Research Assistant (Housing and Communities Division)

Urban Institute is a nonprofit focused on social and economic policy research. They are seeking a Research Assistant to assist senior researchers in executing defined research tasks across various practice areas related to housing and communities.

Responsibilities

• Collection and analysis of qualitative and/or quantitative data. Including producing literature reviews, conducting field work (such as interviews and site visits), and writing programs to manage and analyze data in software such as R or Stata
• Production of tables, charts, and maps
• Contributing to and/or editing a variety of publications for difference audiences, including research reports, briefs, blogs, and other deliverables
• Completion of logistical tasks for research proposals, internal and external research events, and research management
• Completion of administrative tasks such as tracking project timelines, project reporting, taking and summarizing meeting minutes, and other tasks as assigned
• Independent time management and collaboration with teams to prioritize and complete multiple tasks

Skills

• Bachelor's degree or associate's degree preferably in the field of Public Policy, Urban Studies, Urban Planning, Data Science, Sociology, Economics, Statistics, Environmental Studies, Geography, Social Welfare, Education, Psychology, Business, or related field of inquiry
• Demonstrated qualitative and/or quantitative research skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Capacity to conduct literature reviews and similar research quickly and with strong critical thinking analysis
• Proficiency with publication, spreadsheet, and presentation software
• Experience managing and analyzing large datasets, using statistical packages, such as SAS, STATA, and/or R
• Strong time management skills and high level of professionalism
• High level of organization, attention to detail, motivation, creativity, and self-confidence; we seek individuals who can work effectively, both on teams and independently, and simultaneously on multiple projects
• Initiative to suggest improvements or innovations on assigned tasks
• Willingness to adapt to changes in work assignments, deadlines, and team environment
• Have a willingness and ability to travel when conditions make travel safe
• Strong interest and/or experience in one or more of the following topics: housing and housing-related assistance programs, housing finance, homelessness, demographic and population studies, urban planning and land use, community economic development, city governance and public-sector capacity, climate change, environmental justice, housing and neighborhoods as a platform for other household and societal outcomes, structural racism, and inequality
• Bilingual abilities, although not required, are a plus
• Spatial analysis skills a plus

Benefits

• Generous paid time off, including nine federal holidays
• Medical (including prescription), dental and vision insurance
• Transit benefits
• 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
• Access to a health advocate
• Personal finance coaching
• An Employee Assistance Program
• Educational assistance for undergraduate and graduate degree programs

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