Principal Research Associate (Income and Benefits Policy Center) at The Urban Institute in Washington, Washington DC

Job Description:

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 principal research associate to contribute to and help lead research on social safety net programs and policies and their impacts on economic wellbeing.  Projects will include a variety of research topics and analytical methods, including leading work to track state child care subsidy policies and carrying out microsimulation modeling.

What You’ll Do:

• Direct research projects, including supervising staff, overseeing project workplans, and tracking project spending.




• Oversee work to collect and analyze state policies for the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) Polices Database project.




• Work with large simulation models (TRIM3 and ATTIS) to estimate how changes to safety net policies affect families’ economic well-being.




• Contribute to the development of research approaches.




• Summarize and present data and findings related to social safety net program analysis.




• Analyze data sets using statistical analysis software (e.g. SAS, State, R).

Who You Are:

The successful candidate will:

• Possess a master’s degree, or equivalent, in a field related to social science (e.g. public policy, political science, sociology, or economics).




• Have 10 or more years of prior social policy research experience, including leading research projects and teams.




• Have demonstrated in-depth knowledge of the CCDF program and how it operates at the federal and state levels.  Prior experience tracking state policy changes is a plus.




• Have prior experience with direct use of microsimulation models.  Prior experience with CPS- or ACS-based modeling is a plus.




• Have a strong interest in CCDF.




• Have a working knowledge of the key programs that make up the US social safety net, with research experience related to at least one other program in addition to CCDF.




• Have demonstrated ability to think strategically about a research agenda and interact with staff at all levels.




• 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.  Have excellent organization skills.




• Exhibit strong analytical and quantitative research skills, including prior experience with SAS, R, or similar software. 




• Have prior experience using Access databases.




• Have prior qualitative research experience, such as conducting site visits and interviews.




• Show outstanding writing and presentation ability.

Applications must include a cover letter in addition to a resume.

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 $140,000 – Max $200,000. 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 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.