All Things Urban

The nonprofit Urban Institute is dedicated to elevating the debate on social and economic policy. For nearly five decades, Urban scholars have conducted research and offered evidence-based solutions that improve lives and strengthen communities across a rapidly urbanizing world. Their objective research helps expand opportunities for all, reduce hardship among the most vulnerable, and strengthen the effectiveness of the public sector.

At the nonprofit Urban Institute, we believe in the power of evidence to improve lives and strengthen communities. Our employees are empowered to open minds, shape decisions and offer solutions. We encourage intellectual honesty, innovation, diversity, and mutual respect, and our analysis elevates the debate, wherever it takes place.

Urban’s greatest asset is our people. We strive to attract and cultivate a vibrant, creative, and diverse community. Our employees drive Urban’s mission through entrepreneurship, innovation, leadership, effective communication, results-orientation, and relationship cultivation. Our success depends on engaging individuals who possess and value these attributes.

Within the Urban Institute, the Research to Action Lab (LAB) is an innovation hub serving decision makers and creative thinkers eager to effect social change. We draw on the breadth and depth of Urban’s research insights to test new strategies and develop cutting-edge tools, programs, and trainings, as well as to provide strategic and philanthropic advice to public, nonprofit, and private sector leaders.

The LAB seeks a project administrator to join its operations team. Under the supervision of the director, center operations, the project administrator will provide project management, financial administration, and operations support to the Lab. This is an ideal position for an operations professional to learn and grow into a pivotal support role with increasing responsibility in the center.

• Perform a variety of financial and project management tasks, including tracking financial data for projects, preparing budgets and modifications for ongoing research projects, composing project updates and summary reports, and monitoring the center’s overall project portfolio
• Build ad-hoc financial models and analytics, create cost-down budgets, and prepare bi-weekly and monthly reports
• Support Lab staff during research proposal development, including compiling budgets (using Excel templates), preparing checklists, managing deadlines, collecting submission packages, and reviewing documents with a strong attention to detail
• Provide operational support to the Lab team, including assisting with hiring and onboarding activities, organizing electronic files, managing meeting logistics, and organizing team events
• Offer guidance to Lab staff regarding Urban’s business processes such as consultant agreements and subcontracts, including formatting and editing documents, organizing submission materials, and corresponding with consultants and contractors
• Work independently to track, complete, and follow up on tasks, proactively seeking ways to contribute to the Lab operations team and brainstorming with team members to find solutions to project-related issues

• Possess a bachelor's degree and 1-3 years of experience supporting office operations
• Demonstrate strong project management and organizational skills
• Manage a variety of complex administrative and operational functions while maintaining attention to detail
• Take ownership of assigned areas of work and seek opportunities to improve processes and/or procedures
• Display strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Collaborate with Urban’s operational and support units (e.g., Accounting, Finance, Human Resources) to support the Lab’s work
• Plan work activities and manage competing priorities to avoid or minimize delays and missed deadlines and possess a strong interest in creative problem solving
• Thrive working both independently and as part of a team
• Show a willingness to learn new software and technology as needed and have a working knowledge of MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook (proficiency in Excel is preferred)

Working in the Nation’s Capital, the epicenter of public policy among a network of policy experts, you can expect to have an impact on policy areas you care about and work with great colleagues who are smart, mission-driven, and collaborative. You will blend academic rigor with on-the-ground collaboration, be encouraged and supported to fulfill your potential through meaningful work that matters, and enjoy a welcoming workplace free from harassment, discrimination and intolerance.

In addition, we offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes: medical, dental, disability, and life insurance coverage. Competitive paid time off allowance, and eligibility to participate in a generous retirement savings plan plus elect a pretax benefit for commuting expenses.

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.

We’re not fully sure whether this role is open to international candidates. If you would need visa sponsorship or work authorisation, we recommend checking directly with the employer before applying.