Position Overview

The government relations (GR) officer, behavioral health programs, is an integral part of the GR team and will have responsibility for collaborating with the director, GR, health portfolio, and other colleagues to provide strategic counsel and direct support to Pew projects within the behavioral health portfolio. The officer will report to, and work closely with, the GR director, health portfolio, while leading collaborative efforts across the program teams in Pew’s government performance (GP) portfolio.

The position, based in Pew’s Washington, DC office, will participate in Pew’s core in-office days on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and will have flexibility to work from home the remainder of the week.

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the country for which they are seeking employment without visa sponsorship.

Responsibilities

The GR officer is charged with developing effective strategies for engagement, advocacy, public and stakeholder education and outreach, and helping to facilitate partnerships with key external stakeholders. This role focuses on bringing Pew’s work to the attention of federal and state policymakers, including administration and agency officials and critical stakeholders in both the public and private sectors. In close coordination with program staff and colleagues across Pew, the officer, behavioral health programs, will be a strategic partner in efforts to educate and inform policymakers about Pew’s research and recommendations through direct engagement, supporting programmatic work, and developing and strengthening partnerships with external entities.

Key responsibilities include:

• While being mindful of Pew-wide objectives (including the common goals and potential areas for collaboration with Pew’s environment portfolio), serve as a strategic advisor to the relevant GP project leadership on GR public policy, political, and stakeholder engagement.

• Foster a work environment that is diverse, equitable, inclusive, and accessible and in line with Pew and the behavioral health portfolio’s goals.

• In collaboration with project leadership and subject matter experts, design and implement strategies to achieve public policy-focused project and campaign goals for projects seeking to improve behavioral health at the state and federal levels.

• Engage and persuade policymakers and key staff at the federal and state level on behalf of behavioral health programs, including developing or strengthening relationships with federal agency staff and officials, Members of Congress and staff, State legislators and State executive officials; disseminating or submitting research, policy recommendations, testimony and other written publications or materials; supporting program engagement with agency guidance or rule-making processes; building or expanding coalitions or partnerships that support program objectives; and identifying, highlighting and reporting internally on emerging policy issues and priorities that affect our work.

• Partner with communications and partnerships colleagues to develop external affairs-wide strategies designed to advance program objectives.

• Partner with program and communications staff to translate complex information into accessible written materials for distribution to, or testimony or presentation before, government officials and other stakeholders.

• Maintain knowledge and awareness of policies relating to expanding access to effective prevention or treatment of substance use disorders and interventions related to reducing suicide risk.

• Identify, schedule, and attend briefings for state or federal policymakers, federal and state agency staff, and other relevant stakeholders.

• In collaboration with project staff, track and analyze legislation, regulations, other policy proposals, and hearings, announcements, and other government actions relevant to Pew and share summary information with program teams on a timely basis.

• Fully comply with, and serve as a liaison between program staff, Legal Affairs, and Government Relations compliance staff to ensure full compliance with relevant federal and state lobbying disclosure and ethics rules.

• Work with and direct government affairs consultants in support of campaign activities as needed.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in public policy required.

• Generally, eight years of professional experience working with policymakers and staff in government relations, government service, state or federal campaigns and/or policy advocacy.

• A working knowledge of evidence-based policymaking, behavioral health policies, policies affecting prevention or treatment of substance use disorder, and other relevant issues.

• Strong political and interpersonal skills. Excellent written and oral communications skills, including an ease in reaching out to state or federal policymakers and their staff, and in communicating complex concepts in a clear effective fashion for a general audience.

• Recognized ability to meet multiple deadlines by maintaining a high level of organization and experience managing complex projects and issues.

• Ability to think strategically and creatively, adjust to changing circumstances, remain attentive to details and exercise sound judgment in problem-solving. Ability to develop and move complex projects forward with a high degree of independence.

• Experience convening groups of policy makers, practitioners, stakeholders, researchers and other constituencies. Demonstrated ability to build relationships and support efforts to develop consensus and move toward a desired outcome.

• 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 will require occasional domestic travel.

Salary Range

$111,100 USD - $124,100 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.

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.

For more than 75 years we have used data to make a difference—addressing the challenges of a changing world by illuminating issues, creating common ground, and advancing ambitious strategies that lead to tangible progress. 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 some of today’s big challenges – and we know we are more effective and creative collectively than we are individually. With Philadelphia as our hometown and the majority of our staff located in Washington, D.C., 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 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 initiatives 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.