Research Intern (Metropolitan Housing and Communities)

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:

Central to Urban’s mission is fostering a truly inclusive community that ensures ongoing relevance to a changing world. The Urban Institute’s Metropolitan Housing and Communities Policy Center is seeking a summer intern to support research studies related to d climate change, disasters and community resilience. Candidates should demonstrate experience with research methods and the policymaking process and an interest in climate policy and addressing disparities in outcomes for disadvantaged populations.

What You’ll Do:

• Conduct background research, literature review, and annotated bibliographies to compile evidence on emerging topics related to climate change, disasters and community resilience
• Identify, interpret, and synthesize both quantitative (statistical and survey data) and qualitative information (literature scans, review of relevant federal/local policies)
• Support senior staff in synthesizing research findings and articulating key evidence-based findings to identify and recommend best practices in program or policy interventions
• Support planning and development of talking points, background memos, PowerPoint presentations, and other materials to be delivered by Urban senior staff for practitioners, policymakers, and other external audiences
• Complete quick turnaround requests to support efforts of climate and communities practice area

Who You Are:

The successful candidate will:

• Be a current graduate student in public policy, social sciences, economics, consumer finance, social work, or a related field; OR a rising undergraduate senior in these fields with substantial research and/or policy experience
• Candidates are required to provide documentation that they will receive internship academic credit from their college or university.
• Demonstrate strong written and oral communication skills
• Enjoy working in a team-oriented environment
• Have experience with research methods, including conducting literature reviews, using statistical analysis to test hypotheses, and drawing conclusions from data
• Be able to apply emerging understanding of local and federal policies, programs, agencies, and ecosystems to assess the application, outcomes, and impacts of policy proposals and programmatic interventions
• Bring an interest in advancing racial and socioeconomic equity and addressing structural racism across domains, and contributing to evidence and resources that support opportunity for marginalized communities
• Demonstrate proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Experience with Stata and/or R is a plus (not required)

Program Highlights:

• 10-week internship; full-time preferred but strong candidates will be considered for part-time positions
• Internship program designed to provide students interested in research, public policy issues and organizational operations with rewarding and substantive work assignments that contribute to Urban’s mission
• Intern Program Dates: June 10-August 16
• Participate in our new intern “welcome” orientation
• Network with operations staff, senior professionals, and others who will support your professional growth and career interests
• Participate in intern-specific workshops and networking events designed to advance your professional development and build your soft skills
• Engage in team-building activities that forge new friendships with other Urban interns
• Receive informal feedback and mentoring from your intern manager
• Present the value of your contribution and what you learned during our end of summer Lightning Talks

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 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.