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 Governance Studies program at Brookings is dedicated to analyzing policy issues, political institutions and processes, and contemporary governance challenges. Our scholarship identifies areas in need of reform and proposes specific solutions with the goals of: improving the performance of the national government; informing debate; and providing policymakers with expert analysis and ideas to ensure better institutional governance.
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.
Please Note: This position is included in the staff bargaining unit, Brookings United, affiliated with the IFPTE Local 70 union, and is covered under the terms of the collective bargaining agreement.
Ready to contribute to Brookings success?
The Research Assistant provides research, writing, editing, and administrative support directly to assigned scholars in the Center for Technology Innovation (CTI), housed in the Governance Studies (GS) program. This role undertakes research assignments and keeps up-to-date on legislation, regulation, and other policy developments relating to privacy, artificial intelligence, data governance, and other digital policy issues; assists with preparation of published materials and drafts briefing materials, summaries of developments, and material on policy issues as assigned; and serves as a point of contact for assigned CTI scholars to both internal and external parties on matters related to their work. The Research Assistant will also be responsible for assuming responsibilities tasked to the Center’s research team as requested, and assigned, including but not limited to supporting the selection of interns, assisting with Center event planning, and implementation, among other duties.
Research and Writing (75%)
Tracks current developments in relevant global and domestic policy research areas, including legislation, regulatory policies, and executive orders on technology policy issues of concern.
Identifies and collects appropriate primary and secondary source information for CTI scholarship on assigned research topics.
Reads sources for relevancy to research themes; compiles bibliographies and chronologies; collects qualitative and quantitative data on project issues.
Compiles, reads, abstracts, synthesizes, analyzes, and organizes written and electronic material into summarized form.
Writes briefing memos and synthesizes research materials; prepares notes and reports on meetings and conferences; compiles abstracts, summaries, bibliographies, and analyses of books, articles, and reports.
Provides editing support for writing projects; updates and checks existing data and footnotes; provides fact checking, copyediting, and proof-reading of documents in preparation for publication, as needed.
Ensures that scholars are prepared for external events, meetings, and media appearances as needed, including by preparing talking points and conducting background research.
Coordinates and attends meetings, symposia, conferences, and hearings relevant to research projects; and summarizes content.
Works with other CTI research assistants, associates, and interns on assigned projects.
Prepares and independently analyzes data and produces written summaries of qualitative and quantitative data.
Administrative Support (25%)
Works closely with Brookings research, communications, events, and development staff as necessary to ensure research deliverables are produced in a timely fashion.
Collaborates with GS communications staff on matters pertaining to public/private events, web site content, and outreach, as needed.
Assists with project management on long-term projects by helping to manage workflows and timelines, outreach, materials, and logistics.
Assists with travel and reimbursements for assigned scholars and scheduling, as needed.
Provides support for funding efforts, as needed, including gathering information and drafting proposals when requested.
Works with other CTI Research and Administrative Staff to identify and select intern(s), as relevant.
Provides other administrative support for Center activities, as needed and 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
Required: Minimum bachelor's degree in public policy or other relevant fields including government, political science, other social sciences, or information technology; previous internship experience (preferably in a think tank, government, or other fields related to technology policy), as well as demonstrated experience with writing and/or editing and data analysis.
Must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S.
Preferred: Previous relevant employment in government or other fields related to technology policy; publications; experience with collaborative software applications, spreadsheets, and data visualization. Experience reading and understanding legislation or other policy documents.
Knowledge/Skill Requirements
Required: Excellent writing and editing skills; critical thinking ability; strong interpersonal and organizational skills; strong attention to detail; curiosity and eagerness to learn; ability to work quickly and effectively distill and communicate complex information; ability to work independently and prioritize both one’s own work and the work of others among multiple competing tasks; patience and active listening; ability to communicate orally and in writing with individuals at all levels in a professional and appropriate tone; ability to multitask and meet high standards in a fast-paced environment. Works well on a team with moving tasks and responsibilities.
Preferred: Demonstrated experience, skills, or interest in data privacy, artificial intelligence, digital equity, or other technology policy topics. Knowledge and familiarity with legislative process and of U.S. federal regulatory agencies, such as FCC and FTC, as well as global internet governance entities. Quantitative research and presentation skills a plus, including knowledge of STATA, data visualization tools, or another other statistical package, database management.
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.
Additionally, please submit a 500-2,000 word writing sample with your application.
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.
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