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:

Central to Urban’s mission is fostering a truly inclusive community that ensures ongoing relevance to a changing world. The Research to Action Lab for the Urban Institute seeks a policy assistant to work with senior research and policy staff in the Research to Action Lab and across Urban on a range of projects. This entry-level position plays a key support role on tasks that include project administration, policy analysis, research, stakeholder outreach and engagement, training and technical assistance, and events/convenings. This is an exciting opportunity for an individual interested in learning about and applying research evidence to public policy and practice.

The Research to Action Lab serves decision-makers in the public, nonprofit, and private sectors eager to advance social change. Our multidisciplinary team draws on the breadth and depth of Urban’s economic and social policy expertise to design research-driven policies and practices, deliver tailored technical assistance and training, and curate effective convenings that infuse critical debates with evidence. Nimble and innovative, the Lab engages directly with policymakers and practitioners, providing strategic guidance to help navigate the most pressing policy and programmatic challenges and spark disruptive solutions tailored to meet the moment. Our team also works collaboratively with Urban scholars and external partners to design and manage evidence-based programs that leverage Urban’s expertise and capacities to catalyze meaningful change for people and communities.

What You’ll Do:

• Support and collaborate with colleagues within the Lab and across Urban to prepare internal and public products such as literature reviews, memos, reports, policy briefs, blog posts, podcasts, and social media.

• Support planning and development of presentations, technical assistance, and trainings delivered by Urban senior staff for practitioners, policymakers, and other external audiences, including developing talking points, writing background memos, composing PowerPoint presentations, and creating training materials.

• Provide project management support by scheduling team meetings, coordinating logistics, and engaging with internal stakeholders; drafting emails, agendas, talking points, and presentations; taking notes and identifying action items and next steps.

• Coordinate and support logistics and content development for convenings, public events, and advisory groups, including drafting invitations, conducting background research and supporting agenda development, developing speaker prep materials and presentations, supporting outreach to presenters and participants, and developing event materials, such as name tags, signage, and posters.

• Conduct background research on a range of topics by identifying, interpreting, and synthesizing both quantitative (statistical and survey data) and qualitative information (literature scans, review of relevant federal/local policies).

Who You Are:
The successful candidate will:

• Demonstrate interest in public policy through their academic major, prior work experience, involvement in volunteering programs, leadership positions in academic and/or extra-curricular settings or public policy-related internship. Experience in fast-paced work environments that engage with federal, state, and local policymakers, philanthropic and/or non-profits leaders is a plus.

• Have a strong desire to engage and learn about one or more of the following topics: mobility from poverty, equitable community and economic development and climate resilience, public health, housing justice through stability and affordability, social financing and impact investing, evidence-based policymaking, neighborhood revitalization, and federal, state, or local policy systems and stakeholders, including private and social sector decisionmakers.

• Bring an interest in advancing racial and socioeconomic equity and addressing structural racism across domains, and contributing to evidence and resources that support marginalized communities.

• Be well-organized, highly motivated, and able to work effectively on multiple projects at once.

• Have excellent oral and written communication skills and enjoy working in a team setting and/or team-oriented environment.

• Apply emerging understanding of local and federal policies, programs, agencies, and ecosystems to assess the application, outcomes, and impacts of policy proposals and programmatic interventions.

• Demonstrate the initiative to suggest improvements or innovations on assigned tasks.

• Express a willingness and capacity to adapt to changes in work assignments, deadlines, and project management and a nimbleness in changing course quickly.

• Have familiarity with MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and social media tools. Knowledge of Salesforce is a plus.

• Possess a bachelor's degree or have demonstrated experience in a relevant professional setting, such as a nonprofit, philanthropic, government, or advocacy organization.

We value a diverse workforce and strongly encourage candidates of color, LGBTQ candidates, and candidates with disabilities to apply.

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. And whether you call the Washington, DC area or elsewhere home, you can expect to be part of a welcoming and hybrid workplace. 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.

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 five months of service and 1,000 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.

As a federal contractor, Urban will comply with Executive Order (EO) 14042 that requires federal contractors, subcontractors, and their respective employees to comply with COVID-19 vaccinations. All Urban Institute employees must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by January 18, 2022, 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 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.

Job Type: Full-time

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