Project Specialist (Office of Communications)

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. The Urban Institute has built a cutting-edge in-house Communications (COMM) team that translates research for broad audiences. We seek a Project Specialist to work on the Communications Operations team, who will help manage a robust pipeline of research-based communication products and initiatives. The COMM Project Specialist ensures smooth production and rollout processes, develops and manages timelines and budgets, and liaises with staff developing new proposals and partnering with COMM.

This role requires strong detail-orientation, interpersonal, and organizational skills. Experience working on a campaign or at a policy organization, think tank, nonprofit, or advocacy organization in communications, operations, or events is preferred; experience working in a project management role, creating and tracking schedules/work plans, navigating processes, or facilitating meetings is a plus.

This individual reports to the Senior Project Manager, Communications. 

What You’ll Do:

• With guidance from the Senior PM, build and manage COMM processes and budgets for quick-turnaround projects (e.g., fact sheets, project pages, reports, briefs) and some complex deliverables (e.g., custom data tools and microsites)
• With support, lead project teams of 5+ people from departments across COMM and Urban serving as a point of contact for both COMM and research staff
• Identify project priorities and milestones, create schedules/workplans, and monitor individual tasks to help ensure that teams meet deadlines
• Regularly communicate with project teams – research and COMM – on project status and manage unanticipated delays
• Work cross-functionally to help ensure teams meet deadlines, and manage and help teams adapt to unanticipated delays or changes in work in a high-volume product pipeline for COMM
• Support the development of grant proposals and contracts on tight deadlines, helping researchers to include communications staff and deliverables in their budgets
• Create and track budgets and hours billed to projects
• Update projects within databases and systems, including Jamis Prime, Airtable, Salesforce, and Box

Who You Are:

• Possess a Bachelor’s degree and 2-5 years of experience in a fast-paced work environment; or an Associate’s degree and commensurate experience
• Experience working on a campaign or at a policy organization, think tank, nonprofit, or advocacy organization in communications, operations, or events preferred; experience creating and tracking schedules/workplans, navigating processes, or facilitating meetings is a plus
• Strong detail-orientation, interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills
• Solid time management skills and the ability to juggle multiple priorities and shifting schedules
• Exhibit an understanding of or interest in Lean/Agile principles as well as proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft programs
• An interest in policy and Urban’s research

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 $53,167 – Mid $69,765 – Max $85,176. 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. This position has the opportunity to be fully remote.

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 [email protected]. 

Reasonable accommodation requests are considered on a case-by-case basis.

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.