Research Assistant (Justice Policy Center)
Location: Washington, DC
Salary: $50,000 - $65,113
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 Justice Policy Center’s (JPC) mission is to inform solutions to crime and safety challenges in the interests of promoting effectiveness in justice systems and operations; addressing the harms of victimization and justice system involvement; reducing racial and other inequities; strengthening community-led approaches to safety; and promoting justice, dignity, and well-being for all. We conduct objective, rigorous, interdisciplinary research, evaluation, and policy analysis and deliver data-driven recommendations, training, and technical assistance. In carrying out our research, we seek to center the voices, experiences, and perspectives of the people, practitioners, and communities most affected by crime and the criminal legal system. The Justice Policy Center is seeking a quantitative-focused Research Assistant who can work collaboratively on projects aimed to enhance and measure criminal justice response in the United States.
People from communities that are overrepresented in the criminal justice system and people with direct experience with the criminal justice system are encouraged to apply.
What you’ll do:
Execute a wide range of data collection activities including planning for and implementing field work/site visits, focus groups, interviews, and surveys;
Conduct background research on a range of topics by collecting and analyzing both quantitative and qualitative information, with a particular on quantitative analysis;
Draft sections of reports, research briefs, PowerPoint presentations, blogs, and other publications;
Contribute to other products that translate research for policy and practice;
Oversee logistical tasks for proposal development and contribute to substantive content;
Assist with project management and administrative tasks.
Who you are:
The successful candidate will:
Possess academic knowledge of and quantitative research experience in a discipline that is generally associated with attainment of a BA in criminology, sociology, public policy, or a related field
Have prior research assistant experience or a research-related internship (preferred but not required)
Possess strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to prioritize
Work efficiently and effectively as part of a team and be self-motivated
Have strong writing skills
Have data collection and analysis experience (for example, descriptive statistics, predictive statistics, etc.) (preferred but not required)
Possess knowledge of STATA, R, or similar software programs (preferred but not required)
Be self-directed and detail oriented
Exercise familiarity with MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and social media tools
Have a willingness and ability to travel
Approach research with an attitude of cultural humility, given the nature of research and working with and on behalf of individuals with criminal legal system contact
*When applying, please upload a CV/resume, cover letter, and writing sample. The cover letter should be 1-2 pages and address your interest in joining JPC and how your past work and/or educational experiences would support JPC’s mission and project work. The writing sample should be solely your own work and include a sentence or two noting why you selected the sample. Due to the volume of candidates, please keep your sample to no longer than 5 pages. If you would like to send a longer sample, indicate which 5-page section you would like our team to review.
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 salary range for this position is Min $50,000 – Mid $ 57,557 – Max $ 65,113 . 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.
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
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.
