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:

The Urban-Brookings Tax Policy Center (TPC) produces independent, timely, and accessible analyses of current and longer-term tax issues. Our goal is to help the public, the media, and policymakers make informed decisions about critical fiscal issues and support better policy outcomes. TPC seeks Research Assistants to help analyze federal, state, and local tax and budget policies. RAs will work with prominent public finance economists on research concerning the revenue, distributional, and economic effects of the current tax system and proposed tax and other policy reforms. They will routinely see their work quoted by major media outlets such as the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and CNN. By highlighting who gets what from tax provisions, and pointing out administrative and design challenges, this work helps to promote a more fair and efficient tax system.

What You’ll Do:

• Work with the Center’s state-of-the-art microsimulation models




• Collect and analyze data




• Conduct background research and literature reviews




• Collaborate on written products such as blog posts, policy briefs, and research papers




• Produce graphics for publications and the TPC website




• Other duties assigned by the supervisor

Who You Are:

The successful candidate will:

• Possess a bachelor’s degree in Economics, Mathematics, Statistics, or other Social Sciences (Public Policy, Political Science, Sociology, etc.)




• Be familiar with basic econometric techniques and data analysis software packages (such as Stata, R, or SAS)




• Have excellent research and analytical skills, including prior experience formulating research questions and hypotheses, summarizing literature, and conducting data analysis




• Display strong organizational and communication skills




• Have excellent attention to detail and ability to work independently or as part of a team




• Take the initiative to suggest improvements or innovations on assigned tasks




• Communicate respectfully with individuals of differing backgrounds and experience

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 $50,000 - Mid $57,557- Max $65,113.  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.

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. The Urban Institute is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer Minorities/Women/Disabilities/Veterans.

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.