Senior Research Associate – Early Childhood

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.

Within the Urban Institute, the Center on Labor, Human Services and Population (LHP) conducts research that informs and evaluates policies and programs that affect the well-being of children, youth, families and individuals. LHP's diverse group of policy researchers use a wide-ranging set of disciplinary and methodological expertise used to study the effects of programs and social policies on the well-being of families and individuals, with a special focus on understanding outcomes for vulnerable populations and historically underserved or disadvantaged groups.

To open minds, shape decisions, and offer solutions through economic and social policy research.

Collaboration, Equity, Inclusivity, Independence, and Integrity

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The Center on Labor, Human Services, and Population is seeking a full-time senior research associate who will be responsible for supporting the leadership and management of research and evaluation projects related to early childhood programs and policies. Areas of study include child care and early education quality, access, funding, and parental decision-making; the child care subsidy system; early childhood workforce issues; Head Start and Early Head Start program policy; and home visiting and other parenting support interventions. The position will also contribute to projects that examine disparities in access and disproportionate outcomes for historically disadvantaged groups along with systemic solutions.

The ideal candidate will bring subject matter expertise in one or more of these areas and a solid track record of studying child care and early education programs, specifically. This position will be expected to support ongoing work, contribute to business development to further build the early childhood research portfolio, and serve as project director, principal investigator, or task lead for future studies.

• Conceptualize, develop, and lead research and evaluation studies related to early childhood programs and provide intellectual leadership in project development.
• Play a key role in the development of proposals, responses to solicitations, and other meaningful business cultivation activities. This includes leading proposal efforts and managing proposal teams, as well as possessing the skills and qualifications crucial to the performance of proposed work.
• Manage overall project teams, including assigning roles and responsibilities; managing project team performance; monitoring project progress, budget, and schedule; and designing and implementing strategies to successfully complete project tasks.
• Directly supervise one or more junior staff.
• Design and lead analyses of quantitative data using statistical analysis software (e.g., Stata, R, SAS) and/or qualitative data drawing out key themes using qualitative data software (e.g., NVivo).
• Lead the development and administration of surveys and questionnaires and efforts to prepare materials (i.e., recruitment and data collection protocols and instruments) and collect qualitative data through site visits and virtual data collection.
• Lead the development and publication of research reports, briefs, and presentations for external audiences.
• Represent both Urban and the policy center's work to the public, policymakers, funders, and the media.

Who You Are:

The successful candidate will:

• Possess a PhD in human development, developmental psychology, family studies, public policy, social work, education, economics, sociology, or related social science field as well as a minimum of 3 years of related professional experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Serve as an expert on early childhood research and exhibit high-level oral and written communication skills. Lived experience working in child care and early education or public agencies responsible for administering the sector is welcomed but not required.
• Possess the relevant substantive knowledge, a solid understanding of various research methods and quantitative and qualitative analytic approaches, and the writing skills needed to perform the duties described above.
• Have demonstrated ability in leading and contributing to research agendas and successful business development efforts. Experience with proposal writing is preferred but not required.
• Display strong management skills including management experience with complex projects, supervising staff, and managing project teams to achieve desired outcomes.
• Respect diverse perspectives and value collaborating with colleagues to create a mutually respectful work environment.

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 $120,000 – Max $160,000. 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 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 Reasonable accommodation requests are considered on a case-by-case basis.