About the Tax Policy Center (TPC):

A joint venture of the Urban Institute and Brookings Institution, TPC was formed more than twenty years ago with the aim to improve tax and fiscal policy decision-making by producing independent, timely, and accessible analysis. Drawing on a microsimulation model on par with those used by federal scorekeepers, we regularly show how policies affect different groups of taxpayers, federal revenues, and the economy. Our results are widely cited in the press and by stakeholders across the ideological spectrum. Beyond our model, TPC is home to nationally recognized experts on tax policy development and implementation who conduct research on emerging issues and regularly provide technical assistance to policymakers at federal, state, and local levels. TPC further educates policymakers, advocates, journalists, and the broader public about the tax code and how best to use the tax code to advance economic and social policy.

About Urban Institute:

The Urban Institute is a research-to-impact institution founded on one simple idea: To improve lives and strengthen communities, we need practices and policies that work. From advancing well-being to fostering shared prosperity, leaders across sectors are working every day to create brighter futures for all people and communities. For more than 50 years, Urban has delivered evidence and solutions that drive meaningful change, and this remains our charge today.

Our Mission

To drive impact by equipping changemakers with evidence and solutions.

Our Values

Collaboration, Fairness 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 collaborative environment that ensures ongoing relevance to a changing world. The Tax Policy Center, within the Tax & Income Supports (TIS) Division of the Urban Institute, seeks a Co-director.

The Co-director is responsible for the full scope of TPC operations on the Urban Institute side, including developing TPC strategy and research/policy agenda, ensuring the Center is on sound financial footing, and managing and supporting the performance of Center staff. The Co-director also works with TPC scholars and affiliates, including communications, development, and finance staff. The Co-Director also works with TPC scholars at the Brookings Institution, in a collaborative and advising role.

Research Management and Direction

• Develops the Center’s strategy and research/policy agenda collaboratively with the Director and Vice President.

• Conceptualizes new work streams and conducts in-depth, high-quality public policy research in area of expertise, independently and in collaboration with other scholars.

• Ensures that research conducted under the Center is of high quality and supports Center goals.

• Provides supervision to research support and operations staff. Provides ongoing feedback on deliverables, conducts regular performance assessments, and mentors staff in development of skills and competencies.

• Ensures all Center operational and research activities are aligned with the Urban Institute’s policies with the support of the TIS Division management team.

• Routinely provides reports and summaries of activities and impact for a variety of purposes.

• Conducts in-depth, high-quality public policy research in area of expertise, independently and in collaboration with other scholars.

• Provides guidance and support to more junior research staff to support their work.

• Authors or co-authors policy and research reports, blogs, op-eds.

• Presents research and gives talks at select outside meetings and conferences.

• Develops and delivers presentations for research projects and policy priorities and supports Center staff in their efforts to this end.

• Meets with and briefs relevant external stakeholders on research.

• Convenes private roundtables, author conferences and public events to inform research and disseminate work.

• Works with and mentors early career staff to produce research and to facilitate their professional development.

• Leads and actively participates in TPC and scholar community activities including seminars, recruiting, service to the profession, and generally acts as a good citizen of the Center, and the Urban Institute.

Communications & Dissemination

• Develops flexible outreach, engagement and communications strategy for Center research and policy work, in conjunction with the Communications team, that can support policy impact in an uncertain and changing landscape.

• Promotes Center work to expand influence.

• Engages with academics, policymakers, and industry experts to identify authors, speakers, and discussants for publications and events.

• Organizes private and public events to discuss and promote research and inform public policy issues.

• Works collaboratively with the Urban Institute communications team and others to create and execute dissemination and promotion strategies for research products.

• Serves as a resource to media, as appropriate, in areas of expertise.

Fundraising

• In collaboration with the Urban Institute development team, develops and implements fundraising strategy to ensure the Center is on sound financial footing.

• Leads fundraising and stewardship efforts for current and perspective donors.

• Works with finance team to ensure Center finances are aligned with work plans.

• Designs, develops, and stewards funding proposals and works with the development team on broad development priorities as needed.

• Develops and maintains responsive and productive relationships with existing funders and leads engagement with potential funders in consultation with development team.

• Works with Urban Institute staff as appropriate to further collaborative goals.

Education/Experience Requirements

• Ph.D. or equivalent in economics or a related field is required.

• At least ten years of relevant experience is required.

• The successful candidate will be established and well regarded in their field of expertise.

• The Co-director will have a record of distinguished experience and/or leadership in government, academia, the non-profit sector or the private sector.

• Must have a demonstrated ability to understand and write knowledgeably about public policy research of the economic caliber necessary for publication in a top academic journal.

Knowledge & Skill preferences

• Must be able to lead independent research and competently lead issue-focused meetings, initiatives, high-level conferences, and other events without supervision.

• Must be comfortable working with high-ranking decision makers, senior government officials, current and potential funders, and Urban Institute executive leadership.

• Commitment to contributing to a supportive and productive workplace.

• Must have an interest in or experience with mentoring junior staff and an ability to work collegially with staff at all levels and in all job profiles.

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. We are committed to working in a manner defined by our mission and values.

Urban’s greatest asset is our people.

The minimum salary for this position is $202,200. Salary offered is commensurate with experience and considers internal comparisons. 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. 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 Employer.

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.