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Form of work
SalaryAbout 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:
The Urban Institute is seeking a Government Affairs Coordinator to support the Government Affairs team and Urban researchers and experts in effectively and strategically informing the policymaking process at the federal, state, and local levels. This position is based in Washington, D.C., and reports to the Senior Director of Government Affairs.
What You’ll Do:
A key member of the Government Affairs team, this position will:
- Manage the Government Affairs inbox, calendars, and tracking systems, including via Salesforce, Trello, and PoliticoPro;
- Conduct legislative and administrative research and analysis on emerging issues and policymaking procedures and draft well-written easy-to-understand memos for Urban staff;
- Use your knowledge of the policymaking process and government ecosystem to aid Urban researchers and experts in mapping key stakeholders, policy windows, and impact opportunities across issue areas;
- Monitor recent news, state and federal legislation, the federal register, and the latest election updates to ensure Urban staff know what is going on and where there are opportunities;
- Assist the Government Affairs team and senior leadership with preparation for meetings with policymakers, outside organizations, and across Urban, including scheduling, performing background research, and drafting materials;
- Communicate with policymakers and their staff about upcoming Urban events, research, and opportunities and help respond to incoming requests;
- Attend, monitor, and staff Urbanites at events and hearings virtually and in person in Washington, D.C., including at the D.C. City Council and in Congress;
- Work with the Events team and others across the organization to assist with events featuring government speakers or guests, including the Urban Institute Board of Trustees dinner;
- Help the Government Affairs team plan, prepare, and present internal trainings and brown bags for Urban staff; and
- Track metrics to measure performance and report on progress toward team and organizational goals using internal systems.
Who You Are:
We are looking for an early-to-mid-career professional who is passionate about good policy, smart research, and strategic Government Affairs engagement. This is not an entry-level role. The successful candidate will demonstrate:
- Bachelor's degree and 2 - 3 years of experience or a combination of education and professional experience; including direct service and/or lived experience. We would be particularly excited to see experience working in Congress, the Administration, a state legislature, or a state or local government;
- Familiarity with the policymaking process, including legislative, executive, regulatory, and budgetary actions at the federal, state, and/or local government levels;
- A commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and the capacity to engage and communicate with individuals of differing backgrounds and experience;
- Exceptional organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills, as the Government Affairs Coordinator will be expected to keep track of multiple ongoing projects, calendars, and inboxes at a time and regularly communicate with staff across the Urban Institute and in government;
- Experience researching and writing clearly and concisely about recent news updates, policy, and the policymaking process as well as experience consuming high-level research;
- The ability to work independently, coordinate working groups, and manage day-to-day operations;
- Experience working with or knowledge of the issues Urban works on is a plus;
- Astute judgement combined with the ability to work under conflicting deadlines and differing work streams;
- The ability to diplomatically and effectively cultivate relationships and exchange information with internal colleagues, policymakers and their staff, and outside stakeholders – including both peers and organization leadership; and
- The ability to juggle competing priorities and demands across teams.
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 target salary range for this position is Min $52,112, Mid $69,247, Max $85,672. Salary offered is commensurate with experience and considers internal equity. Candidates from diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. Salaries are just one component of Urban Institute’s total compensation package.
Urban is committed to supporting our staff’s physical, emotional, and financial well-being through a robust benefits package for yourself, eligible dependents, and domestic partners. It includes generous paid time off, including nine federal holidays, medical (including prescription), dental and vision insurance, and transit benefits. Urban is unique in that we offer 403(b) retirement plan participation immediately after you’re hired and a generous employer contribution after six months of service and 500 hours, with immediate vesting. You’ll also have access to a health advocate, personal finance coaching, an Employee Assistance Program, and educational assistance for undergraduate and graduate degree programs.
The Urban Institute has formally recognized the Urban Institute Employees’ Union, which is part of the Nonprofit Professional Employees Union (NPEU). Urban management and the Union work together in good faith and are motivated by a shared commitment to this institution. This position is included in the Union-represented collective bargaining unit, and specific employment terms and conditions are subject to collective bargaining negotiations.
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.
