Project Manager and Research Analyst

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, D.C. Our mission is to equip decision-makers with nonpartisan research and policy strategies to create a more prosperous and secure country and world. 

To advance our mission, we are committed to the following four goals: 

• Develop economic growth strategies for a changing world 

• Expand economic and social opportunity for all 

• Revitalize U.S. democratic institutions 

• Advance peace and security worldwide 

At the core of our mission is the quality, independence, and impact of our research. We are dedicated to finding bold, pragmatic solutions for societal challenges through open-minded inquiry, diverse perspectives, and holding ourselves to the highest standards of scholastic rigor. 

Beyond the pursuit of excellence and intellectual rigor, Brookings places immense value on creating a supportive and collaborative environment where every individual can do their best work, learn, and grow. Because of this, Brookings has been at the forefront of public policy for more than a century. 

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 Workforce of the Future (WoF) initiative focuses on innovative policy solutions at the intersection of industrial policy, economic development, immigration policy, and the future of work. WoF is seeking a Project Manager and Research Analyst (PMRA) to work closely with the Senior Fellow advance the initiative’s research and policy agenda. This is a dynamic role that combines research, policy analysis, project management, writing, data analytics, and high-profile public engagement.

Note: Please be advised that Brookings is currently undergoing a multi-year strategic implementation, and as part of this effort, your role, supervisor, and program may change.

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.  

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 PMRA will bring strong analytical and writing skills, critical thinking, sound judgement, intellectual curiosity, and the ability to manage complex projects and priorities independently. A flexible and entrepreneurial mindset will be essential, always with an eye toward opportunities for innovation and amplifying impact. Responsibilities will include conducting in-depth research and analysis; drafting policy memos, presentations, and other written products; managing complex projects and partnerships; supporting high-profile public engagements and convenings; and serving as a key point of contact for internal and external stakeholders. The PMRA will have the opportunity to engage across a range of policy issues and work closely with researchers, policymakers, and other leaders in the field.

Preference will be given to candidates with expertise in one or more of the following areas: regional economic development; labor economics and workforce policy; AI and its effects on the workforce; and data visualization and interactive tools.

This is a one-year termed position with extension dependent on funding.

50% Project Management

• Supports the Senior Fellow and Assistant Research Director in day-to-day project management tasks.

• Closely monitors and adjusts project timelines and work plans, communicates upcoming deadlines and priorities, and works closely with the Senior Fellow and other relevant team members to ensure smooth, on-schedule implementation of project activities.

• Assists the Senior Fellow by providing administrative and coordination support, including meeting scheduling.

• Provides primary support and coordinates the planning, execution, and follow-up related to roundtables, workshops and events with high-profile stakeholders.

• Drafts speeches, testimony and memos on substantive topics for review by the Senior Fellow and project team.

• Generate impactful communications material and social media strategy to disseminate research and coordinates engagement with external media.

• Coordinates with internal colleagues from finance, development, and communications departments.

• Represents the project at relevant public events and meetings.

• Other administrative duties as assigned.

50% Research and Policy Analysis

• Conduct research and policy analysis on topics including workforce, industrial policy, international development and immigration.

• Perform quantitative data analysis using large data sets.

• Create tables, graphs, and other data visualizations that clearly communicate research findings.

• Support the research team in the writing of high-quality drafts of working papers and presentations based on the research.

• Conduct literature reviews, monitor and analyze relevant material from topical conferences, academic journals, and policy publications.

• Support Senior Fellow with drafting, editing, and proof reading of research reports, policy briefs, blogs, online visualizations and other published materials.

• Other research assistance 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: 

Qualifications 

Bachelor’s degree in economics, political science, sociology or related social science field required. Master’s degree preferred. Strong academic record. Minimum of four years of relevant professional experience spanning research, project management, policy analysis, or related work. Excellent writing and communications skills. Familiarity with key sources of economic data and core scholarship on industrial policy, migration, labor, or social policy. Data visualization and editorial experience, a plus. Demonstrated experience engaging policymakers.

Knowledge / Skill Requirements

Knowledge, work experience, and established interest in network science, industrial organization, workforce development, labor and urban economics, migration, AI adoption, or global economic development. Preference will be given to candidates who have demonstrated expertise in one of more of the following areas:

• Regional economic development – industrial policy, urban growth, and regional development strategies.
• Labor economics – particularly as it relates to effects of migration, upskilling, active labor market policies, as well as onset and adoption of new AI technology; experience with wage, skill, occupation or employment datasets in the U.S. or abroad such as O*NET, OES, CPS, NLSY, LEHD, or other public databases.
• AI and workforce – research on how AI is changing the labor market.
• Data visualization and interactive tools – experience developing interactive online dashboards and visualization tools (e.g., RShiny, Tableau, Power BI, Plotly, or Dash) to communicate research insights, enable policy simulation, and support stakeholder engagement with complex economic and labor market data.

Strong written and oral communications skills required; high functionality in Microsoft Office software package and experience with data analysis. Ability to meet rapid, multiple deadlines in a fast-paced work environment. Professional demeanor, high level of comfort working in a culturally diverse environment with high-profile individuals from academic, policy, corporate, government, and international circles. Ability to work well under pressure with discretion and mature judgment.

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.