Principal Associate, Field Operations

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.

Field Operations

The Field team advances public policy solutions for Pew projects by engaging international officials, federal 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 grasstops, grassroots, public education, and lobbying activities under the direction of project leadership and staff. In all efforts, Field works in coordination with program, external affairs, finance, and other Pew staff to develop and execute tailored state/country-specific strategies that contribute to national and international project goals

Position Overview

The principal associate, field operations, is part of the field services unit 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 cross-project coordination as it relates to field operations as well as coordinate with other programmatic and operations units at The Pew Charitable Trusts.

This position reports to the Director, 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 

• Support Director in strengthening strategic oversight and coordination of Field activities and engagement across Pew’s programmatic work.

• Support education of programmatic staff on Field’s function and capabilities and identify opportunities for targeted Field support for their project needs in a manner that is consistent with their goals, structure, and procedures.

• Develop project-specific field strategies that advance Pew’s programmatic goals and which leverage Pew’s Government Relation’s (GR) services, functions, and people.

• Where appropriate, identify, vet and recruit additional field consultants and partner groups to support Pew’s programmatic work.

• Manage and lead the Field consultant onboarding process, interfacing with GR compliance team and tracking field budgets across program teams.

• Support Government Relations department in developing and maintaining a field consultant master list that includes services and other key data. Employ such data to inform Pew’s programmatic and GR teams on advocacy and engagement strategies and tactics.

• Manage and lead cross-project coordination efforts of field activities operating domestically in the same jurisdiction.

• Lead organization and execution of annual Field consultant fly-in.

• Participate in activities that support existing Environment field portfolio, as well as the Government Relations department and Pew-wide objectives.

• 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 

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

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

• Experience working on political campaigns or advocacy campaigns working to pass legislation through Congress or state legislatures a plus.

• 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 yet working in a cooperative spirit in a multi-disciplinary team.

• Excellent written and oral communications skills, including communicating complex ideas for a general audience.

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required.

• Experience working with SalesForce and Microsoft Office Suite software preferred.

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

$103,800 USD - $116,000 USD

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.