Research Assistant; and Communities Division

Position: Research Assistant (Housing and Communities Division)
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** 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 .##
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* The Opportunity:

** The Housing and Communities Division seeks a research assistant (Step 1 / Research track) to work across our six practice areas. The research assistant will assist senior researchers and research teams in successfully executing defined research tasks. The person hired for this position will be assigned to one of the Division’s research practice areas and will work across several other practice areas.

All staff work on multiple projects—assignments include various research methods and topic areas and are made based on the needs of the Division, taking into consideration a research assistant’s skills and interests.

The Housing and Communities Division at the Urban Institute equips federal, state and local policymakers, practitioners, advocates, media, and philanthropy with the rigorous research they need to advance affordable, healthy, and resilient housing and places with reliable infrastructure, equitable economic opportunities, supportive financial systems, and sustainable land use policies. More information on our six practice areas (Climate and Communities;
Community and Economic Development;
Fair Housing, Land Use, and Transportation; Housing Finance Policy Center; Preventing and Ending Homelessness; and Thriving Places) can be found .##
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* What You’ll Do:

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* Responsibilities include:

* 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.

Note:

DC-based candidates who are able to work onsite two or more days per week are preferred.##
** Who You Are:
** The successful candidate will possess:
* 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. Spatial analysis skills a plus.
* 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
* Bilingual abilities, although not required, are a plus.
* Have a willingness and ability to travel when…