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 Financial Planning & Analysis Department primarily manages the Institute’s financials and supports executive management.  The department's major responsibilities include managing the organization’s budget, financial performance, long-term financial models, financial systems, business intelligence, and internal reporting.

What You’ll Do:

The successful candidate will support the finance team by assisting in the analysis of a wide variety of financial and accounting issues

• Support the Director and Senior Manager of Financial Planning & Analysis in managing Urban’s financial planning & analysis activities.


• Contribute to Urban Institute's annual budget, re-budget, and monthly forecast processes


• Construct various internal reports and data visualizations.


• Oversee monthly budget process for research centers and back-offices which includes monitoring staffing plans, utilization, project overruns, internal allocations, and other financial indicators.  


• Prepare research quarterly management materials.


• Build ad-hoc financial models and analytics.


• Help prepare materials for semi-annual board meetings


• Review project budgets and resource planning information entered into the system.


• Provide additional support to the financial planning & analysis team as needed.

Who You Are:

The successful applicant will have:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a closely related business field. Master’s degree in related field is a plus


• 4+ years of FP&A experience


• Advanced proficiency in Excel and strong analytic skills


• Experience querying databases with a strong understanding of relational database design


• Firm understanding of government contracting, contract vehicles, FAR cost principles, cost accounting standards, and indirect rates


• Attention to detail, results-oriented, and excellent organizational/time-management skills


• Proficiency in taking initiative to problem solve or take appropriate action when needed


• Strong work ethic


• Strong oral/written communication skills and the ability to successfully interact with staff in other departments


• Ability to adapt to shifting priorities and changes in the work environment, and an openness to try new approaches


• Ability to consistently follow instructions, complete assignments with accuracy, take project ownership and seek opportunities to improve processes and/or procedures


• Experience with Microsoft Power BI, Oracle Planning & Budgeting Cloud Systems (PBCS) and/or JAMIS Prime is a plus.


• Experience with non-profit accounting is a plus

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 $78,350 – Max $115,000. 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. This position has the opportunity to be fully remote.

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 urbancareers@urban.org.  Reasonable accommodation requests are considered on a case-by-case basis.