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Senior Officer, Research and Writing

Pew Health Group | Washington, D.C. | Posted: 01.26.2012

The Pew Health Group (PHG) seeks a Senior Officer, Research and Writing, to increase the department’s ability to produce and disseminate high quality reports, ensuring that rigorous science is always the basis of PHG’s policy recommendations and priorities. Specifically, the position provides the department with an improved capacity to uncover and translate complex data, analysis and trends into well-written reports accessible to policy makers, thought leaders and the media in PHG priority issue areas. This position will report to Director, Research in the Health Group. 

The Pew Health Group

PHG seeks to improve the health and well being of all Americans. Based on research and critical analysis, the program advocates policies that reduce unacceptable health risk, focusing on areas that include consumer, medical and food safety.

Responsibilities

  • Apply strong analytical and writing skills to producing highly readable, scientifically accurate and methodologically rigorous reports based on primary source health data. Reports primarily will be based on long-term research and investigative efforts, with some shorter-term reports or issue briefs that have a major policy impact and that result in significant media coverage.

  • Utilize journalist skills, government records and data, commercial statistics and scientific literature for searches related to producing major reports and research products with high level of news and policy interest.

  • Ensure that findings and results are fairly and accessibly presented — in major print reports and collateral materials—to target PHG audiences, particularly policy makers and media.
  • Contribute to robust Pew Health Group research agenda and products by examining health information, government data, technical documents and issue trends, and by interviewing government officials and thought leaders in the fields of health, pharmaceuticals, food and other PHG-relevant areas. 
  • Help shape strategic and creative research questions that result in innovative, substantive reports aimed at furthering policy change important to PHG priority issues.
  • Stay current and ahead of policy matters and developments relevant to PHG program areas.
  • Work with internal and external experts, scientific and communications staff to confirm high level of report accuracy and timeliness, and to ensure editorial and graphic excellence in multimedia presentations.
  • As necessary, oversee external writers and vendors.
  • Help contribute to PHG’s reputation as a center of excellence in health research and information.
  • Provide additional department support as required, including for development of new PHG programs and projects.

Requirements

  • At least 10-12 years newsroom experience required, reporting on an in-depth basis about government, business and/or institution accountability for a major national media outlet. 

  • Proven track record in data-driven, investigative journalism that captures national media and policymaker attention.  Experience must include health and/or food policy field.

  • A combination bachelor’s degree in journalism (or English), communications, science and/or public health is required.  A graduate degree or equivalent high level professional experience in investigative reporting is essential.
  • Firm understanding of Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and other open record laws, along with a demonstrated proficiency in acquiring public documents and records.
  • Outstanding written communication skills.  Able to synthesize complex material and to focus quickly on the essence of an issue and the policy means to advance it.
  • Knowledge of statistics, and government heath surveillance and information databases. 
  • Demonstrated ability to make highly technical information and analysis accessible to decision-makers, interested public and national media. 
  • Capability to use journalism research and data analysis software to mine information online and elsewhere. Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint and Access).
  • Good interview and networking talents.
  • Exceptionally strong commitment to meeting highest levels of validation and accuracy.
  • Established track record of working in a fast pace and intense organizational environment, and of consistently meeting tight deadlines.
  • Demonstrated ability to think creatively regarding data and information collection and presentation.
  • Be team-oriented.  Have strong interpersonal skills and the ability to listen.
  • Able to understand the links between the work of the Trusts’ policy programs, communications, web content and publications.
  • Adept at building and leveraging relationships within and external to the Trusts in order to further the organization’s goals.

Travel

  • Occasional travel to Philadelphia and to relevant national conferences and meetings.

Compensation

  • Pew offers a competitive salary and an excellent benefits package, including four weeks of vacation annually, a generous 401(k) plan and flexible benefit options.

How to Apply