Thursday, June 27, 2013

Manager, Executive Office (Writing) -- The PEW Charitable Trusts

THE PEW CHARITABLE TRUSTS Manager, Executive Office (Writing) https://jobs-pct.icims.com/jobs/intro?hashed=0 The Pew Charitable Trusts is driven by the power of knowledge to solve today’s most challenging problems. Pew applies a rigorous, analytical approach to improve public policy, inform the public and stimulate civic life. We are an independent nonprofit organization – the sole beneficiary of seven individual trusts established between 1948 and 1979 by two sons and two daughters of Sun Oil Company founder Joseph N. Pew and his wife, Mary Anderson Pew. Our work lays the foundation for effective policy solutions by informing and engaging citizens, linking diverse interests to pursue common cause and insisting on tangible results. Our projects encourage efficient, responsive governments – at the local, state, national and international levels – serving the best interests of the people. We partner with a diverse range of donors, public and private organizations and concerned citizens who share our interest in fact-based solutions and goal-driven investments to improve society. With offices in Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., Brussels and London and staff in other regions of the United States as well as Australia, Pew provides an exciting learning environment and the opportunity to work with highly talented individuals. We are a dynamic, rapidly evolving organization that values creativity and innovative thinking and fosters strong teamwork with mutual respect. The Executive OfficeThe Executive Office (EO) is a high energy, high volume department that serves the needs of the entire institution and its external constituents by supporting the work of the president and chief executive officer. EO staff gain exposure to a wide range of individuals from inside and outside the organization and have the opportunity to work on diverse projects. The president works from two locations, traveling between Philadelphia and Washington, DC, weekly and meets with high-level constituents on a daily basis including board members, donors, grantees, CEOs, and government officials. Pew employs a flat management structure, with the senior executives reporting directly to the president. For this structure to be effective, the EO staff facilitates communications between the president and various departments of Pew. In addition, the EO staff coordinates relationships and communications with outside constituents, such as those listed above as well as consultants and prospective partners. Position OverviewThe manager, writing team has primary responsibility for managing the quality and efficient work flow of written materials for the president, as well as those in support of broad institutional initiatives. The institution places a premium on the written word, and the writing team under the direction of the manager is responsible for ensuring that all communications produced by the Executive Office (EO) meet the highest standards. Typical assignments would include high-priority internal and external communications such as board products, letters to various stakeholders and external constituents and working with teams in external communications and philanthropic partnerships on marketing materials. The writing team will oversee and edit documents by Executive Office colleagues (and other program and operating staff as needed); develop, implement and maintain editorial policies and standards for the office; and act as the in-house consultants for communications projects. Working along with the director, executive office and board relations, and the manager of the liaison unit, and reporting directly to the chief of staff, the manager of the writing team functions as a key member of the executive office to seamlessly execute all deliverables for the office. The manager directly supervises an officer and associate. Responsibilities• Manage the quality and efficient work flow of a high volume of written materials for the president. Oversee the production of communications materials from the EO, including presentations, board documents, and correspondence. Working across the teams, continually assess EO written work products to ensure they position the institution appropriately and meet short- and long-term objectives. • Direct the strategic thinking and high-level writing necessary to position the president as a nonpartisan thought leader on selected issues and themes of national importance. • When assigned, conceptualize and write or edit speeches, talking points, and other materials including briefings for meetings. Ensure communications are high-quality and aligned with institutional strategy and key messages. When appropriate, collaborate with counterparts within the EO (liaison team), human resources (internal communications team) and institutional communications. • Manage and mentor staff; edit work of Executive Office staff. Provide guidance in a constructive and sensitive manner in order to promote staff development. • Maintain full and nuanced understanding of Pew’s operations and programmatic initiatives and institutional goals and objectives in order to effectively identify and communicate cross-cutting issues to colleagues. • Manage production of key reports for the board, including board briefings, newsletters, mid-year and year-end reports, and other priority institutional materials. Identify appropriate institutional resources for content, provide oversight to contributors, and ensure quality and timeliness of final product. • Identify internal and external resources for the timely completion of assignments in a high-quality manner. • Collaborate with other internal departments as needed in the creation of highly sophisticated marketing and fundraising materials. • Serve as an in-house consultant, contributing to communications initiatives across Pew, as appropriate. Consultation may be in the form of critical analysis of written documents, oral or written feedback on a specific issue, active participation in brainstorming meetings or preparation of written recommendations. Specific to written materials, work proactively to identify specific challenges or opportunities facing Pew, and assist with resolution, as appropriate. Requirements• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred. • Candidate will typically have a minimum of eight years of directly related professional experience in a combination of nonprofit, government, higher education or other sector as appropriate to provide the required subject matter expertise and a documented record of success. • Minimum of two plus years of previous direct supervisory experience required. • Superior written communication skills. Ability to write complex materials for diverse audiences and adapt to different writing styles. Expert knowledge of grammar, usage and communications strategies is crucial. • Experience creating all forms of executive communications, including speeches, reports, memos and correspondence. • Excellent oral communication skills, including ease in briefly summarizing the essence of issues and the means to address them, making a sound case to gain understanding. Ability to be diplomatic and provide guidance and critical feedback to—and secure buy-in from—senior professionals. • Ability to coach others in ways to optimize content as well as style; editing the work of staff members and superiors. • Excellent analytical skills. Ability to assess and analyze situations, make wise decisions, and determine how best to present issues to peers, support staff and superiors. Keenness and depth of perception, including discernment and discrimination on practical matters. • Experience resolving problems creatively and logically, including application of expertise and experience to identify patterns and detect underlying issues in complex situations. • Creative thinker. Ability to think out of the box, challenge conventional norms and try new approaches. • Ability to quickly learn and understand policy and organizational issues and perform substantive research. • Strong relationship and partnership orientation. A team player with an enterprise-wide view. Respect for teamwork and appropriate communication and coordination with colleagues. • Flexibility and resourcefulness, including ability to juggle multiple priorities, organize time, manage multiple assignments, respond well to pressure and meet deadlines. • Experience handling sensitive and confidential issues with both discretion and diplomacy in a fast-paced environment. • Highly detail-oriented. Experience establishing a systematic course of action either within a group or individually to ensure successful completion of internal and external reports, correspondence and speeches. • Experience developing and using effective strategies to work well with others, including setting expectations, inspiring confidence and commitment, and confronting problems. Ability to identify and marshal appropriate resources, internally and externally. TravelOccasional day and overnight travel to Philadelphia, PA. Pew is an equal opportunity employer.