Senior Associate, Broadband Access Initiative

The Government Performance Portfolio
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.

Broadband Access Initiative

Pew’s broadband access initiative is housed within the Government Performance portfolio and led by a project director. The project will tackle the dual barriers of (1) inadequate physical infrastructure, which results in the absence of a high-quality internet connection; and (2) affordability, when individual households and small businesses cannot afford those connections. Our work through research, outreach, technical assistance and advocacy seeks to develop and highlight state models to improve affordable broadband access; improve federal and state broadband regulations by establishing speed goals and technological standards, improving the marketplace to include non-legacy providers; and informing and shaping new federal and state appropriations for broadband and improving accountability. 

Position Overview
The senior associate will support the broadband access initiative’s efforts to achieve universal, affordable broadband access and advance sustainable digital equity policies and programs. Duties will include developing and implementing outreach efforts for federal and state policy campaigns, providing technical assistance to state policy makers, supporting state-wide coalitions, and collaborating with external partners to achieve team objectives. Reporting to the associate manager, the senior associate will work with external partners, including state broadband offices, state lawmakers and staff, partner organizations, and researchers, to help advance federal and state policy objectives.

This position will be 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.

Responsibilities 

• Foster a work environment that is diverse, equitable, inclusive, and accessible and in line with Pew and the project’s related goals.
• Identify and carry out policy analysis of emerging policies related to federal and state broadband policy and provide core outreach and stakeholder engagement capability for the project.
• Identify and develop relationships with in-state stakeholders and policymaking communities to advance the goals of the project, including working with coalitions.
• Monitor key activities of federal agencies and congressional committees, state governments, academia, and advocacy groups in the broadband policy space.
• Represent Pew at in-state meetings and convenings, discussing broadband policy issues with stakeholders, including government officials.
• Co-author/author memos, analysis, and outreach strategies for the project. Review and fact-check materials produced by contractors and other staff. 
• Support associate manager in planning, organizing, and executing stakeholder meetings, conferences, and other events both at Pew and in states.
• Participate in activities that support program and Pew-wide objectives, including development of new research proposals.

 Requirements 

• Excellent written and oral communications skills, including experience summarizing large amounts of information into executive briefings or key recommendations through a clear and effective writing style.
• Effective interpersonal skills. Demonstrated capacity to develop and manage productive and collaborative relationships both internally and externally.
• Aptitude to apply a non-partisan, evidence-based approach to projects and campaigns that require support across the political spectrum.
• Proven capacity to think strategically and creatively, juggle multiple priorities, adjust to changing circumstances, organize time efficiently, and remain attentive to details.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
• Generally, four years of applicable experience.

Key attributes and preferred experience

• Experience in the public policy arena, and familiarity with state and federal policies related to broadband issues is highly preferred.
• A keen understanding of the importance of rigorous, timely, and policy-relevant research.

Travel
This position requires occasional domestic travel for 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.