Project Director, State Science Policy Fellowship Initiative

Philadelphia and Scientific Advancement

The State Science Policy Fellowship Initiative is part of the Philadelphia and Scientific Advancement Program portfolio, which houses all of Pew’s grantmaking initiatives, including two that support scientific research nationally and internationally—the Pew Biomedical Programs and the Pew Fellows Program in Marine Conservation—and one that supports state-level science policy fellowships. The portfolio’s grantmaking also focuses on supporting thriving communities in Pew’s hometown of Philadelphia. In Philadelphia, our grants support health and human services nonprofits, artists and arts organizations, and public spaces that make the city a better place to live for everyone, and we also perform research and policy work on local issues such as housing, jobs and the economy, poverty, and demographics. Furthermore, the portfolio includes the Evidence Project, which seeks to catalyze collective action among philanthropies, public funding agencies, and a diverse array of leaders in government, academia, and civil society to close the gap between research and outcomes.

State Science Policy Fellowship Initiative

This initiative supports the development of science policy fellowships in state legislatures. Science policy fellowship programs offer a promising means of informing decision-making with science and evidence. Fellows engage with legislators and legislative staff to translate and synthesize complex scientific information, draft briefing or policy documents, analyze data, and contribute strategic insights.

In coordination with partners, the project will make grants to help launch or expand fellowship programs in up to 20 states or territories.

Position Overview

The Project Director, State Science Policy Fellowship Initiative, develops and leads the implementation of this effort. The team will oversee grant-making to eligible organizations such as state- or territory-based nonprofits and universities to design and run programs and place fellows in their legislatures. The team will work closely with partners to secure support to sustain the programs over the long-term and ensure fellowship programs adopt effective approaches for promoting fellows’ career growth and making substantive contributions to policymaking.

Reporting to the Director, Scientific Advancement, the Project Director will work closely with funding partners, The National Conference of State Legislators (NCSL), an advisory committee, and partners for strategy development and fundraising.

Located in Pew’s Washington, D.C., office, this position participates in Pew’s hybrid work program with core days in the office and the flexibility to telework the remaining days each week. Staff also enjoy four telework "flex weeks" per year.

Responsibilities

• Foster a work environment that is line with Pew's and the project’s related goals.
• Establish the overall direction and goals for the initiative, including engaging with Pew partnerships and donors on strategy development. Translate the strategic direction and goals into actionable plans and milestones.
• Hire, manage, and mentor staff for the initiative, where relevant, including day-to-day leadership and ongoing professional development.  Responsible for identifying and engaging consultant resources for the initiative.
• Manage initiative budget and disbursements and evaluate as needed. Ensure resources are aligned with overall strategy and direction to achieve goals and objectives.
• Recruit and maintain working relationships with advisory committee and donors. 
• Represent the initiative in national science policy and fellowship circles (e.g., AAAS, NCSL) to maximize the impact of strategies for the initiative.
• Review and co-produce all applications, guidance, and reporting materials for grantees. 
• Conduct site visits and directly engage key partners (e.g., program hosts, key legislative staff) to support state program development. 
• Serve as an expert staff lead for internal and external communications.  
• Participate in activities that support program and Pew-wide objectives.

Requirements

• Track record of leadership and accomplishment in designing and implementing successful and ambitious initiatives.
• Well-developed analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Skilled at informing and influencing internal and external audiences through written and oral communications.  
• Operational management acumen.
• Politically astute; capacity to understand the needs and motivations of different individuals and institutions.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
• Generally, ten years of applicable experience, including staff, project, and/or consultant management experience.