Research Analyst (Tax Policy Center – Division of Tax and Income Supports) (R&D)
About Urban Institute:
The Urban Institute is a nonprofit research organization that provides data and evidence to help advance upward mobility and equity. We are a trusted source for changemakers who seek to strengthen decisionmaking, create inclusive economic growth, and improve the well-being of families and communities. For more than 50 years, Urban has delivered facts that inspire solutions—and this remains our charge today.
Our Mission
To drive impact by equipping changemakers with evidence and solutions.
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) aims to improve tax and fiscal policy decision-making by producing independent, timely, and accessible analyses. We help policymakers, advocates, journalists, and the broader public understand how tax policy affects different groups of people, how tax policy affects revenues and the economy, and how to use the tax code as effectively as possible when seeking a policy outcome.
TPC seeks a Research Analyst ( Step 2/ Research track) to help analyze federal, state, and local tax and budget policies, working primarily with the TPC microsimulation modeling team. The Research Analyst will work with prominent researchers to analyze the revenue, distributional, and growth effects of the current tax system and proposed tax and economic and social 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 effective tax system.
What You'll Do:
Work with the Center's state of the art microsimulation model, including: analyze the revenue and distributional effects of existing law and policy proposals; help to enhance the model in response to new proposals the existing model is not designed to address; and participate in updating and maintaining the model, including annual incorporation of new projections from the Congressional Budget Office, Joint Committee on Taxation, and many other sources.
Collect, clean, and perform advanced manipulation of qualitative and/or quantitative data. This includes creating and mangaging data collection protocols, cleaning and merging data, producing and reviewing literature reviews, conducting field work (such as interviews and site visits), and writing computer programs for data processing and analysis.
Assist in reporting research findings including producing tables, graphics, and maps for reports, as well as writing up findings for briefs, reports, blogs, presentations, and other strategic communication.
Oversee logistical tasks for research proposals, internal and external research meetings and events, and research management.
Assist with project management tasks including project budgets and timelines, contract deliverables, consultant and subcontract agreements, financial monitoring, routine reporting, and staffing management of research projects.
Who You Are:
Possess a master's degree or academic and professional experience equivalent to a Master's degree in a relevant field such as Economics, Public Policy, Sociology, Public Health, Anthropology, Political Science, or other Social Science with a demonstrated focus on relevant policy issues and policy-related research skill sets.
Demonstrate knowledge of and interest in the current state of scholarship, practice, and/or policy in at least one relevant policy area through prior research papers and projects or professional or volunteer experience. Sample policy areas include: tax policy, housing markets, economic development, homelessness, climate, and others.
Display strong familiarity with qualitative and/or quantitative analytical skills conducive to advanced research methodologies with demonstrable experience in at least one, and familiarity with both preferred.
Show superb critical thinking skills and capacity to interpret research findings.
Demonstrate experience with data analysis tools and software packages (e.g., SAS, Stata, SPSS, R, Python, ArcGIS, NVivo, Atlas.ti or other tools and research processes) or other research project management tools appropriate to the area of research skill.
Be proficient in publication, spreadsheet, and presentation graphics software.
Demonstrate effective project management including experience creating and managing work plans, timelines, budgets, and other contractual research components.
Exhibit high level of organization, time management, motivation, creativity, and self-confidence; we seek individuals who can work effectively, independently, and simultaneously on multiple projects and across multiple teams.
Have strong written and verbal communication skills.
Display a high level of professionalism.
Applications must include all of the following:
Resume
Cover letter
The recruitment process for the selected candidates is as follows:
Phone screen
A mix of individual and panel interviews, if selected to proceed. Not to exceed 3 hours of total time
Applications will be accepted through January 20th, 2024
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 salary range for this position is Min $61500- Mid $72,750 – Max $84,000. 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.
