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:

The Justice Policy Center’s (JPC) mission is to inform solutions to crime and safety challenges in the interests of promoting effectiveness in justice systems and operations; addressing the harms of victimization and justice system involvement; reducing racial and other inequities; strengthening community-led approaches to safety; and promoting justice, dignity, and well-being for all. We conduct objective, rigorous, interdisciplinary research, evaluation, and policy analysis and deliver data-driven recommendations, training, and technical assistance. In carrying out our research, we seek to center the voices, experiences, and perspectives of the people, practitioners, and communities most affected by crime and the criminal legal system.

People from communities that are overrepresented in the criminal legal system and people with

direct experience with the criminal legal system are encouraged to apply.

JPC is seeking an energetic, organized, and proactive individual to serve as a project coordinator. This person will work as part of JPC’s Center Operations team to provide support to JPC through project management, proposal development, and systems and operations management—all to ensure the center runs effectively. Members of the Center Operations team are collaborative and rely on one another to brainstorm solutions, yet also work independently to manage several competing deadlines on a daily basis. This position is well suited for an individual with strong organizational skills and a demonstrated interest in administration and operations.

Responsibilities include:

The successful candidate will divide their time among the following types of tasks.

• Work on a small team that serves as the “go-to” people in JPC for questions regarding, center logistics, contract and procurement compliance, project-specific tasks, reports and other institutional initiatives;

• Provide project assistance and operational support, as needed, including coordinating logistics for meetings, organizing and developing support materials (e.g., agendas, presentations, and background information), managing room reservations, producing meeting notes and actions items, and maintaining electronic files;

• Work independently to track, complete, and follow up on assigned tasks; proactively seeking work and ways to contribute to JPC; and brainstorming with team members and JPC staff to solve problems and find solutions to project-related issues;

• Keep researchers up-to-date on the progress of projects and proposals; assist with project kick-off and close-out meetings and follow ups;

• Review Center expense reports for accuracy and to ensure compliance with Urban’s billing policies;

• Assist and support staff during the proposal process from inception to closeout, including compiling budgets (using Excel templates), preparing checklists, managing deadlines, compiling submission packages, and applying a strong attention to detail when reviewing files;

• Track budgets and hours billed for internal operations;

• Track and manage Salesforce records and pull reports/analyze data;

• Maintain the Operation team’s inbox and calendar;

• Manage procurement processes including purchase orders, consultant agreements, honoraria, and invoices, etc.;

• Maintain research staff skills matrix;

• Clean up, consolidate and manage Center Resources electronic files with those on Urban Explorer (intranet).

What you’ll bring:

The ideal candidate will take initiative and will be resourceful, innovative, and excited to bring new ideas to the team. Top-notch candidates will bring strong written communication and organizational skills.

• Possess the knowledge and experience generally associated with a bachelor’s degree and 1-3 years of work in a fast-paced office setting or an associate’s degree and 2-5 years of work experience

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written;

• Strong organizational skills and excellent attention to detail;

• Willingness to learn and adapt to changes in work assignments, deadlines, and team environment;

• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook, and Teams.

• Familiarity with Salesforce, Adobe, accounting/ERP software, and cloud-based file sharing systems (i.e., Box) is a plus;

• This position requires a self-motivated individual with the ability to prioritize workload and to work both independently and as part of a team.

When applying, please upload a resume and cover letter. The cover letter should address your interest in joining JPC and how your past work and/or educational experiences match the responsibilities and skills listed in the above job description.

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 Minimum $52,950, Mid-Point, $61,650 and Maximum $70,450 Salary offered is commensurate with experience and considers internal equity. Most candidate salaries will fall between the base and midpoint of this range.

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.

With the conclusion of the government-issued COVID-19 national public health emergency, Urban has updated our COVID-19 safety guidelines. All Urban Institute employees working from our onsite location must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and comply with any masking requirements. Fully vaccinated is defined as receiving the primary series of US approved COVID-19 vaccinations (Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, Novavax, Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen) with the addition of at least 1 COVID-19 booster. Employees who are working onsite may request exemption from the COVID-19 vaccination requirement based on a medical condition or a sincerely held religious belief that prevents them from being vaccinated. Where such an exemption is approved, Urban will discuss potential accommodation with the employee. These guidelines do not apply to employees who are teleworking or other offsite staff.

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.

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.