About Urban Institute:

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

The Opportunity:

Central to Urban’s mission is fostering a truly inclusive community that ensures ongoing relevance to a changing world. The Center for Labor, Human Services, and Population (LHP) at the Urban Institute seeks a candidate to work on a dynamic portfolio of administrative tasks to support LHP’s vice president and associate vice president.

The selected candidate will evolve their tools to successfully work with executive-level colleagues; anticipate next steps by maintaining a deep and evolving understanding of center and Urban processes; thrive in creating structures with guidance to bring specific tasks to fruition by working with others and individually; be well-versed in using virtual and hybrid meeting tools; demonstrate understanding of effective convening strategies and tools; and feel comfortable communicating in writing and orally.

What You’ll Do:

• Schedule, revise, confirm, and communicate calendar invitations with appropriate supporting details and documents from varying sources including emails, during meetings, and one-on-one discussions with executives.




• Draft and revise email messages regarding projects and current events which align with Urban’s style guide and executives’ communication styles for internal and external audiences.




• Develop and update task lists to support executives and provide them with regular reminders about upcoming due dates.




• Schedule large meetings, including virtual and hybrid meetings and meetings at Urban Headquarters




• Assist LHP vice president in preparing materials related to LHP’s strategic planning and other meetings with Urban leadership.




• Support hiring activities, including tracking, updating, and communicating with internal stakeholders.




• Perform other administrative tasks as required.

Who You Are:

The successful candidate will:

• Have completed a 4-year bachelor program or equivalent amount of relevant professional experience.




• Have experience substantively supporting executives or mid-level managers.




• Have strong skills in Outlook, MS Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.




• Demonstrate the initiative to suggest improvements or innovations on assigned tasks.




• Demonstrate mastery in the use of technology for virtual and hybrid meetings.




• Be experienced in developing, tracking, and enhancing systems and processes to effectively manage project completion.




• Be available for in-person work at Urban’s headquarters in Washington, DC.




• Be able to work successfully on multiple projects simultaneously.




• Be able to clearly, succinctly communicate expectations, next steps, and context appropriately for internal and external audiences.

Please make sure to submit a cover letter as part of your application materials.

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 salary range for this position is Min $50,000- Mid $55,500 – Max $61,000. 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.

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.