Policy Assistant (Center on Nonprofits and Philanthropy) (Biotech)
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 Center on Nonprofits and Philanthropy (CNP) at the Urban Institute is an internationally recognized leader in conducting and disseminating research on policy and practice issues in the nonprofit and philanthropic sectors. Through research, evaluation, and advising, CNP equips a wide range of changemakers with evidence to advance effectiveness and equity. CNP's scholars, analysts, and strategists work closely with funding partners to build knowledge in various areas, including charitable giving, equitable grantmaking, impact investing, social sector infrastructure, and data capacity building. CNP houses the National Center on Charitable Statistics, which makes over 20 years of nonprofit IRS Form 990 data freely accessible to the public.
The power of our work comes from activating solutions to advance the future of the social sector. We put this dynamic approach into practice by:
Listening to the voices on the front lines of social change and engaging in non-extractive practices
Advancing cultural intelligence, diversity, inclusion, and equity in the social sector
Working collaboratively with colleagues across the social sector and beyond
Leveraging the breadth of policy expertise across the Urban Institute
Promoting free and open data access and transparent analysis
Being both responsive and forward-thinking; and
Maintaining rigorous standards without losing sight of context and lived experience
Today, the media cites CNP data analyses almost daily, other nonprofit and philanthropy-focused organizations use our data and research to support their recommendations, and researchers across a range of disciplines use our data to build a knowledge base for the sector.
We are currently seeking a Policy Assistant to support senior research staff with background research on a range of topics by collecting and analyzing both quantitative and qualitative information.
What you'll do:
Support and collaborate with colleagues within CNP and across Urban to prepare internal and public products such as literature reviews, memos, reports, policy briefs, blog posts, podcasts, and social media.
Support planning and development of presentations, technical assistance, and trainings delivered by Urban senior staff for practitioners, policymakers, and other external audiences, including developing talking points, writing background memos, composing PowerPoint presentations, and creating training materials.
Provide project management support by scheduling team meetings, coordinating logistics, and engaging with internal stakeholders; drafting emails, agendas, talking points, and presentations; taking notes and identifying action items and next steps.
Coordinate and support logistics and content development for convenings, public events, and advisory groups, including drafting invitations, conducting background research and supporting agenda development, developing speaker prep materials and presentations, supporting outreach to presenters and participants, and developing event materials, such as name tags, signage, and posters.
Conduct background research on a range of topics by identifying, interpreting, and synthesizing both quantitative (statistical and survey data) and qualitative information (literature scans, review of relevant federal/local policies).
Who you are:
The successful candidate will:
Possess a bachelor's degree or have demonstrated experience in a relevant professional setting, such as a nonprofit, philanthropic, government, or advocacy organization.
Demonstrate interest in public policy, nonprofits, philanthropy, and society through their academic major, prior work experience, involvement in volunteering programs, leadership positions in academic and/or extra-curricular settings or public policy-related internship. Experience in fast-paced work environments that engage with federal, state, and local policymakers, philanthropic and/or non-profits leaders is a plus.
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Have a strong desire to engage and learn about topics such as, but not limited to, the following:
Exploring the Social Sector Infrastructure
Mission Impact Investing
Charitable Giving and Philanthropic History
Trust + Institutions
Advancing the Social Sector in the American South
Charitable Giving Data Capture and Analysis
Bring an interest in advancing racial and socioeconomic equity and addressing structural racism across domains and contributing to evidence and resources that support marginalized communities.
Be well-organized, highly motivated, and able to work effectively on multiple projects at once.
Have excellent oral and written communication skills and enjoy working in a team setting and/or team-oriented environment.
Demonstrate the initiative to suggest improvements or innovations on assigned tasks.
Express a willingness and capacity to adapt to changes in work assignments, deadlines, and project management and a nimbleness in changing course quickly.
Have familiarity with MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and social media tools. Knowledge of Salesforce is a plus.
Applications for this position will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled, but we expect to fill the position in early spring, 2023.
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.
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 five months of service and 1,000 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.
As a federal contractor, Urban will comply with Executive Order (EO) 14042 that requires federal contractors, subcontractors, and their respective employees to comply with Covid-19 vaccinations. All Urban Institute employees must be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 by January 18, 2022, and comply with masking and distancing requirements, regardless of responsibilities or work location. New hires must also be fully vaccinated before starting work. Employees may request exemption from vaccination against COVID-19 based on either a medical condition or a sincerely held religious belief that prevents them from being vaccinated. Where such an exemption is approved, Urban will discuss with each employee potential accommodation.
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.
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.
The Urban Institute is committed to Equal Employment Opportunity without regard for race, ethnicity, gender, protected veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other protected status under applicable law.
The Urban Institute is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer Minorities/Women/Disabilities/Veterans.
