Assistant to the Vice President

Overview

Join one of the most influential, most quoted and most trusted think tanks!  

The Brookings Institution is a nonprofit public policy organization based in Washington, DC. Our mission is to conduct in-depth research that leads to new ideas for solving problems facing society at the local, national and global level.  

We bring together leading experts in government and academia from all over the world, rooted in open-minded inquiry and representing diverse points of view, who provide the highest quality research, policy recommendations, and analysis. Research topics cover a full range of public policy issues in economics, foreign policy, development, governance and metropolitan policy. 

With fair and transparent business practices, clear communication, mutual respect, and a collaborative atmosphere that offers both professional and personal development opportunities, Brookings offers an inclusive and welcoming workplace that values the efforts of all contributors. 

The Global Economy and Development program, one of the five research programs of Brookings, generates actionable insights and tools to address shared challenges and achieve a more equitable, sustainable, and prosperous world for all.

Position Location: This position is hybrid. Hybrid positions combine regular in-person presence at our Washington, DC office with the option of two days of remote work each week.

Responsibilities

Ready to contribute to Brookings success? 

The Assistant to the Vice President provides administrative, research, and project coordination support to the Vice President and Director (VP) of the Global Economy and Development (Global) program. The Assistant is primarily responsible for the overall coordination and day-to-day functions of the Office of the Vice President (OVP) while also providing ad hoc research assistance support to the VP. Responsibilities include managing the VP’s complex calendar, including all internal and external scheduling, research and special project activities, commitments and deadlines, as well as travel arrangements and expense processing.

Scheduling, Office Coordination, and Administrative Support (60%)

• Maintains the Vice President and Director’s calendar and coordinates daily scheduling.   Receives all incoming queries and requests for meetings, speaking engagements, media interviews, etc.
• Organizes local and travel itineraries and logistics; prepares expense reimbursements for the VP.
• Supports VP priorities by keeping him informed of items and/or conflicts that arise throughout the day which affect his schedule; uses judgement to suggest solutions, prioritization, and/or opportunities.
• Serves as point of contact, throughout the institution, for internal organizational matters needing input or involvement of VP.
• Coordinates the flow of information and tasks for the VP, on a daily basis, to ensure timely attention to his commitments. Maintains list of current projects, invitations and commitments, with status; meets regularly with VP to manage and determine priorities.
• Owner of the Office of the Vice President email account; screens phone calls, messages and requests for information and follow-up; maintains electronic, and hard copy filing systems for Office of the Vice President and Director.
• Completes travel expense reimbursement requests for VP.
• Prepares briefing and other materials for meetings, conferences and presentations; drafts talking points for VP as needed. Drafts letters and memoranda for VP’s review.
• Distributes internal documents, memos, and articles to appropriate institution, senior management, and program staff.

Research and Projects Support (40%)

• In collaboration with the Vice President, conducts economic research, including bibliographic and literature reviews; summarizing academic, policy, and institutional publications; updating and verifying data; and assisting with analysis in support of ongoing research projects.
• Researches, compiles, and analyzes qualitative and quantitative data, including identifying appropriate data sources; mastering underlying methodologies and concepts of key economic datasets; preparing databases for analysis; and presenting results in clear, professional formats with explanation of implications for research and policy.
• Drafts, edits, and proofreads written materials in support of the VP and Global program, including research reports, policy briefs, briefing memoranda, blogs, media summaries, and summaries of forums, symposia, and conferences.
• Conducts background research and prepares written summaries, including abstracts and analyses of books, articles, conferences, seminars, and other relevant events and materials.
• Supports the planning and execution of events, including researching potential participants; drafting invitations; tracking RSVPs; preparing and distributing event materials; and coordinating event transcription.
• Liaises with high-level participants, donors, internal Brookings and Global staff, and external vendors, coordinating services and contracts in consultation with Global operations staff and other Brookings departments.
• Manages logistical and administrative support, including arranging travel, processing travel and expense reimbursements, and executing post-event responsibilities such as speaker thank-you notes, publication of event transcripts, and preparation of post-event web summaries.

Qualifications

Ready to make an impact? In this role, you will support Brookings values of collegiality, respect, inclusion, diversity and community, and bring the following qualifications: 

Education/Experience Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in international development, economics, international affairs or political science required.   Strong academic record. Minimum of two years of relevant work experience (inclusive of internships) providing scheduling and administrative support to an executive, director or VP.  Professional experience providing quantitative and qualitative research support in a research or academic setting is advantageous. Experience in participating in and managing virtual meetings and events.  Work experience in non-profit, public sector, academia, or policy organization preferable. Interest in international development, international relations or economic policy is a plus, as is experience working, studying, living or traveling abroad.

Knowledge/Skill Requirements

Knowledge of and keen interest in global economic issues required. High degree of cultural sensitivity and comfort level working in an office environment with diverse staff in research and operational roles. Excellent verbal and written communication skills.  High degree of organizational and prioritization skills, attention to detail, and efficiency in scheduling and managing calendars.  Proficiency in Excel and other MS Office and/or Office 365, Outlook, and SharePoint, and virtual meeting platforms such as Zoom or MS Teams.  Proficiency in Stata, SPSS advantageous.  Ability to multi-task and meet multiple deadlines in a fast-paced work environment.  Professional demeanor and work ethic, ability to work well under pressure with discretion and mature judgment, while managing confidential/sensitive information and liaising with high-level contacts.  Cooperative attitude and flexibility.   Demonstrated ability to work effectively as a part of a team.

Must be authorized to work for any employer in the US.

Additional Information 

What can we offer you? Brookings provides a generous benefit package that is comprehensive and includes both traditional benefits and unique offerings. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and vision benefits, generous time off, and workplace flexibility. For more information, please visit Brookings Benefits.   

Brookings requires that all applicants submit a cover letter and resume. Please attach your cover letter and resume as one document when you apply. Please note: if you have applied to more than one Brookings job opening you should add a position-specific cover letter as a separate attachment. 

Successful completion of a background investigation is required for employment at Brookings. 

Brookings welcomes and celebrates diversity in all its forms, including diversity of experience, thought, and personal background.  We welcome applications that reflect a variety of backgrounds based on ideology, race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status, first generation college goers, and other factors protected by law. Brookings is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer that is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive workplace. All selection decisions are based upon merit, skills, abilities and experience.