Center Manager, Center for Economic Security and Opportunity (Job ID: 2023-3270)

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 Economic Studies program (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. Economic Studies 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.

About the Center for Economic Security and Opportunity (CESO):  Formerly known as the Center on Children and Families, CESO works at the interface of economic and social policy to promote three foundational pillars for broad-based prosperity:  (1) Meeting fundamental needs through a robust safety net and good jobs,  (2) Building skills through quality education, training, and opportunities for personal development, and (3) Strengthening capacities of families and communities through investment in the care economy, immigrant integration, and other social infrastructure. Our work is non-partisan and data-driven.

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

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 Center Manger is responsible for management of day-to-day operations, budget oversight, grants administration, publication management, and outreach for the Center for Economic Security and Opportunity. Develops and organizes public events, private roundtables, and special projects, and manages relationships with internal and external stakeholders. The Manager also coordinates all Center activities, deadlines, and deliverables, and provides some direct administrative assistance.

Center Management (50%)

• Manages day-to-day operations of CESO, including managing workflow of research, publications, events, outreach, budget, grants, and scheduling.
• Coordinate and track impact and coverage of project research and activities, collecting 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.
• Maintain detailed records of project activities, including deadlines, deliverables, publications, meetings, media contacts, boards, bios and CVs.
• Independently manage and maintain project calendars; track deliverables and project timelines; manage and communicate deadlines to project staff.
• Work with Finance and Development staff to ensure financial viability and stability of the Center. Monitor appropriate use of funding and spending.
• Maintain and develop external relationships with funders, potential funders, policy-makers, and community stakeholders.
• Maintain a high-quality Management Information System on behalf of the Director, combining information on all Center activities and finances.
• Primary writer and manager of reports and proposals for funding streams.
• Manage the content and deliverables, as well as the timeline and due dates.
• Liaise with Center research assistants and other Brookings staff including Communications, Finance, Development, and Events staff to manage workflow and task completion.
• Manage relationships within Economic Studies and across Brookings. Assist Director in developing and executing strategic goals.

Communications Support (20%)

• Work with communications team to ensure that scholar public-facing materials are updated, accurate, and in compliance with conflict-of-interest disclosures.
• Assist with layout, formatting, proofreading papers, briefs, and other written materials.
• Draft text for website, newsletters, social media, and other digital outreach.
• Facilitate communication with external authors, assist in developing and planning publication series.
• Build connections and facilitate outreach with community leaders, officials, and stakeholders.
• Act as the center’s publication manager and post content on Brookings web site, in coordination with ES communications team.

Event Coordination (15%)

• In collaboration with Center leadership, develop outreach strategies, plan and execute private events, including all logistical plans, invitee communications (including travel and lodging assistance, as needed), etc.
• Working with Events Manager, plan public and private events and meetings with multiple high-level participants.
• Duties include reserving rooms and audiovisual equipment; ordering catering; communicating with speakers; coordinating with partners; preparing contracts and ensuring payment; preparing materials; processing reimbursements and payments; making hotel arrangements; and collaborating with program staff on other logistics as needed.

Administrative Support (15%)

• Provide administrative support to the Director and other senior staff, as assigned.
• Organize team meetings, and related strategy and management meetings.
• Manage flow of information to scholars; provide regular reports on outstanding requests and projects.
• Use judgment to identify opportunities and anticipate problems, suggest solutions.
• Organize and maintain files, both written and electronic.
• Manage sensitive information and materials with discretion.
• Receive and disseminate information related to projects; respond to inquiries from the public.
• Other duties, as assigned.

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 required. Four to six years of relevant work experience required, some portion of experience can come from part-time work, internships, or relevant coursework. Project coordination, event planning, communications, grant-writing, or administrative experience in a fast-paced work environment and a background in a research, policy, or non-profit setting are preferred. Salary and title commensurate with experience. Must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S.

Knowledge/Skills Requirements:

Uses judgment to identify opportunities and anticipate problems, suggest solutions. Excellent organizational, writing and verbal communication skills, and people skills. Ability to work independently and with a team; ability to complete tasks with minimal supervision; initiative, poise, mature judgment, and attention to detail. Ability to meet deadlines, manage multiple tasks, set priorities, and manage competing demands. Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion. Demonstrated ability to interact diplomatically and professionally with high-level officials and their designees with confidence. Flexibility to adapt to a changing environment and support the team as needed. Interest in economics, public policy, and social science preferred. Basic HTML/web publishing experience; familiarity with WordPress, InDesign, and other publishing tools preferred. Comfort with learning new software/tools required.

Additional Information:

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

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.  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.