The Urban Institute
Training and Technical Assistance Specialist (Metropolitan Housing and Communities Policy Center) (Biotech)
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.
To open minds, shape decisions, and offer solutions through economic and social policy research.
Collaboration, Equity, Inclusivity, Independence, and Integrity
For more information on the Urban Institute, please visit https://www.urban.org.
The Metropolitan Housing and Communities Center at Urban is seeking a talented Training and Technical Assistance (TTA) Expert with strong management and communication skills to design and deliver training and technical assistance programming and manage of communities of practice for nonprofit, private, and public sector stakeholders. The goal of the TTA is to increase recipients' capacity, foster information exchange and engagement, drive better practice through the translation of evidence and research, and achieve improved outcomes for communities. Initial TTA assignments include Urban projects that support school- and community-based initiatives that promote education, health, and economic outcomes for children and their families.
The Metropolitan Housing and Communities Center is comprised of a team of multidisciplinary researchers, managers, and technical assistance providers that focus on how housing and communities shape people's lives. Our team collaborates with colleagues across Urban and external partners to deliver research, provide technical assistance, and curate convenings. Our work is focused on communities and is grounded in racial equity.
Urban offers a hybrid work environment and this position has the option to work remotely (outside of the Washington, DC metropolitan area).
Work with a variety of external stakeholders, including funders, public sector partners, and nonprofit leaders, to identify and develop evidence-based TTA approaches that meet the needs and goals of partners.
Contribute to TTA planning: help to set team goals, develop work plans, track workflows, monitor deadlines, and support the achievement of milestones on specific TTA activities.
Facilitate virtual and in-person TTA through different formats (e.g., webinars, individualized 1:1 TA, peer learning, and coaching sessions) and levels of intensity to build capacity and foster information exchange and engagement.
Support the management of communities of practice; structure learning sessions, summarize lessons; conduct regular outreach to community members.
Provide direction, coaching and guidance to support professional development of team members in TTA; contribute to the training and technical assistance practice development at Urban.
Collaborate with Urban's internal subject matter experts and external partners to ensure TTA leverages and helps translate data, evidence, and best practices.
Contribute to the development of products and resources that distill and translate TTA lessons learned to the field and transfer knowledge among community of practice members.
Cultivate and support team responses to business development opportunities with technical assistance components.
We are seeking a candidate who values diversity and inclusion; thrives in a dynamic office environment; and possesses strong facilitation, writing, oral communication, problem-solving, time management, and relationship management skills.
The successful applicant will have:
Possess a bachelor's or master's degree or background or an equivalent combination of academic and professional work and three to five years of experience working in a TTA role, such as managing communities of practice or working within a policy or social service organization in which responsibilities included substantial engagement with stakeholders to build their capacity. Familiarity with adult learning principles and the ability to apply them to strategic TTA engagements, including e-learning formats, is a plus.
Ability to understand social science research content and/or evaluation methods in order to effectively manage collaborations between site personnel and Urban subject matter experts. Policy translation experience is a plus.
Outstanding interpersonal skills and a demonstrated ability to manage relationships with multiple partners of different backgrounds, roles, and points of view.
Strong organizational ability and results orientation. Experience and comfort managing complex projects where client needs and work products may quickly evolve.
Strong interest in racial and socioeconomic equity and addressing structural racism as a cross-cutting issue; experience in the areas of education, housing, public health, social work, economic development, or workforce development a plus.
Ability to support the design and execution of hybrid events (virtual and in-person) and willingness to travel for direct engagement with external partners as conditions permit.
Previous experience with facilitation and dialogue groups, or with participatory policy and program development or community based participatory research a plus.
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 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.
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.