Principal Associate, Government Relations (Strategic Initiatives)

Application Deadline: Thursday, July 10, 2025

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.

Position Overview

The principal associate, government relations will report to the senior vice president (SVP), GR and assist the SVP in preparing policy, legislative, and political research; drafting briefing memos; preparing presentations; and coordinating with Pew's programmatic staff. The position will be charged with leading the collaboration on various internal- and external-facing initiatives and will be required to have the necessary substantive and political judgement to identify problems, recommend solutions, and help and/or lead the execution of solutions.

The principal associate will also partner with the SVP and the GR senior director for strategy and operations to support external and internal relationship- and team-building initiatives. In addition, they will - from time to time - represent GR at internal meetings when the SVP is not available. When time allows, the position will support the GR senior director for environment and the GR senior director for government performance on policy research and writing.

Located in Pew's Washington, DC, office, this position 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.

Responsibilities

• Provide substantive research for the SVP on Pew's broad-based public policy and civic engagement initiatives. Such research will focus on policy, legislative, and political issues. Provide public policy and political guidance, analysis, and recommendations on the same.

• Draft memos and other briefing documents that prepare the SVP and other GR team members for meetings with international, federal, state, and local lawmakers and for internal meetings with Pew's programmatic staff.

• Prepare PowerPoint presentations, draft talking points, and overview materials for the SVP for external and internal presentations and high-level meetings.

• Gain a general understanding of Pew's policy, legislative, regulatory, and technical assistance strategies and tactics.

• Spearhead and project manage various special projects for the SVP and GR team.

• Develop an understanding of the international, federal, and state political and policy environment in which the GR team is attempting to effectuate Pew's policy goals.

• Occasionally provide similar research, writing, and monitoring support for other senior members of the GR team.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree, or equivalent experience. A juris doctor, master of public policy, or similar advanced degree preferred.

• Generally, six years of professional experience.

• A working knowledge of various substantive international and domestic public policy issues and the associated political realities. The curiosity and ability to quickly familiarize oneself with emerging policy/political issues.

• Excellent policy and legislative research skills.

• Excellent writing skills and the ability to summarize complex policy and political issues into cogent memos and other briefing documents.

• Experience working in an organization focused on government relations, public policy-focused communications, federal or state campaigns, and/or policy advocacy. Direct experience working with an international, federal, or state government preferred.

• Experience working in a multifaceted, matrixed organization with numerous simultaneous organizational objectives and initiatives.

• A genuine curiosity and excitement to engage in relationship- and team-building projects and activities. Must be a true team player.

• Experience handling confidential information appropriately and exercising sound discretion and good judgment.

• Excellent time and project management skills. Flexible, with the capacity to juggle multiple priorities, adjust to changing circumstances, and remain attentive to details.

• Experience working independently and responsibly when given the latitude to prioritize and structure one's work. Capacity to anticipate the needs of the SVP and GR team and to act accordingly.

• Strong PowerPoint skills. Experience with CRM systems, such as Salesforce and business intelligence tools, is a plus.

• 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

Minimal travel anticipated.