Research Assistant (Income and Benefits Policy Center) (R&D)
About Urban Institute:
At the Urban Institute, we believe in the power of evidence to improve lives and strengthen communities. As a nonprofit focusing on social and economic policy, our researchers and policy entrepreneurs open minds, shape decisions, and identify transformative solutions to the most pressing issues of our time.
Our Mission
To open minds, shape decisions, and offer solutions through economic and social policy research.
Our Values
Collaboration, Equity, Inclusivity, Independence, and Integrity.
For more information on the Urban Institute, please visit https://www.urban.org.
The Opportunity:
The Income and Benefits Policy Center for the Urban Institute seeks a Research Assistant to join our team and help with research on immigration and on safety net programs, especially those focused on food insecurity. Possible responsibilities include:
What You'll Do:
Support qualitative research projects on safety net issues and immigration, including assisting with IRB application materials, scheduling interviews and focus groups, and helping to conduct and analyze interviews and/or focus groups in English and possibly Spanish or other languages.
Support mixed-methods and quantitative research projects, including assisting in the fielding of surveys, and the analysis and presentation of quantitative data from surveys and administrative data sources.
Track ongoing immigration policy developments at the federal and state level and flagging issues that have implications for ongoing projects.
Help to monitor project budgets, timelines and deliverables.
Work closely with senior researchers to contribute to research reports, briefs and other research products.
The specific package of work will depend on an individual's strengths and interests and on the team's needs
What You'll Bring
The successful candidate will:
Have a bachelor's degree in Public Policy, Statistics, Economics, Sociology or related disciplines
Preferably, have prior research experience (for example, through school coursework or internships). Lived experience and personal familiarity with social safety net programs and/or immigration is valued in addition to educational instruction or professional experience.
Be interested in a position that requires highly detailed work including both quantitative and qualitative elements
Be highly analytical, with demonstrated interest in some aspect of the social safety net, superior attention to detail, excellent organizational skills, and strong oral and written communication skills
Proficiency in Spanish or another language is a plus but not required
Be self-motivated with the ability to prioritize workload and to work both independently and as part of a team
Prefer candidate who can work in DC but will consider remote work applicants
What You'll Experience:
No matter your role with Urban, you will contribute to meaningful work that makes a difference for people and communities across the country.
Urban is currently operating in a hybrid work environment in which colleagues who reside in the DMV are encouraged to work from the office two days per week. Preference will be given to candidates who will commit to be in the office two days per week on a regular basis. We are committed to cultivating a community and working in a manner defined by collaboration, equity, inclusivity, independence, and integrity.
Urban's greatest asset is our people.
The target salary range for this position is Min $50,000 - Mid $57,557 - Max $65,113. Salary offered is commensurate with experience and considers internal equity. Candidates from diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. Salaries are just one component of Urban Institute's total compensation package. Urban is committed to supporting our staff's physical, emotional, and financial well-being through a robust benefits package for yourself, eligible dependents, and domestic partners. It includes generous paid time off, including nine federal holidays, medical (including prescription), dental and vision insurance, and transit benefits.
Urban is unique in that we offer 403(b) retirement plan participation immediately after you're hired and a generous employer contribution after six months of service and 500 hours, with immediate vesting. You'll also have access to a health advocate, personal finance coaching, an Employee Assistance Program, and educational assistance for undergraduate and graduate degree programs.
Urban is committed to supporting our staff's physical, emotional, and financial well-being through a robust benefits package for yourself, eligible dependents, and domestic partners. It includes generous paid time off, including nine federal holidays, medical (including prescription), dental and vision insurance, and transit benefits. Urban is unique in that we offer 403(b) retirement plan participation immediately after you're hired and a generous employer contribution after six months of service and 500 hours, with immediate vesting. You'll also have access to a health advocate, personal finance coaching, an Employee Assistance Program, and educational assistance for undergraduate and graduate degree programs.
All Urban Institute employees must be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 and comply with masking and distancing requirements, regardless of responsibilities or work location. New hires must also be fully vaccinated before starting work. Employees may request exemption from vaccination against COVID-19 based on either a medical condition or a sincerely held religious belief that prevents them from being vaccinated. Where such an exemption is approved, Urban will discuss with each employee potential accommodation.
The Urban Institute has formally recognized the Urban Institute Employees' Union, which is part of the Nonprofit Professional Employees Union (NPEU). Urban management and the Union work together in good faith and are motivated by a shared commitment to this institution. This position is included in the Union-represented collective bargaining unit, and specific employment terms and conditions are subject to collective bargaining negotiations.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by the people assigned. This posting is not an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and requirements. Urban management reserves the right to amend and change duties, responsibilities, and requirements to meet business and organizational needs as necessary.
The Urban Institute is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender or gender identity, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, veteran status, pregnancy or family responsibilities, matriculation, disability, political affiliation, or any other protected status under applicable law.
We are committed to equal employment opportunity and providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with physical and/or mental disabilities. If you have a physical and/or mental disability and are interested in applying for employment and need special accommodations to use our website to apply for a position, please contact Human Resources at humanresources@urban.org. Reasonable accommodation requests are considered on a case-by-case basis
