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Community Engaged Researcher/Research Assistant (Metropolitan Housing and Communities Policy Center)

Employer
Urban Institute
Location
Washington, DC
Closing date
Sep 22, 2021

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Industry
Nonprofit
Function
Analyst, Research
Hours
Full Time
Career Level
Experienced (Non-Manager)
Who we are:At the nonprofit Urban Institute, we believe in the power of evidence to improve lives and strengthen communities. Our employees are empowered to influence policy, open minds, shape decisions, and offer solutions. We encourage intellectual honesty, innovation, diversity, and mutual respect, and our analysis elevates the debate, wherever it takes place.Urban's greatest asset is our people. We strive to attract and cultivate a vibrant, creative, and diverse community. Our employees drive Urban's mission through entrepreneurship, innovation, leadership, effective communication, results-orientation, and relationship cultivation. Our success depends on engaging individuals who possess and value these attributes.Within the Urban Institute, the Metropolitan Housing and Communities Policy Center (Metro) conducts research on how housing and place shape people's lives. We believe that housing and place matter. Quality, affordable housing anchors families, and the communities where people live can influence nearly everything in their lives: where they work and how they get there; the quality of schools that their children attend; their health and safety; and even their longevity.How you'll contribute:The East Baltimore Research Project (EBRP) is a multiyear, multiphase community-led effort to equip residents with data about their own neighborhoods. In 2020 resident researchers created and administered a survey about priorities in the project area and found that housing, jobs, education and safety were top issues in the area. This year, we will build off this survey and develop new community engaged research projects focused on the priority issues.The team is searching for temporary part-time resident researchers with lived experience to conduct Participatory Action Research (PAR), which combines community engagement with actionable research goals to create lasting social change. This role requires approximately 18-24 hours a month. As members of the research team, resident researchers will provide expertise, guidance, and assistance with conducting various research activities over the course of a year. These activities may include developing survey questions and interview guides, conducting focus groups/interviews, reviewing relevant research and other literature, collecting and evaluating data, writing research reports, and presenting on research findings. Resident researchers will also receive training from Urban researchers on research design, methods, and ethics, as well as attend regular research meetings.Responsibilities: Draft and Review IRB Protocols and Other Materials: Resident researchers will assist in the completion of a packet that will be submitted to the Urban Institutional Review Board (IRB) for approval. The packet will include all necessary forms, information related to data collection activities, as well as data collection instruments such as questionnaires that may be used. The resident researchers will play a key role in developing questions that will be used in the development of a survey and interview guide for study participants, which may include East Baltimore residents, service providers, relevant stakeholders, and elected officials. The resident researchers will utilize their insights and expertise in developing questions that are meaningful for East Baltimore residents' experiences. Recruit and Conduct Interviews with Individuals/Lead Focus Groups: Resident researchers will assist with identifying and recruiting an appropriate sample of people to participate in interviews and focus groups. Resident researchers will lead many of these interviews. The process may include scheduling study interviews/focus groups, recording the interview, conducting the interviews, and securely storing the audio recording. Analyze Data: Resident researchers will assist in analyzing the data collected through the various methods. This will largely include reviewing the data collected and identifying important themes. Draft Findings/Report: Resident researchers will collaborate with Urban staff to complete a draft of a report on the findings of the research study. This will include interpreting and summarizing key takeaways. The report will also highlight ways to build capacity. Present Findings: Resident researchers will co-lead a workshop presentation(s) discussing the research study and its findings, as well as areas of strength and improvement. This will include sharing data with community associations via Data Walks. Attend research team meetings: Resident researchers are expected to meet with the research team, including Urban staff on a weekly basis. The meetings can last anywhere from 1 to 3 hours. The purpose of the meetings will range from discussion of research activities, timelines, providing updates, asking questions, training, and building team cohesion. Work virtually: Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Urban Institute is currently operating virtually until at least July 2021. Resident researchers must have the ability to use a computer independently. Other responsibilities may arise as the project evolves.What you'll bring:The successful candidate will: Eligible persons include those with lived experience within a particular system and/or marginalized identity who currently or recently serves their community by helping others who have similar experiences (typically through mentoring or volunteering). Be at least 18 years old. Be based in East Baltimore. Have strong organizational and communication skills. Ability to work in a virtual setting. Have a strong desire and motivation to guide research in their community while learning new skills.What you'll experience:Working in the Nation's Capital, the epicenter of public policy among a network of policy experts, you can expect to have an impact on policy areas you care about and work with great colleagues who are smart, mission-driven, and collaborative. You will blend academic rigor with on-the-ground collaboration, be encouraged and supported to fulfill your potential through meaningful work that matters and, enjoy a welcoming workplace free from harassment, discrimination and intolerance.The Urban Institute's mission is to open minds, shape decisions, and offer solutions rooted in economic and social policy research. To advance our mission, we must attract and support a diversity of backgrounds, experiences, talents, and thought. We must foster an inclusive workplace, where all staff feel respected, heard, engaged, and valued. We must learn from and include in our research the experiences of the people and communities at the heart of the issues we study. These efforts are critical to the health, vibrancy, and relevance of our institution and, most importantly, to the excellence of the data and evidence we deliver.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.

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