Project Overview Pew's Safe Food Project seeks to modernize and strengthen federal government oversight of meat and poultry safety in order to better protect public health and undertake additional initiatives to reduce foodborne illness. Position Overview The Senior Associate, based in Pew's Washington, D.C., office, will inform and influence public policy by providing research and programmatic support to achieve the goals of the project. This will include expanding subject matter expertise in food safety law and policy, in particular oversight of meat and poultry as well as law and policy related to public health; participating in the execution of the project's research and outreach goals; drafting legislative language and supporting materials concerning safety oversight of meat and poultry production and assisting with convening meetings and stakeholder communications.
Reporting to the Project Director, the Senior Associate will also work with Pew colleagues in communications, research, government relations, human resources, and other areas. The 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.
Under the direction of the Project Director and guidance of other staff, contribute to policy advocacy and outreach efforts:
- Play a major role in developing strategies to modernize safety oversight of meat and poultry and in participating in the project's activities related to the coalition advocating for meat and poultry modernization legislation.
- Assist in planning, organizing, and coordinating in-person and online convenings of advocacy groups, policy makers and other key audiences, including meetings hosted or sponsored by Pew and briefings on Capitol Hill.
- Collaborate with the communications and government relations teams to generate materials and presentations for outreach to the media, policymakers, and key stakeholders related to food safety and ensure that materials are timely, accurate, and relevant.
- Communicate with and cultivate relationships between Pew and key stakeholders, including scientific and medical professional societies; state and federal legislative, regulatory, and public health officials and policy makers; agricultural producers; food retailers; advocacy groups; members of the public; and other domestic and international stakeholders. Under the direction of the Project Director and guidance of others:
- Expand on an already-existing knowledge of issues related to food safety law and policy, particularly as it relates to meat and poultry.
- Proactively identify, monitor and influence the positions of key stakeholders and thought leaders on meat and poultry safety issues. Under the direction of the Project Director and guidance of other staff, contribute to research and publication efforts:
- Define and research key policy issues related to oversight of meat and poultry production and to public health that will support the project's legislative and/or policy goals.
- Draft documents related to project and, review and edit reports and other documents from staff, consultants and/or stakeholders.
- Contribute to and participate in broader Trusts-related projects and activities as requested.
- A bachelor's degree in a research or policy-related discipline required. Professional or advanced degree in law, public policy, or research-related field preferred.
- Minimum of four years directly related professional experience in public policy or research.
- 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.
- Knowledge of animal agriculture and food safety laws and policies.
- Excellent applied research and analytical skills, including a proven ability to comprehend scientific research, synthesize large amounts of scientific information, identify themes, and present the information to an informed general audience.
- Ability to focus quickly on the essence of an issue, as well as to identify, understand, and synthesize different policy perspectives.
- Excellent oral and written skills, including an ease in communicating complex concepts and issues in a clear, effective manner for policy and general audiences.
- Demonstrated project- and time-management skills, including the ability to think strategically, juggle multiple priorities, adjust to changing circumstances, resolve problems creatively and logically, organize time efficiently and remain attentive to details.
- Ability to work professionally and collegiality within a creative, fast-paced corporate culture that emphasizes excellence and teamwork.
Compensation and Benefits As this is a full-time position, we offer a competitive salary and complete 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 help you maintain a good balance.
Travel This position is expected to include occasional overnight travel for meetings and conferences. 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.