Philadelphia and Scientific Advancement
The State Science Policy and Technology 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 and Technology Policy Fellowship Initiative
This initiative supports the development of science and technology 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 Officer, State Science Policy and Technology Fellowship Initiative, collaborates with the project director to manage grantmaking operations 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 Project Director, the Officer will work closely with the initiative’s advisory committee, grantees, in-state partners, and The National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL).
Located in Pew’s Washington, DC, 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 inspires excellence, values impact, encourages transparency, builds mutual trust and respect, embraces and values diversity, and is collaborative, caring and compassionate.
- Manage the advisory committee, including leading regular meetings, presenting grant applications, and engaging the committee in fundraising strategy and donor updates.
- Serve as the primary touchpoint with grantees through proposal development, application process, and term of the grant agreements.
- Manage relationships between grantees and in-state partners.
- With the project director and partners, develop and refine grant application and guidance materials.
- Represent Pew in the NCSL community of practice.
- Review grant applications and liaise with operations teams to execute agreements.
- Create communications products for the Pew website and other outlets.
- Other tasks as needed to support the efficient management and running of the program.
- Participate in activities that support program and Pew-wide objectives.