Special Assistant and Project Coordinator (Office of Policy Impact)

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 Urban Institute’s Office of Policy Impact seeks a results-oriented, entrepreneurial, and innovative special assistant and project coordinator to provide administrative and project support.

The ideal candidate will have at least 1-3 years of experience in a fast-paced professional environment, an interest in project management and process development, and a curiosity about policy impact and government affairs. The ideal candidate will be an adept and detail-oriented assistant to the Chief Policy Impact Officer (CPIO) and the Office of Policy Impact, which includes the Government Affairs team. This person will also work collaboratively with staff across the organization and externally to accomplish the priorities of the Office of Policy Impact. 

What You’ll Do:

• Help manage the Chief Policy Impact Officer’s daily business and calendar
• Coordinate, track, and share information with other units at Urban, such as Communications and Development, and with all of Urban’s research centers
• Provide scheduling and logistical support for meetings and events involving internal and external audiences, including government officials and staff
• Maintain the Office’s presence on Urban’s Intranet
• Help create and maintain systems and structures to manage a growing office (potentially including file organization, intake processes, project trackers, etc.)
• Provide general administrative support, including arranging travel and managing expense reports
• Track engagements, relationships, and results by entering data in Salesforce
• Build and maintain a database of Urban government submissions and public comments
• Perform background research on government officials and staff to prepare internal briefing materials ahead of government affairs engagements and outreach
• Track, attend, and take notes at external events, hearings, and briefings

Who You Are:

The successful candidate will:

• Possess the knowledge and experience generally associated with a bachelor’s degree and 1-3 years of work in a fast-paced office setting or an associate’s degree and 2-5 years of work experience
• Bring previous experience scheduling meetings, coordinating events, and/or assisting project teams or principals
• Manage numerous requests/deliverables simultaneously with the expectation of multiple and changing priorities
• Possess strong organizational and communications skills and the ability to compose error-free business correspondence
• Demonstrate commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Express an interest in public policy questions, government affairs, and research
• Exhibit advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, MS Word, Outlook, PowerPoint. Experience with SmartSheet, Salesforce, or similar tools a bonus
• Demonstrate the ability to work efficiently and effectively as part of a team and be self-motivated

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 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.