Research Analyst (Executive Office of Research)
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
The Opportunity:
Central to Urban’s mission is fostering a truly inclusive community that ensures ongoing relevance to a changing world. The Urban recently launched WorkRise, a major multi-year initiative focused on jobs, workers, and mobility. WorkRise is seeking a talented Research Analyst who is interested in understanding and improving the economic stability and upward mobility of workers, especially low-wage workers, and working to dismantle the structural inequalities that disadvantage certain workers, especially women, Black workers, and other workers of color. The Research Analyst will join WorkRise’s research team, which is responsible for the development, curation, and translation of the cutting-edge evidence that serves as the foundation for our research-to-action platform. We are looking for enthusiastic, intellectually curious candidates who are excited about the role that evidence can play in shifting policy and practice.
What You’ll Do:
Translate:
- Draft written summaries of relevant academic and applied research papers and reports for publication on the WorkRise online content portal, a research hub translating relevant evidence for practitioners and policymakers.
- Support research and communications staff in preparing other research content for the WorkRise website, blog, and social media.
- Assist with the development of internal and public research products, including research reports and briefs, and other written materials.
Synthesize:
- Conduct background research on a range of topics related to worker and labor market outcomes, including performing literature reviews, synthesizing qualitative and quantitative information, and scanning the policy and practice landscape.
- Synthesize research literature and stakeholder perspectives to help identify the most important open questions on which new evidence building is needed.
- Monitor economic data releases and track new research publications, working papers, and reports released by academic, think tank, and other research organizations.
- Provide research and presentation support to WorkRise researchers and senior leadership team on external- and internal-facing presentations
Analyze:
- Assist with collecting, cleaning, and analyzing administrative and national survey data.
- Use statistical methods and software to summarize, describe, and display data.
Engage:
- Support WorkRise engagement with the academic and applied research communities, including WorkRise’s competitive research grantmaking program and commissioned projects.
- Assist with the organization, coordination, and management of research activities to advance the initiative’s research agenda.
Who You Are:
Strong candidates will offer:
- A master’s degree in a field related to social science (e.g. public policy, economics, political science, or sociology), or have an equivalent level of experience and education (e.g., a bachelor’s degree with 2-4 years of experience).
- Demonstrated interest in economic and labor market policy and research on issues related to labor markets and low-wage workers (e.g. employer practices, worker power, job search, skills and training, supportive services) as well as an open, curious, flexible approach to exploring evidence in emerging areas of policy and practice.
- Exceptional written communication skills.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- A track record of self-direction and an ability to work independently while juggling multiple projects and responsibilities, as well as a collaborative approach with an emphasis on teamwork for results
- Familiarity with standard data series used in the analysis of labor market trends and outcomes
- Prior experience with Stata, R, or other statistical analysis (preferred)
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 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.