Analyst, Inclusive Cities

THE ROLE | HR&A’s Inclusive Cities Practice is seeking a full-time Analyst to be based in an HR&A office in New York, Los Angeles, the Bay Area, Dallas, Raleigh, Atlanta, or Washington D.C Our analytical staff form the foundation of our team-oriented and collaborative structure and help to drive our data-driven approach to city building. 

Analysts are early career professionals with 2-4 years of professional experience and draft the substance of our client work products. Depending on the project, Analysts may expect their work to include:   

Substantial public policy research and analysis 

Strategic communications, including developing press releases, memos, talking points, and messaging frameworks for policy initiatives 

Organizational and governance strategy development for local government agencies 

Power mapping and political landscape analysis, identifying key decision-makers, interest groups, and influencers who shape policy and program implementation inside and outside of government. 

Municipal budget analysis and evaluation  

Community and stakeholder engagement; including designing and facilitating engagement events  

Case study research 

Analysts also help prepare written reports, presentations in PowerPoint, and Excel models for clients, as well as firm marketing materials and proposals for new projects. 

EXPERIENCE REQUIRED | We are looking for candidates with strong quantitative and qualitative analytical skills, a passion for urban policy and governance, and a deep curiosity about the challenges and opportunities facing cities today. Ideal Analysts will bring a demonstrated capacity for active project team participation, leadership, critical thinking, creativity, and other capabilities aligned with the roles and responsibilities described above, including:  

2-4 years of professional experience in public policy research and analysis, economic development, governance, community engagement, or a related field—ideally in a government, nonprofit, or advocacy setting. 

Commitment to advancing equity, with an understanding of how policy, governance, and economic systems impact historically marginalized communities and a desire to develop solutions that promote racial and economic justice. 

Understanding of urban systems and policy frameworks, with experience in areas such as city governance, economic inclusion, workforce development, public services, housing, small business support, or civic engagement. 

Strong research, analysis, and problem-solving skills, including quantitative and qualitative approaches, policy evaluation, and stakeholder engagement. 

Excellent written and verbal communication, with the ability to synthesize complex ideas for policymakers, advocates, and community stakeholders. 

Proficiency in common AI tools (i.e., LLMs like ChatGPT) and understanding of best practices for responsible use, citation and incorporation into research and other tasks 

Understanding of limitations of AI tools and demonstrated ability to independently verify data and AI outputs 

Demonstrated interest in using emerging AI tools to accelerate data analysis, deliverable production and other specialized methodologies 

Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment. 

Bachelor’s degree in Public Policy, Urban Planning, Economics, Political Science, or a related field or a Master’s degree (MPA, MBA, Urban Planning, etc.) or related field.