Principal Associate, Quality Skills and Education ...

Governmental Performance Portfolio within Program Pew's Government Performance team provides the nonpartisan research, solutions, and momentum decision-makers need to ensure our institutions improve the health of people in the United States and enable them to successfully climb the economic ladder. Those goals are pursued through a wide range of the portfoliou2019s policy-focused projects (with explorations into new areas underway)u2014from ensuring statesu2019 finances are prepared for future volatility, to unlocking gateways to mental health care, addressing the nationu2019s lack of attainable housing. Pewu2019s Government Performance team is successful when we: u00b7 Foresee systemic challenges that could be avoided, mitigated, or resolved before they become insurmountable or politically toxic. u00b7 Fill information gaps with data, research, and proven models. u00b7 Hold leaders of institutions accountable to ensure they anticipate future challenges and operate efficiently. u00b7 Minimize missed opportunities when people intersect with our nationu2019s institutions. We hope policymakers, funding partners, and other stakeholders celebrate when Pewu2019s Government Performance team enters a new policy space, launches a new effort, or expands an existing project because they recognize we help: u00b7 Elevate the public profile of a problem u00b7 Demonstrate that success is possible u00b7 Bring cohesion to siloed fields u00b7 Create momentum for broader and lasting change Pew's Quality Skills and Education Pathway Project Pew's Quality Skills and Education Pathways Project pursues evidence-based state policy and regulatory reforms that promote quality non-degree credentials and consumer protections to ensure safe and affordable financing for these programs. Our efforts involve an array of activities and tactics, including research to build the evidence-base for reform; direct outreach to key policy makers; coalition building; grassroots networking; communications and media outreach strategies; and convenings at the state, regional, and national levels. Position Overview The Principal Associate, Advocacy, Quality Skills and Education Pathways Project, will support and at times lead research-based, public policy outreach and advocacy related to the needs of the project. The Principal Associate reports to the Senior Manager, Advocacy, Quality Skills and Education Pathway Project. This 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. Located in Pew's Washington, D.C. office, this position participates in Pewu2019s hybrid work program with core days in the office and the flexibility to telework the remaining days. Staff also enjoy four telework u201cflex weeksu201d per year. Responsibilities + 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. + Shape and implement the projectu2019s state-based outreach agenda. + Design and execute the projectu2019s outreach strategy for engagement at the state level, with a focus on regulatory policy. + Establish and maintain relationships with key external partners, including state officials and regulatory agencies. + Develop targeted messaging for state policymakers, collaborating with external contractors and internal Pew teams to ensure consistency and effectiveness. + Assist with research efforts, helping to convert study findings into actionable policy recommendations. + Lead and support major outreach initiatives directed at state policymakers, particularly focusing on interactions with state regulatory agencies. + Collaborate with the Senior Manager to create and execute outreach strategies and initiatives to engage key stakeholders. + Identify potential contractors, assess proposals, manage the contracting or grantmaking process, and ensure that all deliverables are completed on schedule, within budget, and in accordance with contract requirements. + Facilitate collaboration to enable unified policy and research recommendations. + Advise project leadership on the long-term strategic direction of the project, and its impact on key stakeholders. + Collaborate with Pew colleagues to organize outreach efforts and messaging at the state level, supporting research staff in translating materials for policymakers and key stakeholders. + Participate in activities that support program and Pew-wide objectives. + Support the organization and execution of team-sponsored convenings involving stakeholders, subject matter experts, policy makers, and the public. + Monitor policy changes in applicable states and regularly brief project leadership on necessary strategic updates. Requirements + Bacheloru2019s degree or equivalent experience required. + Generally, 6 years of applicable experience with state public policy work, preferably with state regulatory matters and policy analysis. An understanding of higher education and/or workforce development policy is a plus. + Experience working with state executive branch offices to interpret and implement policy is preferred. + Familiarity with advocacy/lobbying at the state level is highly valued. + Skilled at informing and influencing internal and external audiences through written and oral communications. + Demonstrated experience working collaboratively within a team, building consensus, and partnering effectively with both internal colleagues and external organizations to drive outcomes. + Demonstrates exceptional, diplomatic interpersonal skills and is highly effective at developing and maintaining relationships while representing diverse perspectives. + Aptitude to apply a non-partisan, evidence-based approach to projects and campaigns that require support across the political spectrum. Lobbying Language 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 This position requires domestic travel to meetings and conferences. Work Authorization Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the country for which they are seeking employment without visa sponsorship. Salary Range $100,300 USD - $112,100 USD The salary range represents a reasonable estimate of the annual salary based on Pewu2019s 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.

Created: 2026-05-02