Remote Policy Researcher and Policy Writer
Resume:
STEWART JAMES LAWRENCE
VETERAN POLICY RESEARCHER AND GRASSROOTS ADVOCATE
CONTACT
***********@*****.***
Arlington, VA 22203
Selected Publication Profiles:
HuffPost News
CounterPunch
The Guardian
American Magazine in Italy
Inside Philanthropy
1945
SUMMARY
Political research and policy writer
with strong communication, critical
thinking, and analytical skills, ready to
produce persuasive memos, reports,
and stakeholder-ready briefs for non-
expert audiences. Regularly
synthesizes public opinion research
and other primary data using Excel and
SPSS to develop timely political
analysis. Known for attention to detail,
problem solving, and collaborative
work under tight deadline.
SKILLS
Communications
Political Analysis & Policy Writing
Issue Campaigns
Stakeholder Outreach
Media Relations
Opeds
Research & Tools
Quantitative & Qualitative Methods
Statistical Analysis
Focus Groups
Word Office Suite
Project Management
Grant Writing
Grants Managment
Editorial Managment
Quality Assurance
EDUCATION
Masters of Arts
Columbia University - SIPA
Jan 1991
Bachelor of Arts
Sociology
UC Santa Cruz
June 1985
CAREER OVERVIEW
Over 30 years experience conducting academic research, news and report writing, policy analysis and political advocacy in support of citizen rights for political freedom, racial inclusion and economic and social justice.
Published 1,200+ articles online since 2009, including coverage of the 2016, 2020, and 2024 presidential elections, US immigration policy, ethnic and racial disparities in public health, environmental health & safety, and civil rights and criminal justice. 5 years experience directing policy analysis, fundraising and media communications support to elevate the needs of disadvantaged Latino/African American communities. RELEVANT EXPERIENCE
Independent Research and Policy Consultant
Lawrence Associates / Lawrence Communications
August 2007 - Current
Created over 20 persuasive issue analyses for non-expert audiences, synthesizing public polling, research, and primary sources into concise proof points and engaging storytelling narratives. Samples include:
Contracted by renowned immigration policy organizations, including the American Immigration Council and the Inter-American Institute for Migration and Labor, to produce policy briefs and talking points on pending immigration legislation and presidential policy initiatives (2007-2008).
Conducted in-depth research and drafted a comprehensive report evaluating the World Bank’s postwar reconstruction program in Sudan for the Center for Development Initiatives, highlighting critical challenges and recommendations for policy improvement (2017).
Authored a Pfizer Corporation-commissioned white paper (via Arcos International) to boost clinical trial participation among African-Americans and other communities of color (2018).
Authored 5 white papers for the District of Columbia Department of Employment Services (DOES) analyzing COVID-19 labor impacts on African-Americans, leading to informational sessions with local policymakers (2021–2022). Contracted by Greenpeace USA to support a high-stakes investigation into PR firms involved in unethical surveillance practices for Dow Chemical, SASOL, and other major oil and chemical companies (2009).
President & CEO
Puentes and Associates
Sep 1999 - May 2005 / Washington, DC
Founded and managed a bilingual research/communications firm to provide grassroots research, policy analysis and media support to Latino communities nationwide facing major public health problems.
Directed a 6-month Department of Health–funded survey of substance abuse prevalence among low-income Latinos in Washington, DC. Publicized findings and successfully pressured DC authorities to provde $5M in new program funding for Latino substance abuse prevention and treatment, the first award of its kind. Directed a 6-month in-depth field study of Hispanic segregation in the US Catholic Church, with accompanying policy recommnendations for expanding Hispanic Ministry programs, for the Hispanic Bishops Conference. Executive Director
Puentes Environmental Justice Foundation
Jun 2002 - Jun 2004 / Washington, DC
Built stakeholder alignment among ATSDR, state regulators, and CBOs to suport expanded toxic contamination field studies in Hispanic communities nationwide. Led a media and publicity campaign for Citizens for Environmental Justice in Corpus Christi, exposing cancer and birth defect clusters linked to toxic waste dumping by Koch Industries oil refineries, resulting in new studies initiated by the EPA. Conducted targeted legislative advocacy, engaging with 15+ policymakers and environmental justice experts to secure policy endorsements for the Community Environmental Justice initiative.
ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE (Selected) Senior Project
Manager
Alexa Research & Engineering
Sep 2023 - Feb 2026 / Washington DC
Managed a team to design, draft, and edit 10+ scientific-technical reports for DoD Health Affairs (DHA) addressing toxic chemical exposure policies impacting African- American service members, veterans, and families, leading to enhanced awareness and revised policy recommendations.
Supervised management of 12 SME-authored reports on priority exposure areas such as air and soil contamination and infectious diseases, translating complex technical findings into clear language for non-expert stakeholders, which enhanced policy implications and accessibility.
Co-developed content and style guidelines with the CEO, advised on report development priorities, and led biweekly/monthly review cycles using SharePoint/Teams to ensure compliance with prime contractor protocols. Delivered all reports on time with first-submission approval by both the contractor and DHA, reducing rework and revision cycles.
Senior Writer and Industry Analyst
Drone Videos
Jun 2022 - Jun 2024 / Leesburg, VA
Researched and wrote 500+ blogs on drone market and regulatory trends, owning topic selection, headlines, drafting, and editing. Wrote 20 blogs analyzing the role of drones in monitoring and detecting the deterioration of oil pipeline infrastructure and resulting toxic emissions; wildlife protection, and habitat conservation.
Detailed reporting supported the comlany's decision to establish DroneArticles.com as a standalone industry news site.
Audience Research Manager
National Public Radio
January 2006 - December 2006
Directed data analysis and report writing for Profile 2006, a 500-page study of NPR's radio, online, and podcast audiences based on a 35,000-household sample. Produced 2 in-depth environmental scan reports for senior leadership, synthesizing market/audience trends and the competitive landscape, supporting congressional funding discussions
Senior Project Manager
Catholic University Life Cycle Institute
Sep 1996 - May 2000 / Washington, DC
Directed planning and implementation of 6 survey research projects, led questionnaire design, SPSS multivariate analysis, interviews/observational research, and report writing/presentations.
Produced high-impact mixed-methods research: informed National Conference of Catholic Bishops policy/program revisions and earned front-page Los Angeles Times coverage; work contributed to a 5-year, $600K Pew award (2000–2005). https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2000-mar-01-mn-4146-story.html.
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