Evidence-Based Policy Manager
The Opportunity
The Federation of American Scientists is seeking an Evidence-Based Policy Manager to drive the advancement of evidence initiatives and foster a vibrant community of practice in how the government uses evidence to make decisions and drive innovation. This is a pivotal time for evidence-based policy; with the Foundations for Evidence-Based Policymaking Act in its fifth year, there is a window of opportunity to further embed evidence-informed approaches across government.
The Manager will play a key role in helping to shape and lead FAS’s evidence-based policy programs, which are part of a growing body of work on government capacity. This work spans living evidence synthesis, federal community-building, and academic-policy engagement. Activities will include fostering relationships with evidence stakeholders, producing research and writing, supporting the execution of workshops and events, and helping drive the implementation of federal policy ideas.
The successful candidate will bring a blend of policy expertise, stakeholder engagement skills, and program management experience, and may have a background in a policy-relevant research field.
What you’ll do (Core responsibilities)
- Contribute to the strategic direction of FAS’s evidence program, identifying new opportunities to advance the generation, synthesis, and use of research evidence in policymaking;
- Engage and build trusted relationships with key evidence stakeholders across government, academia, philanthropy and nonprofit settings;
- Support the design and execution of convenings, such as workshops and roundtables, to catalyze progress on core evidence-based policy issues;
- Drive the implementation of federal policy ideas generated by convenings, communities of practice, and other sources;
- Provide thought leadership and represent FAS’s evidence work in public forums and with key partners.
Skills and Experience (Requirements)
- At least 5 years of professional experience in a relevant domain, including (but not limited to) evidence-based policy, government capacity, academic research, or philanthropy;
- Strong planning and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple workstreams simultaneously;
- Top-notch research, writing, communication, and organizational skills;
- Highly collaborative within a team, skilled at fostering consensus, seeing other points of view, and coordinating with diverse partners;
- Strategic and entrepreneurial mindset, with experience navigating complex systems to drive change;
- A commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and pursuing it within the mission of FAS
Nice to haves
- Advanced degree in public policy, evaluation, economics, or a related field;
- Direct experience working with or within federal government;
- Existing relationships with evidence stakeholders;
- Experience with event planning and/or convening.
Work Environment
This position will be a hybrid role. Meaning that both remote and in-person work can be accommodated, generally two to three days per week on-site, and two to three days per week remote depending on the needs of the organization.
Salary Range
- $75,000 – $100,000
Hiring Statement
Don’t check off every box? Apply anyway! Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every listed qualification. At FAS we are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace, and developing new voices. If you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly, we encourage you to apply anyway – you might just be the right candidate.
The Federation of American Scientists is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. The Federation of American Scientists prohibits discriminating against employees and job applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose the compensation of the employee or applicant or another employee or applicant.