Research & Communications Coordinator (Job ID: 2023-3349)

Overview

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.

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.

Please note : This position is part of the union (Brookings United) and subject to the terms of the Memorandum of Agreement.

Responsibilities

Ready to contribute to Brookings success?

Brookings' Anti-Corruption, Democracy, and Security (ACDS) project is a three-year project to catalyze knowledge generation and collaboration in support of collective action toward reducing corruption, stregthening democracy, and improving global security for the benefit of nations and communities around the world.

The project's premise is that with strong and diverse partnerships, platforms for action-focused research and cross-learning on concrete challenges, and clear metrics to measure progress, the key actors in government, civil society, and the private sector will be willing and / or more able to pursue and implement the actions needed to effectively mitigate corruption, econonic inequality and advance democracy.

Through research, analysis, thought leadership, and strategic engagement, ACDS will equip key stakeholders with the knowledge and tools they need as they work to fulfill their anti-corruption commitments and take actions to stregthen democracy, weaken autocrats and enablers, and improve global security.

Under the guidance of the Assistant Director, the Research and Communications Coordinator provides research, communications, and administrative assistance for the ACDS project, including compiling and summarizing primary and secondary source materials for research, fact checking and copyediting publications, and providing calendar, event, logistics, and travel support.

They will have a secondary reporting line to the GS Communications Director and serve as liaison between the ACDS research team and GS communications, supporting the planning and preparation of ACDS publications, social media, website and events, including ensuring that project timelines are established for all publications, well communicated to relevant stakeholders, and that editorial and event deadlines, and established procedures are adhered to.

Funding for this position is approved through April 30, 2026, with the possibility for extension based on availability of funding.

Research Support (35%)

Under guidance from the Assistant Director, researches and collects primary materials and secondary source scholarship on topics related to the ACDS project including, but not limited to : anti-corruption;

transparency, accountability, and participation (TAP); financial transparency and integrity; government ethics; and natural resource governance.

• Compiles, organizes, and summarizes research materials.
• Collaborates with other ACDS research staff to provide a range of research support.
• Provides other research, drafting, fact-checking, formatting, and copyediting support on ACDS research deliverables and other project materials.

Communications and Engagement (35%)

• Serves as liaison between ACDS research team and GS communications, ensuring all project publications and events are well planned for and have gone through the appropriate review process.
• Under the guidance and direction of the GS Communications Director, maintains, monitors, and communicates editorial calendar deadlines for all ACDS publications, including social media, blog posts, reports, and book projects.
• Copyedits, formats, and otherwise prepares written works for publication.
• Under direction of GS Communications Director, and in consultation with the GS Events Manager, assists with the planning for and execution of ACDS public and private events.
• Prepares talking points, remarks, and other briefing materials for relevant ACDS team members in advance of events, media appearances, and other engagements.
• Communicates with external stakeholders, including frequent co-authors, commentators, and media contacts, on activities and developments.
• Assists with marketing, communications, and publicity for project-related publications and appearances.
• In collaboration with the GS Media Relations Manager, surveys the media landscape and forward plans for media outreach around relevant developments in ACDS issue areas.
• Assists with development of email and HubSpot communications to key stakeholders, including integrating edits from project leadership and GS Communications Director.
• Assists with development of social media content and supports promotion of ACDS work through relevant social media channels.

Administrative Support and Project Coordination (30%)

• Schedules and coordinates internal and external calls and meetings related to the ACDS project.
• Assists with the management of Project leadership’s daily schedules by tracking, coordinating, and scheduling relevant in-person and virtual meetings, internal and external calls;

follows up with calls and emails as needed; ensures that Chair and other team members (as applicable) are prepared for external events and meetings, and regularly reminds ACDS team members of upcoming events in advance.

• Assists as needed with logistical planning for meetings, conferences, and seminars, including travel and hotel arrangements, catering, and other meeting planning functions.
• Attends meetings, symposia, conferences, and hearings relevant to research projects; takes detailed notes (transcript-style or takeaways-style, as needed), and summarizes content of such events.
• Tracks ACDS publications, event participation, and other relevant activities and deliverables to support reporting processes and provides inputs to other team members to facilitate updates to the Chair’s website, bio, CV, and other profiles as needed.
• Maintains a list of ACDS tasks to be completed by Chair, organized by task priority, and briefs him on those tasks regularly.
• Tracks the status of ACDS deliverables and works with communication, event, operations, and development staff as necessary to ensure deliverables are produced on-time or to extend deadlines.
• Tracks, codes, and submits reimbursements where applicable for project-related expenses.
• Maintains ACDS key contact and distribution lists.

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 :

Education / Experience Requirements :

Bachelor’s degree in a social science, humanities, or related field required. Minimum 1-2 year of relevant experience (inclusive of internships and academic research positions) in event planning, administration, research, writing, and / or editing.

Knowledge / Skills Requirements :

• Demonstrated strong interpersonal and organizational skills; ability to work quickly and effectively to communicate complex information;
• ability to work independently and prioritize both one’s own work and the work of others among multiple competing tasks; where applicable, ability to work collaboratively with colleagues at Brookings and elsewhere;
• when applicable, willingness to work overtime or outside of normal operating hours; patience; comfort working under pressure;
• ability to communicate (both written and verbal) in a professional and appropriate manner with individuals at all levels, including high-profile individuals;
• research skills and interests across a diverse array of subjects; strong writing and editing ability; knowledge of Microsoft Office;

and capacity to learn other software.