Senior Research Associate (Higher Education & Workforce)

Urban Institute•The Urban Institute (DC), DC

3d•$116,706 - $203,111

About The Position

Urban is seeking a quantitative and/or qualitative researcher to work on a range of education and workforce projects, including technology-enabled learning, AI’s effects on learning and work, postsecondary student success, community college, and career pathways from K12. We are looking for individuals with a background in postsecondary education and/or workforce policy research and strong project management and analysis skills. The ideal candidate will bring subject matter expertise in one or more of these areas and a solid track record of studying a range of topics. This position will be expected to support ongoing work, contribute to business development to further build Urban’s higher education and workforce research portfolio, and over time, to serve as project director, principal investigator, or task lead for future studies.

Requirements

Possess a graduate degree in public policy, social work, education, economics, sociology, or related social science field as well as 5-10 years of related professional experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Serve as an expert on education and workforce research and exhibit high-level oral and written communication skills.
Have substantive content expertise in one or more of the following areas: technology-enabled learning, career and technical education (K12 and/or postsecondary), workforce development, education and career pathways for youth, or similar.
We are particularly interested in people with growing experience in the role of artificial intelligence in education and work.
Have demonstrated ability in leading and contributing to research agendas and successful business development efforts.
Possess the relevant substantive knowledge, a solid understanding of various research methods and quantitative and/or qualitative analytic approaches, and the writing skills needed to perform the duties described above.
Display strong management skills including management experience with complex projects, supervising staff, and managing project teams to achieve desired outcomes.
Respect diverse perspectives and value collaborating with colleagues to create a mutually respectful work environment.

Nice To Haves

Lived experience working in education or public agencies responsible for administering the sector is welcomed but not required.
Experience with federal proposal writing is preferred but not required.
Experience with federal contracts is preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

Conceptualize, develop, and lead or co-lead research and evaluation studies related to education and workforce and provide intellectual leadership in project development.
Play a key role in the development of proposals, responses to solicitations, and other meaningful business cultivation activities. This may include leading or co-leading proposal efforts depending on their scale and complexity.
Manage project teams, including assigning roles and responsibilities; managing project team performance; monitoring project progress, budget, and schedule; and designing and implementing strategies to successfully complete project tasks.
Lead the development of data collection instruments, collection of qualitative data through site visits, interviews and focus groups, and administration of surveys and questionnaires.
Design and lead analyses of qualitative and quantitative data using appropriate software (e.g., Stata, R, SAS, NVivo) and/or other accepted practices in data analysis, along with emerging AI tools.
Oversee preparation of Institutional Review Board materials and ensure protection of human subjects.
Lead the development, writing and publication of research reports, briefs, and presentations for external audiences.
Represent Urban’s work to the public, policymakers, funders, and the press.
Successfully develop and maintain partnerships and engage in collaboration with other Urban scholars (including across disciplines), practitioners, intermediaries, funders, philanthropies, and other research organizations.
Directly supervise one or more early-career staff.

Benefits

generous paid time off
nine federal holidays
medical (including prescription) insurance
dental insurance
vision insurance
transit benefits
403(b) retirement plan participation
generous employer contribution after six months of service and 500 hours, with immediate vesting
health advocate
personal finance coaching
Employee Assistance Program
educational assistance for undergraduate and graduate degree programs