State Public Health Policy Strategist
Overview
Full Job Title: Senior Associate, Substance Use Prevention and Treatment Initiative (Technical Assistance)
The Pew Charitable Trusts uses data to make a difference. For more than 70 years, we have focused on serving the public, invigorating civic life, conducting nonpartisan research, advancing effective public policies and practices, and achieving tangible results. Through rigorous inquiry and knowledge sharing, we inform and engage public-spirited citizens and organizations, linking diverse interests to pursue common cause. We are a dedicated team of researchers, communicators, advocates, subject matter experts, and professionals working on today's big challenges – and we know we are more effective and creative collectively than we are individually. With Philadelphia as our home town and the majority of our staff located in Washington, DC, our U.S. and international staff find working at Pew personally and professionally rewarding.
Wise stewardship of resources allows Pew employees to pursue work that strategically furthers our philanthropic mission in significant and measurable ways. We collaborate with a diverse range of philanthropic partners, public and private organizations, and concerned citizens who share our interest in fact-based solutions and goal-driven investments to improve society. Pew attracts top talent, people of integrity who are service-oriented and willing to take on challenging assignments. We provide competitive pay and benefits, a healthy work-life balance, and a respectful and inclusive workplace. Pew employees are proud of their colleagues, proud of where they work, and proud of the institution's reputation.
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 approaches in addressing complex problems at the federal, state, and local levels. Current initiatives focus on health and human services, government management and budget, family economic stability, and safety and justice.
Our teams explore and advance effective policy reforms 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. 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.
Substance Use Prevention and Treatment Initiative
The substance use prevention and treatment initiative works to develop and support policies that address the opioid epidemic. The project does this by providing direct technical assistance to states on how to improve access to evidence-based, high-quality treatment for people with substance use disorders and implement other strategies to reduce the number of overdose deaths. Additionally, the project highlights and disseminates innovative community-based strategies to address the opioid epidemic. Finally, the project conducts advocacy in Washington, DC, to achieve its programmatic objectives.
To inform this work, the project conducts and publishes research and other information on evidence-based and emerging practices and maintains relationships with external experts and other stakeholders. The team comes from a wide variety of professional backgrounds with policy, advocacy, and research experience.
Position Overview
The senior associate, based in Pew's Washington, DC, office, reports to the manager, substance use prevention and treatment initiative. Working closely with the team members and staff from communications, government relations, state strategy, and other Pew departments, the senior associate provides project management and strategic guidance for one or more states' technical assistance efforts. This work includes participating in the development and implementation of Pew's state campaigns to expand access to effective treatment for substance use disorders by completing policy analyses, conducting key informant interviews, and planning and facilitating stakeholder meetings, conferences, and other events designed to achieve projects goals. The senior associate also assists with special assignments, including identifying and analyzing emerging issues related to substance use disorders. The position has a set time frame that could be extended based on the success of the program, funding sources, and board decisions on continued support.
Responsibilities
- Lead strategic state issue campaigns and initiatives with full ownership of the technical assistance plan, evaluation, and implementation of a state. This includes assessing the readiness of selected states for reforms and working toward the achievement of measurable goals and deadlines for state campaigns. To successfully accomplish this work, the senior associate may travel to meet stakeholders approximately five (5) days per month, often with multiple trips. This role will be done in collaboration with a project lead from Pew's State Strategy Group.
- Define and research key policy and scientific issues related to substance use disorders, including topics such as coverage for evidence-based treatment, treatment systems and infrastructure, and funding.
- Plan, organize, and implement stakeholder meetings, conferences, and other events to gain insight into opioid use and misuse in each state to provide the state's leadership with technical assistance on the epidemic; develop and edit reports, fact sheets, and other materials generated from these events.
- In collaboration with the project director and manager, evaluate project budgets, identify and vet consultants and firms, and negotiate contracts that clearly achieve program objectives and are cost effective.
- Identify, develop, and maintain relationships with key stakeholders from the public health, public safety, research, and policymaking communities at the national and state level to advance the goals of the project. Where appropriate, assist in the development of plans and materials to integrate state and national partners in project work.
- Evaluate national and state initiatives related to prevention and treatment of substance use disorders, and have a thorough understanding of the existing and emerging models and evidence surrounding the impact of these programs.
- Participate in the development of presentations and talking points to support internal and external communications.
- Contribute to and participate in tasks of the project and department as assigned, as well as broader Pew-wide projects and committees as needed.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in a policy or health-related discipline required. Advanced degree in public health, public affairs or related field preferred.
- At least four years of applicable experience, preferably in substance use disorders or related research or health care policy arena.
- 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.
- Experience developing and implementing state-based policy campaigns and initiatives preferred.
- Knowledge of health insurance programs, including private and public (in particular Medicaid or other state programs) plans a plus.
- Ability to focus quickly on the essence of an issue as well as identify, understand, and synthesize different policy perspectives.
- Strong ability to write clearly and cogently for internal audiences, policy makers, the media and the public with examples of previous documents available upon request.
- Demonstrated project- and time-management skills, including the ability to think strategically, juggle multiple priorities, adjust to changing circumstances, resolve problems creatively and logically, organize time efficiently and remain attentive to details.
- Ability to work professionally and collegially within a creative, fast-paced corporate culture that emphasizes excellence and teamwork.
Travel
Regular domestic travel (up to 50%) 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.
PI114057369