Research Analyst (Metropolitan Housing and Communities Policy Center)
Who we are:
At the nonprofit Urban Institute, we believe in the power of evidence to improve lives and strengthen communities. Our employees are empowered to open minds, shape decisions and offer solutions. We encourage intellectual honesty, innovation, diversity, and mutual respect, and our analysis elevates the debate, wherever it takes place.
Urban’s greatest asset is our people. We strive to attract and cultivate a vibrant, creative, and diverse community. Our employees drive Urban’s mission through entrepreneurship, innovation, leadership, effective communication, results-orientation, and relationship cultivation. Our success depends on engaging individuals who possess and value these attributes.
How you’ll contribute:
The work of the Center on Metropolitan Housing and Communities (Metro) focuses on a range of issues, including homelessness, housing affordability, and equitable neighborhood and community development. The Metro Center Research Associate will engage with and support community members, partners, and stakeholders around the use of Urban analysis and data; help anticipate, identify, and provide for community research needs; and support the development of products that communicate information to a wide range of audiences. The Analyst will contribute to and/or lead a range of projects covering communities across the nation, with many to focus on the greater Washington, DC region.
Responsibilities
- Carry out research tasks, such as analyzing and interpreting data, conducting interviews and focus groups, reviewing and summarizing research literature, attending meetings and taking notes, and developing policy recommendations from evidence.
- Assist with developing and delivering training and technical assistance services to nonprofits and others, to put research ideas into action.
- Participate in and lead on writing reports, briefs, blogs, and other products to translate research findings for clients and other audiences.
- Develop and maintain relationships with nonprofits, government agencies, funders and other entities to understand what research and evaluation is needed for our partners and audiences.
- Develop or participate in developing new research ideas, proposals, and designs.
- Maintain project budgets and timelines; manage grant/contract relationships and deliverables.
- Supervise other staff, as needed, and provide guidance and feedback for improving job performance.
What you’ll bring:
The successful candidate will have:
- Knowledge of a discipline that is generally associated with the attainment of a master's degree in Public Policy, Economics, Sociology, Criminology, Statistics, or applied economics or a Bachelor’s Degree with several years of related professional experience.
- Experience with applied public policy research and/or background working with direct service providers offering community development, housing, social services, youth programming, or other community services.
- Knowledge of policies and programs related to any of the following: housing affordability, social assistance, economic development, racial equity, or other areas relevant to community development and needs.
- A solid grounding in the topics above for the Washington, DC region or in at least one or more of its jurisdictions such as the City of Alexandria, Arlington County, the District of Columbia, Fairfax County, Montgomery County, or Prince George’s County.
- Ability to relate to people working to improve community conditions, to understand their needs, and to develop training and technical assistance to help them meet those needs.
- Understanding of how racist policies and practices have systematically disadvantaged communities of color and interest in exploring how to create antiracist approaches to public policy and programs.
- Good organizational abilities and the capacity to work effectively on multiple teams and projects.
- Ability to write clearly and concisely using non-technical language.
- Strong presentation and oral communication skills.
- Proficiency with SAS, Stata, R, Python or similar analytical software or programming experience a plus.
What you’ll experience:
Working in the Nation’s Capital, the epicenter of public policy among a network of policy experts, you can expect to have an impact on policy areas you care about and work with great colleagues who are smart, mission-driven, and collaborative. You will blend academic rigor with on-the-ground collaboration, be encouraged and supported to fulfill your potential through meaningful work that matters, and enjoy a welcoming workplace free from harassment, discrimination and intolerance.
In addition, we offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes: medical, dental, disability, and life insurance coverage. Competitive paid time off allowance, and eligibility to participate in a generous retirement savings plan and reimbursable commuting expense program.
The Urban Institute is committed to Equal Employment Opportunity without regard for race, ethnicity, gender, protected veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other protected status under applicable law.
The Urban Institute is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer Minorities/Women/Disabilities/Veterans.