Research Analyst (Metropolitan Housing & Communities Policy Center)

Who we are:

How you’ll contribute:

• Collect, clean, and perform advanced manipulation of either qualitative and/or quantitative data. This includes managing data, writing computer programs for data processing and analysis, producing and reviewing literature reviews, and conducting field work (such as interviews and site visits).
• Assist in designing research to meet high standards of methodological rigor.
• Assist and, on occasion, lead in reporting research findings. Including producing tables, graphics, and maps for reports, as well as writing up findings for briefs and reports.
• Oversee logistical tasks for research proposals, internal and external research events, and research management.
• Assist with project management tasks (such as contractual, financial, and staffing components of research projects).
• Oversee the work of Research Assistants.
• Assist with Center and Institute administrative tasks as assigned.

What you’ll bring:

• Master’s degree in the field of Urban Studies, Urban Planning, or other Social Science (Economics, Public Policy, Sociology, Social Welfare, Anthropology, Education, or Political Science) with a demonstrated focus on urban policy and issues or disciplines producing urban policy-related research skill sets, such as Statistics, Architecture, Civil or Environmental Engineering preferred; or the combination of academic and professional experience equivalent to the attainment of a Master’s degree (with a Bachelor’s Degree in a related field).
• Strong familiarity with qualitative and quantitative analytical skills conducive to advanced research methodologies with demonstrable experience in at least one, both preferred.
• Demonstrable experience with data analysis tools and software packages (SAS, Stata, SPSS, R, Python, ArcGIS, NVivo, Atlas.ti or other tools and research processes) appropriate to the area of research skill.
• Proficiency in publication, spreadsheet, and presentation graphics software.
• Superb critical thinking skills and capacity to interpret research findings.
• High level of organization, and motivation, creativity, and self-confidence; we seek individuals who can work effectively, independently, and simultaneously on multiple projects. 
• Familiarity with project management terminology and components (contractual, financial, staffing).
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong time management skills and display of a high level of professionalism.
• Demonstrable knowledge of the current state of scholarship, practice, and policy in at least one area of housing and urban conditions through research papers and projects, or professional or advocacy experience.

• The Built Environment practice area focuses on policy topics such as climate mitigation and adaptation, resilience and urban governance, neighborhood physical quality, and housing standards and quality—all primarily in relation to low- and moderate-income households and other social disparities.
• The Community and Economic Development practice area focuses on policy topics such as capital and investment flows, inclusive recovery, financing for community initiatives, small business development, Opportunity Zones and other economic development programs—all primarily in relation to low- and moderate-income households and other social disparities.
• The Cities and Neighborhoods practice area focuses on policy topics related to understanding neighborhoods and cities, with a focus on people’s wellbeing and racial and economic equity across neighborhoods. Our group collaborates closely with governments and practitioners through research, peer-learning networks, and technical assistance, such as through Urban-Greater DC, National Neighborhood Indicators Partnership, and Promise Neighborhoods. We also conduct program evaluations and document best practices related to community-driven change, including the community use of data.
• The Ending Homelessness practice area focuses on policy topics such as homelessness assistance and coordination systems, evidence-based solutions to end homelessness for individuals, families, veterans, and youth, outcomes-based financing for programs to end homelessness, and intersections with child welfare, criminal justice, health, and other system outcomes.
• The Fair Housing practice area conducts research on policies and practice with the potential to improve housing stability for low-income households and to encourage racial and economic equity across neighborhoods. Policy topics include housing discrimination and segregation, ensuring equal access to opportunity-rich neighborhoods, and encouraging affordable housing creation and preservation in a diversity of markets and neighborhoods.
• The Housing as a Foundation practice area focuses on housing as a foundation for daily life and a hub connecting people to their communities – where they live and who they are connected to – and surrounding resources. Policy topics include preserving and expanding public and affordable housing, improving resident well-being and health in communities, strengthening education, and centering resident and community voice.  

What you’ll experience: