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 Executive Office (EO) moves the Brookings mission forward by supporting and guiding the research programs, external affairs, and business operations of the Institution. The EO consists of the President’s office and the President's support team and aims to communicate regularly and transparently with Brookings staff about what’s happening at the institutional level.

Position Location: This position is hybrid. Hybrid positions combine regular in-person presence at our Washington, DC office with the option of at least one day of remote work each week. Due to the nature of supporting an executive the requirement is to be on site 3-4 days per week.

Vaccine Policy: Brookings requires all staff and visitors 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?

The speechwriter serves as the primary writer for the president and as the project manager of communications efforts connected to the executive office. This position works closely with, and has a dotted-line reporting relationship to, the vice president of communications and public affairs and her team to ensure coordination of the president’s and the institution’s communications efforts. This is a key role in the executive office and contributes to its overall effectiveness in advancing the president’s priorities, including as a critical liaison to research program and business unit leadership to coordinate internal communications and activities of the president.

Writing (60%)

• Serves as lead writer and content creator
• Works with event organizers to draft talking points and remarks for the president, ensuring suitability and consistency in executive office messaging priorities
• Develops concept notes, decision memos, blogs, scripts, op-eds, and briefing materials
• Works with the president, executive office colleagues, and executive leadership team staff to draft president’s reports for board meetings and, board committee meetings, and internal audiences
• Supports the fully vetted completion of materials, including stakeholder input, data verification, fact checking, editing, and proofreading as required
• To inform and support quality writing, works closely with the vice president of communications and public affairs to research and track issues related to the work and priorities of the president and the institution
• Develops messaging and drafts communications and correspondence for various audiences, as needed

Communications project management (40%)

• Works closely with Brookings central communications, central development, and other relevant functional areas to coordinate and ensure preparation for all public events, including public interviews, donor events, speeches, media appearances, etc.
• Acts as the principal liaison between the executive office and central communications, including managing the executive office’s institutional communications and messaging of written material from the executive office, including op-eds, statements, and press releases
• Ensures coordination and successful delivery of programming and content for high profile events related the president and her priorities, such as for board meetings, board committee meetings, staff Town Halls, or International Advisory Council events; includes coordination with central communications, central development, and other executive office colleagues on program logistics, the development of materials, and the preparation of participants

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 required. Minimum five years of relevant work experience required; experience providing staff support for senior leaders is preferred. Must have outstanding research, writing, and analytical skills, plus a demonstrated familiarity with and interest in public policy issues. Ability to write knowledgeably and comfortably about public policy issues to broad general audiences. Complete fluency in written and oral English required. Must be currently authorized to work for any employer in the United States.

Knowledge/Skills Requirements:

Excellent writing skills are essential to this position’s success, including concept and message development and drafting, fact checking, editing, and proofreading. Must be able to write clearly and concisely for different audiences. Must possess excellent organizational skills and a proactive approach with a high level of attention to detail; and be able to work independently, multi-task, and complete tasks in a timely manner. Ability to interact with all levels of internal and external stakeholders and demonstrate impeccable judgment and interpersonal skills is required. Must possess the poise, tact, discretion, and mature judgment to handle and respond appropriately and professionally in a high-pressure and dynamic atmosphere. High degree of professionalism with discretion and the ability to maintain confidentiality of highly sensitive information. Must possess advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office applications including Office 365.

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.