Communications and Outreach Assistant

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. 

About Economic Studies: The Economic Studies program analyzes current and emerging economic issues facing the United States and the world and provides innovative, practical policy recommendations. ES’s work covers a broad array of issues, including the labor market, economic and financial regulation, health, inequality, social policy, and fiscal and monetary policies.

About the Hamilton Project: The Hamilton Project (THP) at the Brookings Institution produces research and policy proposals on how to create a growing economy that benefits more Americans. Our economic strategy reflects a judgment that long term prosperity is best achieved by making economic growth broad-based, by enhancing individual economic security, and by embracing a role for effective government in making needed public investments. The Project focuses on a broad range of topics in applied microeconomics with applications to economy policy. Current and recent projects include papers on how the pandemic and recession will affect the economy in future years, reforming federal support for higher education, reducing crime and incarceration rates, reforms that would increase productivity growth, the wealth gap between Black and white households, policies to strengthen the labor market and enhance wage growth, and policies to support communities’ economic development. Visit www.hamiltonproject.org for more information.

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.  

Ready to contribute to Brookings success? 

Join the team at the Brookings Institution’s Economic Studies program (ES), and work with experts as they focus on addressing obstacles to long-term economic growth and opportunity. ES analyzes current and emerging economic issues facing the United States and the world and based on that research, provides innovative, practical policy recommendations. ES’s work covers a broad array of economic issues, including the labor market, regulation, health policy, and fiscal and monetary policy. ES scholars influence key economic policies by conducting rigorous and relevant research and then disseminating and communicating their findings to the policy community and to the broader public.  

The Communications and Outreach Assistant supports The Hamilton Project (THP). Responsibilities include organizing internal and external meetings, management of senior staff calendars and travel schedules, support with event coordination, communications support, outreach support, project assistance, and office management.

Events and Outreach Assistance (40%)

• Assist with event development, planning, and overall coordination.
• Assist drafting and copyediting content for events, including agendas and invitations.
• Assist with maintaining stakeholder lists and drafting and copyediting stakeholder materials.
• Assist with scheduling and coordinating meetings, video conferences, and teleconferences; track attendance, maintain meeting files and other details for regular external and internal meetings and conference calls with multiple high-level participants.
• Serve as liaison to relevant internal and external vendors and partners.
• Assist with set up and coordination during events and help resolve any problems that may arise.
• Conduct post-event actions, including travel expense reimbursement and thank you notes.

Administrative Support (30%)

• Make travel arrangements, prepare itineraries, arrange for reimbursement, and maintain records of project-related travel expenses and billing
• Manage senior staff calendars, schedule appointments, and provide relevant information regarding meeting requirements.
• Receive, screen, and route phone calls; receive and disseminate information related to projects; respond to inquiries from the public; receive staff and visitors.
• Organize and maintain files, both written and electronic.
• Assist with maintenance of office space; order and maintain office supplies. Support with special projects, day-to-day coordination, and overall THP related items.
• Support contracting with external partners in coordination with internal stakeholders.
• Maintain THP’s editorial calendar tools and track product timelines.

Communications Assistance (30%)

• In coordination with THP Senior Communications Coordinator:
  • Assist with developing and updating media lists.
  • Draft website content and post content on THP and Brookings websites.
  • Draft and design content for social media and THP newsletters.
  • Copyedit various THP products.

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 one year of relevant experience required; experience can come from prior employment, internship, or applicable undergraduate/graduate work. Administrative and/or organizational experience preferred. Conference planning experience preferred. Communications experience preferred. A background in a research, policy, or academic setting is preferred. Must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S.

Knowledge/Skill Requirements:

Microsoft Office experience required; Excellent written and oral communication skills; acute attention to detail; excellent internet searching skills; organizational, and interpersonal skills to manage an office independently; ability to manage multiple tasks, set priorities, and adjust to shifting priorities; ability to work with a team; must possess initiative, discretion, poise, 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.

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.