The Urban Institute
Senior Research Associate (Health Policy Center) (R&D)
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 research 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.
The Health Policy Center (HPC) analyzes trends and underlying causes and policy drivers of changes in health insurance coverage, access to care, and use of health care services by the entire U.S. population. We are also engaged in new research related to health equity and the role of social determinants in affecting people's health and their need for health care services.
How you'll contribute:
HPC is currently looking for professionals with strong research, analysis, and project management skills to support projects related to health care access and quality, private and public health insurance, health care reform, health equity, learning and dissemination, program evaluation, and the social determinants of health.
Responsibilities:
While project responsibilities may change, the Senior Research Associate is expected to spend most of their first year on a project focused on advancing health equity by improving access to and confidence in vaccines for communities of color. Specifically, the Associate will support group learning and dissemination among a large national network of organizations focused on vaccine equity. Specific responsibilities include:
Lead and contribute to short- and long-term project planning: set team goals, develop work plans, lead meetings, track workflows, monitor deadlines, and collaborate to achieve milestones for specific group learning activities.
Translate research, knowledge, evidence, and experience into actionable, relevant information to support and advance group and peer-to-peer learning objectives.
Work with external stakeholders at the federal, state, and local level to plan and carry out virtual group learning events (e.g., webinars, office hours), which may include public speaking and moderating duties.
Conduct qualitative health policy research, including designing research approaches and data collection instruments, collecting data (e.g., leading interviews or focus groups), and applying standard methods of analysis.
Develop reports, issue briefs, blogs, and other resources to disseminate research findings and lessons learned.
Lead and contribute to business development opportunities, particularly opportunities with group learning and dissemination components.
Provide direction, coaching and guidance to support professional development of junior team members.
What you'll bring:
We are seeking a candidate who values diversity and inclusion; thrives in a fast-paced, dynamic office environment; and possesses strong writing, oral communication, problem-solving, time management, and relationship management skills. The successful candidate will have:
Knowledge and skills usually associated with a PhD or master's degree in public health, public policy, or a related field and four to eight years of prior experience in qualitative data collection and analysis; management of large, complex, projects; and/or substantial engagement with stakeholders to support learning and dissemination.
Strong interest in racial and socioeconomic equity and addressing structural racism as a cross-cutting issue.
Comprehensive knowledge of the U.S. health policy landscape, including health equity, public and private health coverage, health care access and use, health system reform, the health care safety-net, and social determinants of health.
Familiarity with adult learning principles and the ability to apply them.
Outstanding interpersonal skills and a demonstrated ability to manage relationships and collaborate with a variety of stakeholders.
Strong writing, oral communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
Capacity to work effectively on and manage competing priorities for multiple tasks and projects.
Ability to adapt to changes in work assignments, deadlines, and project management styles; willingness to adjust team roles and responsibilities to achieve results.
What you'll experience:
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 and reimbursable commuting expense program.
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.