Research Assistant (Center on Metropolitan Housing and Communities)

Who we are:

How you'll contribute:

Responsibilities include:

• Collection and analysis of qualitative and/or quantitative data. Including producing literature reviews, conducting fieldwork (such as interviews and site visits, managing data, and using computer programs for data processing and analysis,
• Production of tables, charts, and maps.
• Contributing to and/or editing various publications for different audiences, including research reports, briefs, blogs, and other deliverables.
• Completion of logistical tasks for research proposals, internal and external research events, and research management.
• Completion of administrative tasks such as tracking project timelines, project reporting, taking and summarizing meeting minutes, and other tasks as assigned.
• Independent time management and collaboration with teams to prioritize and complete multiple tasks.

What you'll bring:

• Bachelor's degree or associate's degree with equivalent experience required, preferably in the field of Public Policy, Urban Studies, Urban Planning, Data Science, Sociology, Economics, Statistics, Environmental Studies, Geography, Social Welfare, Education, Psychology, or related field of inquiry.
• Demonstrated qualitative and/or quantitative research skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to present to diverse audiences, specifically racially, ethnically, and socioeconomically diverse communities.
• Capacity to conduct library and internet research quickly and with strong critical thinking analysis.
• Proficiency with publication, spreadsheet, and presentation graphics software.
• Familiarity with data analysis tools and software such as Stata, R, or SAS.
• Strong time management skills and high level of professionalism.
• Ability to work efficiently and effectively as part of a team.
• High level of organization and motivation, creativity, and self-confidence; we seek individuals who can work effectively, independently, and simultaneously on multiple projects.
• Bilingual abilities, although not required are a plus.
• Have a willingness and ability to travel when conditions make travel safe.      
• Strong interest in one or more of the following topics: housing and housing-related assistance programs, homelessness, demographic and population studies, urban planning and land use, community economic development, city governance and public-sector capacity, physical and environmental quality, and Housing and neighborhoods as a platform for other household and societal outcomes, structural racism and inequality. 

Metro's Practice Areas:

• The Built Environment practice area focuses on policy topics such as climate mitigation and adaptation, resilience and urban governance, neighborhood physical quality, and housing standards and quality—all primarily in relation to low- and moderate-income households and other social disparities.
• The Community and Economic Development practice area focuses on policy topics such as capital and investment flows, inclusive recovery, financing for community initiatives, small business development, Opportunity Zones and other economic development programs—all primarily in relation to low- and moderate-income households and other social disparities.
• The Cities and Neighborhoods practice area focuses on policy topics related to understanding neighborhoods and cities, with a focus on people's wellbeing and racial and economic equity across neighborhoods. Our group collaborates closely with governments and practitioners through research, peer-learning networks, and technical assistance, such as through Urban-Greater DC, National Neighborhood Indicators Partnership, and Promise Neighborhoods. We also conduct program evaluations and document best practices related to community-driven change, including the community use of data.
• The Ending Homelessness practice area focuses on policy topics such as homelessness assistance and coordination systems, evidence-based solutions to end homelessness for individuals, families, veterans, and youth, outcomes-based financing for programs to end homelessness, and intersections with child welfare, criminal justice, health, and other system outcomes.
• The Fair Housing practice area conducts research on policies and practice with the potential to improve housing stability for low-income households and to encourage racial and economic equity across neighborhoods. Policy topics include housing discrimination and segregation, ensuring equal access to opportunity-rich neighborhoods, and encouraging affordable housing creation and preservation in a diversity of markets and neighborhoods.
• The Housing as a Foundation practice area focuses on Housing as a foundation for daily life and a hub connecting people to their communities – where they live and who they are connected to – and surrounding resources. Policy topics include preserving and expanding public and affordable Housing, improving resident wellbeing and health in communities, strengthening education, and centering resident and community voice.  

What you'll experience: