Project Administrator (Metropolitan Housing and Communities Center) at The Urban Institute in Washington, Washington DC

Job Description:

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. Under the supervision of the Director, Center Operations this Project Administrator provides proposal preparation, financial administration and other related project assistance, but also plays a key role in operational support for the center. This is an ideal position for an administrative professional to lean and grow into a pivotal support role within the center.

What You’ll Do:

• Work on a small team that serves as the “go-to” people in Metro for questions regarding progress reports, contract compliance, project specific tasks, and large institute initiatives




• Perform a variety of financial and project management tasks including composing correspondence; preparing budgets and project modifications; monitoring the center’s project portfolio




• Build ad-hoc financial models and analytics, create cost-down budgets, and prepare monthly reports – both internal and external facing 




• Contribute to proposal development and coordination by managing deadlines, compiling submission packages and applying a strong attention to detail




• Provide guidance and serve as point of contact to Metro staff regarding Urban’s business processes such as consultant agreements and subcontracts. This includes formatting and editing documents, organizing submission materials and corresponding with consultants and contractors

Who You Are:

The successful candidate must have outstanding writing ability and be well-organized, highly motivated, and able to work effectively on multiple tasks at once. Prior work experience or public policy related internship experience in fast-paced office environments with federal, state, local policymakers, philanthropic and/or non-profits leaders is a plus.

The successful candidate will:

• Possess a Bachelor's degree, preferably in the field of Public Policy, Urban Studies, Political Science, or other social science field and 1-3 years related experience




• Display strong written and verbal English communication skills, including the ability to compose formal business correspondence




• Exhibit excellent project management, organizational skills and experience working with budgets.  




• Demonstrate basic research and/or policy knowledge or an appetite to acquire and grow in this knowledge




• Adapt easily to changes in work assignments; deadlines and priorities while maintaining superior attention to detail as well as critical and creative thinking to troubleshoot and solve problems




• Operate successfully both independently and in a team environment, be able to take initiative; manage workflow




• Have a working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint

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.

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 five months of service and 1,000 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.

As a federal contractor, Urban will comply with Executive Order (EO) 14042 that requires federal contractors, subcontractors, and their respective employees to comply with Covid-19 vaccinations. All Urban Institute employees must be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 and comply with masking and distancing requirements, regardless of responsibilities or work location. New hires must also be fully vaccinated before starting work.  Employees may request exemption from vaccination against COVID-19 based on either a medical condition or a sincerely held religious belief that prevents them from being vaccinated.  Where such an exemption is approved, Urban will discuss with each employee potential accommodation.

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.

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.