Research Assistant (Tax Policy Center)

About Urban Institute:

The Urban Institute is a research-to-impact institution founded on one simple idea: To improve lives and strengthen communities, we need practices and policies that work. From advancing well-being to fostering shared prosperity, leaders across sectors are working every day to create brighter futures for all people and communities. For more than 50 years, Urban has delivered evidence and solutions that drive meaningful change, and this remains our charge today.

Our Mission

To drive impact by equipping changemakers with evidence and solutions.

Our Values

Collaboration, Fairness 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) improves tax and fiscal policy decision-making through independent, timely, and accessible analysis. Using a microsimulation model comparable to those used by federal scorekeepers, we show how policies affect taxpayers, revenues, and the economy. Our results are used by stakeholders across the ideological spectrum and widely cited in the press. Beyond the model, TPC’s nationally recognized experts conduct research on emerging issues and provide technical assistance to policymakers at all levels of government. We also educate policymakers, advocates, journalists, and the public about the tax code and how to use it to advance economic and social policy.

What You’ll Do:

• Work with the TPC’s 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)

• Exhibit 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

• Be a self-motivated individual with the ability to prioritize workload and to work both independently and 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

Applications must include all of the following:

• Resume

• Cover Letter

The recruitment process for the selected candidates is as follows:

• Phone Screen

• Panel interviews (if selected to proceed)

Note: Candidates who can follow a hybrid work schedule are strongly 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. We are committed to working in a manner defined by our mission and values.

Urban’s greatest asset is our people.

The target salary range for this position is Min $52,520 - Mid $59,085- Max $65,650 and the current median $55,336.33. Salary offered is commensurate with experience and considers internal comparisons. 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. 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.