Senior Policy Program Manager (Education Data and Policy)

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 .

The Opportunity:

The Center on Education Data and Policy (EDP) undertakes policy-relevant research on issues from prekindergarten through post-secondary education and create tools such as Urban’s Education Data Portal. We believe that education policy informed by hard data and rigorous research is crucial to realizing the education system’s potential to increase socioeconomic mobility and address growing inequality.

The Center on Education Data and Policy seeks an experienced and dynamic leader to partner with researchers on a diverse set of projects in PK-12 and higher education. The Senior Policy Program Manager role has two key components: 1) managing a new initiative on the drivers of economic mobility in K-12 education and 2) contributing to broader center strategy and fundraising.

The Senior Policy Program Manager will help lead an emerging initiative that will seed a new generation of research and development aimed at identifying a priority set of K-12 outcomes—across a broad array of categories such as academic achievement, non-cognitive skills, health and well-being, and social capital—that drive economic mobility among students most likely to be stuck in intergenerational poverty. This initiative will identify key needs in the field and hopes to make at least $10 million in research investments over the next three years.

The Senior Policy Program Manager will play a lead role in the planning and execution of this initiative, including working with the PI and co-PI to develop and refine initiative strategy, managing the initiative’s core team, collaborating with key internal and external partners (including the initiative’s Advisory Board), coordinating requests for proposals and reviews of grant applications, and managing relationships with current and new funders.

The Senior Policy Program manager will also contribute to broader strategy and fundraising for the Center on Education Data and Policy by supporting the successful execution of existing workstreams and the development of new programs of work. This will include designing, developing, fundraising for, and participating in other Urban projects that advance evidence-based policy and practice relating to education policy in the United States.

What you’ll do:

Mobility Drivers initiative (50%):

Broader center strategy and fundraising (50%):

Who you are:

The successful candidate will

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 Min $140,000 - $200,000. 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.

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.

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 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

The Urban Institute is committed to Equal Employment Opportunity without regard for race, ethnicity, gender, protected veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other protected status under applicable law.

The Urban Institute is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer Minorities/Women/Disabilities/Veterans.