Senior Fellow (Job ID: 2023-3288)

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 at Brookings aims to shape the policy debate on how to improve global economic cooperation and fight global poverty and sources of social stress.   The program’s research agenda is related to policies and trends affecting developing countries including global poverty, universal education, the global middle class, fragile states, globalization, inequality, foreign assistance and development effectiveness.  

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 Global Economy and Development program (Global) at Brookings aims to shape the policy debate on how to foster a resilient and inclusive global economy. The program’s research agenda is related to policies and trends affecting developing countries including global poverty, universal education, the global middle class, fragile states, globalization, inequality, foreign assistance and development effectiveness. The Global program is accepting applications for a Senior Fellow with a focus in International Finance and Macroeconomics. Global program scholars draw on their significant experience and deep expertise to engage in in-depth, nonpartisan research and analysis aimed at offering innovative policy solutions and tools to help global, national, and local policymakers build more inclusive and sustainable economies.

The Senior Fellow will report directly to the Vice President and Director of the Global program and is expected to lead initiatives; conduct, publish, and promote in-depth, high quality public policy research in areas of their expertise; convene public and private events; engage with a wide range of stakeholders; and work on policy-relevant publications. While the specific program of work will depend to some extent on the candidate’s interests and background within international finance and macroeconomics, the position will require the Senior Fellow to spend time on three main activities: research and writing, external representation, and internal management.

Building on their significant research and policy experience, the Senior Fellow will produce regular knowledge products, which may include policy-relevant papers, briefs, reports, books, journal articles, and other commentary. S/he will lead issue-focused meetings, conferences, and other events; interact with and engage with other Brookings scholars, current and potential funders, the wider policy community, and the media. S/he will lead and actively participate in Global program and scholar community activities, including seminars, recruitment activities, and diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. The Senior Fellow will actively participate in funding efforts, including managing and stewarding of existing donor relationships and cultivation of new prospects.

Throughout all their work, Senior Fellows support a welcoming and inclusive community while upholding Brookings’s standards of quality and independence. This includes, but is not limited to, appropriately managing all conflicts of interest.

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: 

Candidates are required to have a minimum of ten years of post-doctoral research or policy-related experience in International Finance and Macroeconomics and a proven record of leadership and engagement in global policy debates relating to international and development economics as well as resource mobilization. Candidates will be recognized and respected leaders in their area of expertise, and must have at least three of the following: A PhD or other terminal degree in relevant field. Proven record of publishing that demonstrates in-depth research, rigorous analysis, recognized excellence in the field, and policy relevance. Publications can be from professional or academic journals, edited volumes, single-authored books, and/or policy-oriented publications. Significant professional experience from the public, private, academic, or non-profit sectors. For scholars whose work is practitioner-based, candidates must be able to demonstrate an exceptional professional track record with significant leadership, strategy, and policy experience. Track record of academic or policy impact, such as framing issues, setting agendas, or affecting evidence-based changes in policy and practice. The successful candidate will be capable of providing breakthrough thinking in international finance and economics and of influencing the intellectual discourse and will be recognized as an authority within a particular area of international and macroeconomic scholarship or policymaking.

Knowledge/Skill Requirements:

Candidates should have extensive expertise in primary and secondary research, strong oral and written communication skills, considerable experience in building collaborations across diverse disciplines and stakeholders, and deep knowledge of and/or experience with financial markets. Demonstrated ability to fundraise and contribute to the program’s financial sustainability. The position requires domestic and international travel.

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.