Senior Research Assistant & Project Coordinator, CCF

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. 

Join the team at the Brookings Institution’s Economic Studies program (ES), and work with experts as they focus on addressing obstacles to long-term economic growth and opportunity. ES analyzes current and emerging economic issues facing the United States and the world and based on that research, provides innovative, practical policy recommendations. ES’s work covers a broad array of economic issues, including the labor market, regulation, health policy, and fiscal and monetary policy. ES scholars influence key economic policies by conducting rigorous and relevant research and then disseminating and communicating their findings to the policy community and to the broader public.   

The Center on Children and Families (CCF) studies policies that affect the well-being of America’s children and their parents, especially children in less advantaged families. The Center has focused on identifying effective ways to address the issues of poverty, inequality, and lack of opportunity in the United States. Current priority areas include economic mobility for workers; intragenerational mobility; race equity; and gender. CCF also houses the Future of the Middle Class Initiative (FMCi) which seeks to improve the quality of life of America’s middle class and to increase the number of people rising to join its ranks.

Position Location: Most Brookings positions are hybrid, combining regular in-person presence at our Washington, DC, office with the option of at least two days of remote work each week. We will prioritize candidates in or willing to relocate to the DC area for hybrid work, but will also consider remote applicants. Remote work applicants may not work from the following states: Alaska, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Michigan, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Washington.

Vaccine Policy: Brookings requires all staff  to submit proof of complete vaccination against COVID-19 to be in Brookings buildings.   

Individuals that (i) have a qualifying medical condition that contraindicates a COVID-19 vaccination, or (ii) who object to being vaccinated based on a sincerely held religious belief, may request a reasonable accommodation.  Brookings policies on masks and other pandemic mitigation measures will continue to be informed by DC and CDC guidelines.    

Ready to contribute to Brookings success? 

The Senior Research Assistant & Project Coordinator provides extensive research and administrative assistance to Richard Reeves, a senior fellow who leads the Boys and Men Project at the Center on Children and Families (CCF), focusing on challenges facing many boys and men, in the context of progress towards gender equality, and potential policies and norms to promote greater male flourishing and agency. Particular attention is paid to Black boys and men, those from low-income backgrounds, and those with lower levels of education. Duties include conducting research projects, calendar and travel management as needed, as well as coordination of all aspects of the scholar’s projects, from event planning and drafting grant reports to tabulating data and creating bibliographies.

Research Assistance (50%)

• In collaboration with senior scholar, independently draft material summarizing research results on specific topics as assigned, for incorporation into working papers and project publications
• Provide analytical reviews and summaries of existing literature pertinent to the projects.
• Locate and collect relevant documents and data from sources such as electronic databases, libraries, and government publications.
• Update and check existing databanks; assemble, consolidate, and check data from new sources.
• Analyze data, using statistical packages and spreadsheets; analyze and assess key findings; draw conclusions and provide opinions
• Prepare tables and graphs output from model simulations.
• Compile, read, abstract, and organize written material into bibliographic form and summaries.
• Maintain electronic bibliography files, and other duties as assigned.
• Identifies topics for inquiry within a research project; identifies sources and devises methods for information collection.
• Develops a basis for deeper research analysis and engagement.
• Attends meetings and writes summary reports of outside policy briefings, conferences, forums, and symposiums.
• Updates and checks existing data and footnotes; helps with editing and proofreading of publications; provide substantive feedback and editing on author papers.
• Co-author material for publication.
• Participate in regular team meetings, communication, and planning efforts

Scholar and Project Support (40%)

• Works with Senior Fellow, Center Coordinator, ES Comms, and rest of CCF (Center for Children and Families) team to manage Boys and Men projects and ensures deadlines are met with tracking, effective management, and communication with necessary stakeholders.
• Assist in preparation for opinion pieces, speeches and meetings by assembling slides and research materials.
• Organize and maintain files, both written and electronic. Manage sensitive information and materials with discretion.
• Maintain detailed records of scholar and project activities, including deadlines, deliverables, publications, meetings, media contacts, boards, bios and CVs.
• In coordination with ES Communications team, help track impact and coverage of project research and activities, collect information from scholars and senior staff and maintaining databases. Work with communications team to ensure that scholar public-facing materials are updated, accurate, and in compliance with conflict of interest disclosures.
• Work with the ES Development and Finance teams to coordinate grant proposals and reports for the project; draft grant reports and proposals, as needed.
• Manage and maintain project calendars; track deliverables and project timelines; manage and communicate deadlines to project staff.
• Serve as primary support and contact for senior scholar. Manage flow of information to scholar; Receive, screen, and route phone calls; receive and disseminate information related to projects; respond to inquiries from the general public; receive staff and visitors. Uses judgment to identify opportunities and anticipate problems, suggest solutions.
• Schedule scholar appointments and manage calendars.
• Arrange meetings and respond to meeting requests; make proper meeting arrangements; prepares scholars for meetings by compiling logistical information and related background materials as needed.
• Make domestic and international travel arrangements, prepare itineraries, assemble travel packets, arrange for reimbursement, and maintain records of project-related travel expenses and billing.
• Assist with special projects and perform other duties as assigned.

Event Coordination and Communications Support (10%)

• Manage and coordinate planning and implementing events, including negotiating with outside vendors, drafting agendas and invitations, press releases, and event announcements, event set-up and all other logistics.
• Serve as liaison to relevant internal and external organizations such as co-sponsors, and hotel/catering vendors.
• Act as ongoing staff contact for public events, coordinating with ES Communications staff, Brookings event staff, Conference Services, and outside groups.
• Complete post-conference responsibilities such as expense reimbursements and thank you notes.
• Coordinate with ES communications team on scholar’s publication schedule.
• Assist with layout, formatting, proofreading papers, briefs, and other written materials.
• Draft text for website, newsletters, social media, and other digital outreach.
• Post content on Brookings web site, in coordination with ES communications team.
  
  

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 Economics, Mathematics/Statistics, Public Policy, or other Social Sciences with a minor in Economics required. Three years of relevant job experience required (experience can come from part-time work, work in a college setting, or internships). Experience in public policy highly preferred. Experience providing scheduling and special assistance to senior level staff strongly preferred. Experience working with data to create charts and tables strongly preferred. Educational or professional experience in economics, public policy, or social science strongly preferred. Conference planning and/or statistical analysis experience a plus. Must be authnorized to work for any employer in the U.S.

Knowledge/Skill Requirements:

Self-starter with demonstrated record of taking initiative and following through; ability to work independently and with a team; ability to complete tasks with minimal supervision; initiative, poise, mature judgment, and excellent attention to detail. Ability to use judgment to identify opportunities and anticipate problems, suggest solutions. Strong ability to multitask, and manage multiple priorities, with excellent organizational, interpersonal and communication skills. Punctuality, cooperative attitude, and flexibility essential; must be willing to do both clerical and research-oriented tasks with equal enthusiasm and diligence. Professional demeanor and work ethic. Comfortable working with data with statistical packages or spreadsheets. Discretion and demonstrated ability to interact diplomatically and professionally with high-level officials.

Application Procedure:

Applications will be accepted until May 1, 2023. Please read and follow all application procedures carefully. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

A complete application will include ALL of following items:

• Current resume
• Cover letter
• Two letters of recommendation from professors or past employers/supervisors (at least one letter of recommendation should be academic, from a scholar who knows your work well. The second can be academic or professional)

Save your uploaded documents in the following format: First Name Last Name JOB ID Document Name

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

Letters of recommendation may be uploaded or submitted separately but the same deadline applies. If preferred, confidential letters of recommendation may be sent directly to Coura Fall at cfall@brookings.edu. Please contact her with any specific questions you may have.

Additional Information: 

What can we offer you? Brookings provides a generous benefit package that is comprehensive and includes both traditional benefits and unique offerings. 

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

Brookings welcomes and celebrates diversity in all its forms.  We welcome applications that reflect a variety of backgrounds based on ideology, race, ethnicity, religion, 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.