Research Analyst-Workforce (Income and Benefits Policy)
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.
The Income and Benefits Policy Center (IBP) analyzes family economic well being from childhood through retirement. The Building America’s Workforce initiative undertakes research on a wide range of issues, examining education and training programs and policies; employers, workplaces and the labor market; and workforce development systems and policies. Our goal is to improve policy and practice at the federal, state, and local levels, with a focus on building a skilled workforce. We do this through rigorous evaluations of programs using quantitative and qualitative methods; analysis of data, policies and issues; and the development of frameworks and other tools for the field.
How you’ll contribute:
The Income and Benefits Policy Center is seeking a talented research analyst with experience in quantitative and qualitative research and project management. The research analyst will work with project teams as part of Urban’s Building America’s Workforce initiative, investigating workforce development, post-secondary education, and other labor policy issues. Subjects of ongoing projects include post-secondary education and training, apprenticeship, employer engagement and workforce needs, workforce development systems, youth pathways to post-secondary success and careers, and job quality and workplace standards. The ideal candidate can work collaboratively on a variety of projects focused on policy-relevant research.
Responsibilities:
- Collect, clean, and analyze quantitative and qualitative data for projects. 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 and presenting at meetings and conferences.
- Coordinate logistical tasks for research proposals, internal and external research events, and research management.
- Assist with project management tasks (such as contractual, financial, timeline, and staffing components of research projects).
- Communicate effectively with multiple research teams and project leaders.
- Direct the work of research assistants.
- Provide support to other areas of the Urban Institute as needed.
What you’ll bring:
The successful candidate will:
- Possess a master’s degree in public policy, economics, sociology, political science, or a related field and/or 2 years of prior experience in public policy research as well as prior experience with project management.
- Exhibit knowledge of the current state of scholarship, practice, and/or policy in at least one of the policy areas through research papers and projects, or professional, advocacy, or volunteer experience. Sample policy areas include: post-secondary education and training, apprenticeship, employer engagement and workforce needs, workforce development systems, youth pathways to post-secondary success and careers, and job quality and workplace standards.
- Demonstrate outstanding writing ability, problem-solving ability, strong oral communication, excellent organizational skills, and the ability to work effectively on multiple projects.
- Have previous experience in a research environment and experience working on evaluations (implementation/process, impact, formative/developmental), and/or policy-related research (preferred).
- Display capacity to engage and communicate with individuals of differing backgrounds and experience supporting collaborative projects.
- Engage and communicate with external clients and stakeholders, including program operators and community members.
- Show a strong willingness to learn, adapt and suggest improvements.
- Make effective decisions within boundaries of roles, responsibilities, and authorities
- Use strong interpersonal skills and comfort working both independently and in team environments.
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