew’s projects. Organizers advance local understanding of issues and policy goals through fact-based presentations and outreach. DC-based field staff collaborate with program staff and organizers to engage experts, synthesize research, and localize information for educational outreach.   

• Organizing: Field staff recruit and mobilize diverse stakeholders, such as community leaders, businesses, institutions and grassroots supporters, by building coalitions and public support for campaigns’ policy objectives. Organizers involve stakeholders in policy discussions through local activities and educational events, sign-on letters, fly-ins, and videos. DC-based field staff work with program staff and organizers to identify optimal organizing strategies for each effort.   

• Communications: Field staff inform the public and policymakers about project priorities by increasing media coverage of policy goals. Field organizers identify third party spokespeople, draft and author opinion editorials, work with local media to place op-eds and letters, and assist supporters and coalition partners in their media outreach and strategic messaging. DC-based field staff collaborate with communications and program staff and organizers to develop materials for diverse media outlets.   

• Government Relations: Field staff engage policymakers on Pew’s project objectives by coordinating public outreach to government officials at all levels – local, state, and federal. Organizers facilitate public interaction with government officials through public events, as well as in-district and Hill meetings tailored to the local political landscape. DC staff work with organizers, government relations and program staff to coordinate federal, state and local government outreach efforts.   

Position Overview  

The principal associate, field operations, is part of the field team based in Washington, D.C. The team supports projects that require field and on-the-ground resources to complement existing efforts and assists in developing and implementing targeted legislative, advocacy and communications field strategies such as organizing, generating media coverage, and managing government relations. The principal associate will engage in tactical strategy development and campaign design as it relates to field operations and in coordination with other programmatic and operations units at The Pew Charitable Trusts.  

This position reports to the senior officer, field operations 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   

• In partnership with the senior officer, identify, vet, and recruit field organizers, campaign specialists, and partner groups to support Pew’s programmatic work.  

• Manage the development, day-to-day management, and execution of organizers’ work plans to advance project objectives and deliverables. Troubleshoot and modify strategies and workplans as needed. Maintain the highest professional standards in achieving public policy objectives.  

• Maintain up-to-date working knowledge of politics and current events in multiple states and serve as an internal thought leader on select states for other Pew staff.
• Coordinate organizers’ activities across multiple Pew projects and with other Pew staff and partners. 

• Develop advocacy materials including fact sheets, legislative correspondence, action alerts, op-eds, press releases, presentations, and talking points. Conduct the necessary research to produce such materials.    

• Develop and maintain knowledge management and internal communication systems related to the field team’s activities, including budgeting and compliance.
• In collaboration with project staff, track and analyze legislation, regulations, other policy proposals, and hearings, announcements, and other government actions relevant to Pew and share summary information with program teams on a timely basis. 

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

• Support Pew-wide government relations activities including cross-cutting activities and project management beyond the scope of individual Pew projects
• Foster a work environment that inspires excellence, values impact, encourages transparency, builds mutual trust and respect, embraces and values diversity, and is collaborative, caring and compassionate. 

Requirements   

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required. Advanced degree or equivalent experience preferred.   

• Generally, six years of related professional experience. Experience in at least two of the following areas is required: project management, public policy advocacy, organizing, generating media coverage and engaging policy makers.  

• Strong interpersonal skills, including experience developing and managing productive and collaborative relationships with partners, contractors, external stakeholders, and colleagues, including government relations, communications, compliance, legal and additional internal support functions.  

• Experience with project management and successfully managing consultants and mentoring colleagues and staff required. Experience working on political campaigns or advocacy campaigns working to pass legislation through state legislatures or Congress preferred.
• Ability and willingness to register as a lobbyist in multiple jurisdictions 

• A detail-oriented style with a focus on results. Capacity to meet multiple deadlines by maintaining a high level of organization. Experience developing and moving projects forward with independence and autonomy while working in close partnership with project and field staff.  

• Excellent written and oral communications skills, including communicating complex ideas for a general audience. Experience generating earned media a plus.  

• Available outside normal business hours when essential to organizational priorities.  

• Effective use of basic Microsoft Office Suite software.  

Travel  

This position may require occasional travel. 

Work Authorization 

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the country for which they are seeking employment without visa sponsorship. 

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.

Pew is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment decisions without regard to race, ethnicity, gender, or any other protected characteristics.

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