Research Analyst (Income And Benefits Policy Center)

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 Income and Benefits Policy Center (IBP) at the Urban Institute analyzes family economic well-being from childhood through retirement and undertakes research on a wide range of issues. The Income Support Team in IBP carries out research on a range of topics, including the social safety net, social insurance, taxes, and child support. The team’s research includes microsimulation modeling, analyzing the effects of different programs and policy alternatives, and tracking state policies for select safety net programs.

The Income and Benefits Policy Center seeks a research analyst with a strong interest in social safety net programs to join the Income Support Team.

What You’ll Do:

• Contribute to research reports, briefs, and presentations for external audiences.
• Summarize findings and present data effectively in multiple formats.
• Work with senior staff on proposal development and business cultivation activities.
• Analyze quantitative data using statistical analysis software (e.g. SAS, State, R).
• Collect and analyze state Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) policies for the Welfare Rules Database project.
• Work with large simulation models (TRIM3 and ATTIS) to estimate how changes to safety net policies affect families’ economic well-being.

Who You Are:

The successful candidate will

• Have a strong interest in TANF and other social safety net programs.
• Lived experience and personal familiarity with social safety net programs is valued in addition to educational instruction or professional experience.
• Possess a master’s degree in a field related to social science (e.g. public policy, political science, sociology, or economics), or possess a bachelor’s degree in a related field with at least two years of relevant work experience.
• Show outstanding writing ability as well as excellent organization skills.
• Exhibit strong quantitative research skills, including prior experience with SAS, R, or similar software. Prior work with household-level data is a plus.
• Have strong skills in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint; Knowledge of Access is a plus.
• Be detailed-oriented and self-motivated with the ability to work on multiple priorities, work independently and as part of a team, and communicate effectively.

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.

The target salary range for this position is Min $52,112- Mid $69,247 – Max $85,672. 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 [email protected]. Reasonable accommodation requests are considered on a case-by-case basis