Part Time Policy Associate

The Pennsylvania State University; Ferguson Township (PA); Remote; USD 30,000 - 54,000; Part time

Job summary

The Pennsylvania State University is seeking a Part-Time Policy Associate for the Research Translation Platform. The role focuses on brokering relationships between researchers and policymakers, with training in research-to-policy methods and regional implementation.

It is a remote position that requires occasional travel and in-person engagement to build policy relationships and support engagement across projects.

Qualifications

• 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 to changing circumstances.
• Balance of independent initiative with mentored training in policy strategy.
• Thoughtful interpersonal communication and detailed documentation for coordination.
• Ability to work respectfully with individuals across the political spectrum.

Responsibilities

• Implement the Research-to-Policy Collaboration model by connecting researchers and policymakers.
• Receive policy training and fulfill responsibilities including building partnerships and coordinating meetings.
• Identify and recruit professionals into the Rapid Response Network and mentor them.
• Write, edit, and review evidence-based materials for non-academic audiences.
• Organize panels, roundtables, or briefings for policymakers and coordinate outreach with partner organizations.
• Maintain tracking and reporting of activities with data collection systems.
• Provide mentorship to trainees and collaborate with fellow Policy Associates and project teams.
• Adapt task focus as needed to support regional policy engagement efforts.

Skills

Partnership building

Policy communication

Team collaboration

Policy writing

Time management

Remote work

Mentorship

Cross-cultural diplomacy

Education

Bachelor's degree

Masters preferred

Job description

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).

Background Checks / Clearances

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

Campus Security Crime Statistics

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO is the law

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473. Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.

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