Urban Institute

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 Tax Policy Center (TPC) seeks an expert researcher who will contribute to and expand Urban’s research and policy analysis on corporate and international taxation, tax modeling, and tax administration. Reporting to the Vice President for Tax Policy, the researcher will work with a talented group of colleagues spanning a variety of projects and disciplines across the Urban Institute.

What You’ll Do

The successful candidate will work on projects analyzing the revenue and distributional consequences of tax policies, primarily at the federal level. They will also support the development of tax and transfer microsimulation models within TPC and the Urban Institute and supervise analyses using these models.

This work will include:

• Conceptualizing and developing new research projects and initiatives that are creative, address public policy needs and meet high standards of methodological rigor
• Directing new or ongoing projects and initiatives, including being responsible for research quality, finances, timeline, staffing and managing staff, and meeting funder goals
• Leading efforts to fundraise for new research and initiatives as well as support efforts of other staff
• Establishing or continuing relationships with relevant external stakeholders, including local, state, and federal policymakers, business leaders, media, academia, nonprofits, and advocates
• Leading and collaborating on reporting research findings, including written products, creative data presentation, briefings, and presentations at meetings and conferences
• Communicating effectively with multiple research teams, senior and early career staff members from diverse backgrounds, and external stakeholders
• Supervising and mentoring other research staff, to help nurture talent and grow productive, motivated, and fulfilled colleagues

What You’ll Bring

• The knowledge and skills usually associated with a PhD in economics or a related field. Senior executive or legislative branch government experience also highly encouraged
• 10 plus years of prior experience in related research areas
• Significant experience in conceptualizing and executing on policy-relevant research on tax policy and administration
• Deep methodological rigor, preferably including knowledge of microsimulation and advanced statistical methods
• Ability to interpret rigorous academic studies and put them in a policy context
• Substantial experience managing large scale research projects
• A proven track record of developing, funding, and implementing relevant research projects or initiatives
• Active engagement in real-time economic policy debates

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 minimum salary for this position is $165,000. 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. This position has the opportunity to be fully remote.

With the conclusion of the government-issued COVID-19 national public health emergency, Urban has updated our COVID-19 safety guidelines. All Urban Institute employees working from our onsite location must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and comply with any masking requirements. Fully vaccinated is defined as receiving the primary series of US approved COVID-19 vaccinations (Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, Novavax, Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen) with the addition of at least 1 COVID-19 booster. Employees who are working onsite may request exemption from the COVID-19 vaccination requirement based on a medical condition or a sincerely held religious belief that prevents them from being vaccinated. Where such an exemption is approved, Urban will discuss potential accommodation with the employee. These guidelines do not apply to employees who are teleworking or other offsite staff.

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.