Pew Research Center is a nonpartisan fact tank that informs the public about the issues, attitudes and trends shaping America and the world. It conducts public opinion polling, demographic research, media content analysis and other empirical social science research in the areas of race and ethnicity; U.S. politics and policy views; media and journalism; internet and technology; science and society; religion and public life; global attitudes and U.S. social and demographic trends. Pew Research Center does not take policy positions. The Center’s work is carried out by a staff of about 180.
Position Overview
The Human Resources Associate plays a central role in supporting the people and processes that enable Pew Research Center’s mission. As a key member of a collaborative HR team, this position combines day-to-day operational excellence with meaningful contributions to recruiting, onboarding, and staff engagement.
This role offers the opportunity to shape the employee experience, from first interactions with candidates to ongoing communication and engagement, while ensuring the integrity and effectiveness of core HR systems and processes. The HR Associate reports to the Director of Human Resources.
Primary Responsibilities:
Human Resources Operations
Provide essential support across the HR function to ensure smooth, accurate, and responsive service delivery:
Maintain HR records and systems with a high degree of accuracy and confidentiality
Process employment verification requests and administer staff anniversary bonuses
Support reporting, follow-up, and general day-to-day HR operations
Manage the HR team’s shared project plan in Asana
Manage the HR team’s meeting schedule
Manage the HR team budget and reconciliation, including the embedded budgets for the staff Workplace Advisory Council and Voices & Values Council
Compile quarterly and annual staff metrics reports
Recruitment and Onboarding
Contribute directly to the Center’s ability to attract and welcome new talent:
Lead full-cycle recruitment for entry-level and early career roles, including drafting job postings, screening candidates, coordinating interviews, and preparing offers
Manage onboarding processes, ensuring compliance with all pre-employment requirements (background checks, references, relocation, etc.)
Manage new hire relocation communication, receipt collection and reimbursement
Coordinate and deliver new employee orientation, helping to create a positive and engaging introduction to the organization
Staff Engagement and Communication
Help foster an informed and connected workplace:
Manage HR-related content on the staff intranet (The Lede) and support internal communications such as the weekly staff update
Assist in planning and executing HR-sponsored events and initiatives
Support the annual staff survey process, including vendor coordination, data preparation, and reporting
Manage the new hire and exit interview processes and contribute to regular reporting of insights and trends
Ensure adherence to organizational policies and procedures
Perform other duties as assigned
QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience; college courses in business, non-profit administration, and/or Human Resources preferred
3-5 years of experience in an office environment, preferably in a support role in administration or Human Resources
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Capability to effectively communicate with all levels of staff and external audiences verbally and in writing
Ability to deal with a range of styles and behaviors in a tactful, pleasant, and personal manner
Professional demeanor and conduct in all interactions, both internally and externally
Ability to multi-task, work under pressure, and prioritize tasks to meet deadlines
Strong administrative skills and basic software competencies in Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint
Experience in Workday HRIS and PeopleSoft preferred
FLSA status: Exempt
Typical starting salary for HR Associate: $69,000
Hybrid Work Schedule: Pew Research Center staff are required to be present in the Center's Washington, D.C., office three core days weekly (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday). Staff may work virtually from remote locations on other days in a typical work week.
Application Procedure
Click on the Apply button, and complete required fields. Both cover letter and resume are required.
When requested, please upload a copy of your resume/cv, as well as a copy of your cover letter in the section labeled Resume/Cover Letter. If the documents have successfully uploaded, you should see 2 attached files beneath the “Drop files here” box. Please make sure you have uploaded a resume AND a cover letter before moving on to the next page.
Total Rewards
In addition to competitive pay, Pew Research Center’s employees enjoy a robust total rewards package that includes:
Affordable, comprehensive health care that includes medical, dental (including adult orthodontia) and vision benefits.
Generous paid annual leave plan, including a winter break between Dec. 25 and Jan. 1
Employer-paid disability, life insurance and paid family leave plans
Up to a 12% employer 401(k) contribution, with vesting at the end of the first year.
A 37.5-hour workweek.
Health savings or flexible spending account options with employer funding component.
Flexibility to telework a portion of each week, with an additional four telework “flex weeks” each year for most staff.
EEO:
Pew Research Center makes employment decisions without regard to age, sex, race, ethnicity, religion, disability, marital status, sexual orientation or gender identity, military/veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law. We encourage applications from candidates who represent a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience; college courses in business, non-profit administration, and/or Human Resources preferred
- 3-5 years of experience in an office environment, preferably in a support role in administration or Human Resources
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Strong administrative skills and basic software competencies in Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint
- Experience in Workday HRIS and PeopleSoft preferred
What We Do
The Pew Charitable Trusts is an independent nonprofit organization founded in 1948, dedicated to serving the public interest by improving public policy, informing the public, and invigorating civic life through research and data-driven strategies.
