Policy Associate

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

• CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.

• CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.

• If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.

JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS

The Research Translation Platform is hiring a Part-Time Policy Associate who would be trained in innovative, nonpartisan research translation models (e.g., Research-to-Policy Collaboration). Our team sits at the intersection of research and policy by both organizing researchers’ policy engagement as well as evaluating our impact and strategies for improving researchers’ experience. Our rigorous study has demonstrated that supporting researcher-policymaker interactions can both improve the value and use of research evidence in policy as well as provide a benefit to researchers’ policy skill, engagement, and future research.

This position supports methods for improving the use of research in legislative activities and strategies to bridge the research and policy communities. The approach is consistent with the educational goals of research institutions; therefore, no lobbying occurs when implementing these models. This exciting opportunity provides an opportunity to learn more about translating research in state government.

The PT Policy Associate would be responsible for brokering relationships and supporting implementation activities in an assigned region(s). This is a remote position that requires some travel and in-person activities.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

The PT Policy Associate implements the Research-to-Policy Collaboration model by connecting and brokering relationships between the research and policy communities. Policy Associates receive policy training and support to fulfill the responsibilities associated with this position, which may include:

• Implement the relationship brokerage model with fidelity
• Act as relationship broker and build, lead, and maintain partnerships between researchers and policymakers via rapid response meetings to respond to legislative requests for research-based information 
• Frequently meet in person and virtually with state legislators or staff about their policy goals, priorities and research needs 
• Identify and recruit research-oriented professionals with subject matter expertise into RPC’s Rapid Response Network and coach them in policy engagement  
• Write, edit, and review evidence-based communication materials (fact sheets, policy briefs, op-eds, blog posts) tailored for non-academic and policy audience 
• Organize panels, roundtables, or briefings for policymakers 
• Outreach with partnering organizations or those engaged in relevant advocacy activities to coordinate our response to legislative requests 
• Maintain thorough tracking and reporting of activities, including detailed note-taking and use of data collection systems (e.g., meeting information)
• Provide mentorship and guidance to trainees/interns
• Work collaboratively with other Policy Associates, team leads, and team members across projects
• Time spent on any particular task area may shift based on need

REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Curiosity and a generalist attitude with interest in diverse social policy issues  

• Experience in building and maintaining partnerships or collaborations 

• Professional experience contributing as part of a team

• Strong diplomatic communication and interpersonal skills  

• Solid writing skills tailored for a non-academic audience  

• Strong time management skills and ability to adapt well to changing circumstances

• Balance of independent initiative that bolsters problem solving while also approaching work with a learning attitude for mentored training in a cutting-edge, novel policy strategy

• Thoughtful interpersonal communication and detailed documentation for coordination across an interactive and diverse team

• Ability to work respectfully with individuals across the political spectrum

ELIGIBILITY

• Remote work requires high-quality, high speed internet connection in a home office (e.g., hard-wired ethernet).

• Bachelor’s degree required; masters’ level experience preferred. Applicants may have their degrees from any department, but degrees in human development, public policy, social work, prevention science, psychology, or public health are preferred.  

• Prior collaborative experience and strong interpersonal skills are required, with some policy experience preferred. Experience with scholarly academic literature and/or research methods is also preferred.

• While the RTP team primarily operates remotely, this role includes some required travel and in-person engagement to support relationship-building and policy engagement efforts. Preference will be given to candidates who are willing/able to occasionally commute to the DMV (D.C., Maryland, Virgina) area for in-person efforts. Applicants located outside of current regional priorities may still be considered if they are open to relocation or can demonstrate strong regional knowledge and established networks relevant to the role. Please note that Penn State will not consider remote work from some states per this notice (http://hr.psu.edu/more/flexible-work-arrangements/out-of-state-notice).

Supervision will be provided by RPS leaders: Director of Policy Operations, Emily Warthman, J.D., Executive Director, Taylor Scott, Ph.D, and Max Crowley, Ph.D., Associate Professor at Pennsylvania State University.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Interested applicants, please submit a cover letter describing relevant experience and career goals, a resume, and three professional references.

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

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