Research Intern

Job Description

About the Urban Institute

The Urban Institute is a research-to-impact institution dedicated to improving lives and strengthening communities through evidence-based practices and policies. For over 50 years, Urban has provided solutions and insights to leaders across sectors, with a current focus on advancing well-being and fostering shared prosperity. Our mission is to equip changemakers with evidence and solutions to drive impact. We operate under core values of Collaboration, Fairness, Inclusivity, Independence, and Integrity. For more information, please visit www.urban.org.

The Opportunity: Research Intern (Tax Policy Center)

We are seeking a Research Intern to join our Tax Policy Center. This role is central to Urban’s mission of fostering a collaborative environment and ensuring ongoing relevance in a changing world. The intern will play a key role in supporting Tax Policy Center researchers by gathering information, analyzing data, and communicating findings for at least two major research projects. There may also be opportunities to contribute to the Tax Policy Center’s blog or other smaller, impactful projects.

Responsibilities:

• Collect and analyze data and research pertinent to federal and state budgets.
• Write analyses of research findings tailored for both internal and external audiences.
• Collaborate effectively with teams on large-scale research projects.

What You’ll Bring (Qualifications):

• Currently a Rising Junior or Senior pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Public Policy, Sociology, Economics, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience working with Excel and large data sets.
• Possess strong research skills and familiarity with government reports.
• Some foundational knowledge of federal and state fiscal policy.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a group setting.

Program Highlights:

• A comprehensive 10-week internship program specifically designed to provide students interested in research, public policy issues, and organizational operations with rewarding and substantive work assignments that directly contribute to Urban’s mission.
• Opportunities to network with operations staff, senior professionals, and other colleagues who will support your professional growth and career interests.
• Receive valuable feedback and mentorship from your assigned intern manager throughout the program.

What You’ll Experience:

Regardless of your role at Urban, you will contribute to meaningful work that makes a tangible difference for people and communities across the country. We are deeply committed to operating in a manner defined by our mission and core values. At the Urban Institute, our greatest asset is our people.

The Urban Institute is an equal-opportunity employer. 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 require special accommodations to use our website to apply for a position due to a physical and/or mental disability, please contact Human Resources at humanresources@urban.org. Reasonable accommodation requests are considered on a case-by-case basis.