Overview
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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 Brookings Metro program delivers research and solutions to help metropolitan leaders build an advanced economy that works for all.
To learn more, please visit brookings.edu / metro. Follow us on Twitter at twitter.com / brookingsmetro.
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.
Responsibilities
Ready to contribute to Brookings success?
Based in Washington, D.C. and reporting to Brookings President Dr. Cecilia Rouse, the Vice President and Director of Brookings Metro (Vice President) has responsibility and accountability for the Program’s strategy, support of research and engagement efforts, financial results, and overall leadership of Brookings Metro.
The Vice President will be responsible for weaving the program’s legacy of impact into a future vision and holistic narrative for Metro that is grounded in evidence and practicality and focused on policy outcomes.
Direct reports to the Vice President currently include 14 scholars and senior scholars and the Program’s administrative directors.
Brookings Metro Leadership :
The Vice President will provide visionary leadership and outstanding management and oversight. The Vice President will be responsible for :
- acting as the program’s lead fundraiser, spokesperson and ambassador to a wide range of stakeholders and partners;
- ensuring a culture of research excellence and collaboration with policymakers and business / civic leaders at the local, state, and federal levels to support development of actionable policy and practice solutions;
- setting strategic direction and ensuring the program’s operating model is fit to deliver against this direction;
- attracting, retaining, and developing talented and diverse staff and strengthening collaboration across the full team;
- optimizing the program’s operations and managing the program’s budget to ensure long-term financial sustainability;
- fostering an inclusive, equitable, and collaborative work environment; and
- effectively communicating throughout the program.
Development and Board Relations :
The Vice President will represent Metro to the Board of Trustees and donors and engage with a broad range of audiences to raise the program’s profile with potential financial contributors.
They will work closely with the development team to devise the program’s fundraising strategy; cultivate strong relationships with new and existing donors, as well as the Board of Trustees;
and help scholars identify opportunities to secure support for their research priorities.
Communications :
The Vice President will serve as the key spokesperson for the program and speak to diverse audiences about a broad range place-based initiatives and policy issues.
They will grow and diversify Metro’s reach and impact.
Institutional Leadership :
The Vice President will serve as an integral member of Brookings’ executive leadership team and work closely with the other Vice Presidents, as well as the President and the Board of Trustees, to advance the Institution’s priorities, drive success across the Institution, and identify and realize opportunities for cross-program collaboration.
Qualifications
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 :
The Vice President and Director of Brookings Metro will be a visionary leader who possesses the intellectual depth and breadth, practical experience, and demonstrated management and leadership skills to ensure Brookings Metro fulfills its vision to be a leading source of ideas and action to create more prosperous, just, and resilient communities as well as a trusted, collaborative, and humble partner for other organizations.
The successful candidate will have 15+ years of professional experience with a strong, well-informed grasp of the complex issues faced by local leaders across the United States.
They will be experienced in producing actionable research, applying original analysis through partnerships and networks, and connecting with policymakers at all levels.
They will have relevant experience in managing people with a wide range of skillsets within a complex organization and have the capacity to manage a variety of constituents.
An advanced degree is preferred.
In terms of the performance and personal competencies required for the position, we highlight the following :
Strategic and Visionary Leadership : The Vice President will bring a demonstrated capacity to define, communicate and align others to an inspiring vision for Metro, showing broad curiosity balanced with conviction and confidence.
They will have the ability to develop and refine our approaches to impact, curate new ideas, and create realistic goals and implementation plans that are achievable and successful.
They will be viewed as a leader with a high degree of integrity, inclusiveness, and forethought in their approach to making decisions and will possess the ability to lead in a transparent and consistent manner while always considering what is best for the program.
Commitment to Research and Impact : A strong candidate for the role will model and empower the kind of openminded inquiry that the institution exists to support.
They will possess the curiosity and commitment to evidence-based research needed to engage with the full breadth of the program’s research and work with colleagues and partners to turn insights into compelling narratives that generate understanding and change.
Communications and Convening Power : The successful candidate will possess an ability to inspire trust and galvanize connections.
They will be able to connect naturally and to build strong relationships with others, demonstrating strong emotional intelligence and an ability to communicate clearly and persuasively to internally and external audiences.
They will encourage others to share the spotlight and visibly celebrate and support the success of the team. They will bring a demonstrated ability to work effectively with strong personalities and viewpoints without avoiding conflict or hard choices.
Fundraising : The Vice President will have a track record of or will bring a demonstrated capacity to maintain and raise the financial resources to invest in talent, intellectual capital and innovative programming.
Leading Teams : An inspiring and inclusive manager, they will be driven towards solutions, accountable to colleagues, and open to innovation and transformation.
They will bring a demonstrated ability to recruit, cultivate, and retain talent and to develop and maintain a healthy organizational culture.
Demonstrated Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion : They will bring a demonstrated track record of personal and professional commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
They will have experience translating an organization’s values into specific strategies and actions, including advancing and sustaining an organizational culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion in a leadership role.
They will have experience developing and leading a diverse staff focused on a wide range of subjects.
Above Partisanship : The right candidate for Brookings will bring a demonstrated and unwavering commitment to rigorous, fact-based research and policy analysis.
They will be politically astute but think through issues on the merits, above partisanship.