Overview

The Pew Charitable Trusts uses data to make a difference. For more than 70 years, we have focused on serving the public, invigorating civic life, conducting nonpartisan research, advancing effective public policies and practices, and achieving tangible results. 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 home town 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.

Project Overview
The public safety performance project was launched in 2006 as an initiative of The Pew Charitable Trusts. The project helps policy makers advance fiscally sound, data-driven policies and practices in criminal and juvenile sentencing and corrections that protect public safety, ensure accountability, and control costs. For more information about this project, visit www.pewpublicsafety.org.

Position Overview
Pew seeks to hire a research manager whose focus is on the juvenile justice system, while supporting PSPP's entire spectrum of activity by working closely with project leadership, communications, government relations, and other Pew colleagues. The ideal candidate has an educational and employment background in public policy, criminology, or a related field; knowledge of juvenile justice systems; experience conducting research with state or federal justice system data; and work experience undertaking and managing projects involving many partners, complex issues, and extensive writing and presentation.

This position, based in Pew's Washington, D.C., office, reports to the senior manager, juvenile justice, and has a set time frame that could be extended based on the success of the program, funding sources, and board decisions on continued support.

Responsibilities

Under the direction of the senior manager and in consultation with colleagues across Pew, the manager will:

• Manage and mentor staff:
  
  • Guide development of staff annual performance plans;
  • Support staff development by using various approaches to improve staff skills and technical knowledge; and
  • Provide regular feedback for individual performance.
• Work with project staff to identify the most salient issues for the project's research agenda. Based on that agenda, develop, write, and edit research reports, briefs, and data visualizations that are rigorous and accessible to policy makers and the public. Set objectives and priorities for juvenile justice research staff and oversee day-to-day operations to produce rigorous and timely research in collaboration with internal staff and external partners.
• Design and manage national studies that analyze juvenile justice trends across the states, and assess impact on public safety, youth accountability, costs of justice systems, racial and ethnic disparities, and other outcomes.
• Identify, design, and implement policy and program evaluations in selected states.
• Design and manage research conducted by outside contractors.
• Design and manage the development of briefs, factsheets, infographics, and other documents that are highly relevant to policy deliberations and easily digested by policy makers, media, and the public.
• Delegate project tasks and ensure timely execution and quality of work conducted.
• Track and inform senior manager, director, team members, and other internal colleagues about relevant internal and external project and policy developments.
• Ensure project research meets the highest possible standards of data and methodological rigor. Maintain adherence to quality control protocols and continuously improve the protocols to maximize efficiency and effectiveness.
• Work closely with communications staff to disseminate information effectively through writing, online communications strategies, presentations, and convenings.
• Maintain knowledge of juvenile justice policy research, data sources, and practice, including participating in conferences, seminars and professional development activities.
• Collaborate with policy staff to advance data-driven, research-based reforms to state juvenile systems.
• Contribute to and participate in tasks of the project, as well as broader Pew projects and activities, as assigned.