Senior Fellow & Director of Trade and Economic Statecraft (Job ID: 2025-3617)

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 the Economic Studies Program: The Economic Studies program analyzes current and emerging economic issues facing the United States and the world and based on that research provides innovative practical policy recommendations. ESs work covers a broad array of economic issues including economic growth economic opportunity and mobility the labor market regulation health policy the environment tax policy retirement policy and fiscal and monetary policy. Economic Studies 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.

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.

Ready to contribute to Brookings success

The Director for Trade and Economic Statecraft is a fellow/senior fellow within the Economic Studies (ES) Program who will both conduct independent research and monitor Institution-wide activities on trade and economic statecraft.

As a scholar the Director will conduct and publish independent research on policy-oriented topics related to trade and economic statecraft including such themes as tariffs export controls economic sanctions trade deficits supply chain resiliency and currency and international capital markets. In addition to independent research the Director will seek opportunities to collaborate with scholars in ES across the Institution and externally. The Director will achieve impact by conducting high-quality independent research sharing findings with policymakers and other stakeholders presenting their research at academic conferences and utilizing traditional and social media.

The Director will also help to coordinate and disseminate Institution-wide research efforts surrounding trade and economic statecraft. These responsibilities include meeting with various scholars specializing in this topic area assessing opportunities for additional scholarship coordinating research and collaboration on trade and economic statecraft research across the Institutions five programs and promoting the dissemination of research.

The Director will have a key role in partnering with development and finance staff to build and steward funding for the Institution to expand its research capacity in key areas related to trade and economic statecraft. The Director will also engage in activities that support a scholarly community including attending and presenting at seminars engaging in recruitment activities and supporting other program goals.

In all their work the Director is expected to perform and conduct operations in a way that supports a welcoming and inclusive community while upholding Brookings standards of quality and independence. This includes but is not limited to appropriately managing all conflicts of interest and all interactions with foreign governments.

Research and Research Management

• Conducts in-depth high-quality public policy research in area of expertise independently and in collaboration with other scholars. Provides guidance and support to junior fellows to support their work.

• Authors or co-authors policy and research reports blogs and op-eds.

• Routinely provides reports and summaries of activities and impact for a variety of purposes.

• Presents research and gives talks at select outside meetings and conferences.

• Convenes private roundtables author conferences and public events to inform research and disseminate work.

• Leads and actively participates in ES program and scholar community activities including seminars recruiting service to the profession and diversity equity and inclusion initiatives. Generally acts as a good citizen of their program and Brookings.

Coordination of Research Activity

• Monitors the research of Brookings scholars with expertise in trade and economic statecraft in service of identifying potential areas of future research.

• Coordinates activity for relevant scholars with the goal of fostering cross-program collaboration and maximizing the impact of Brookings research.

• At the discretion of Institution leadership serves as a point of contact for matters related to trade and economic statecraft.

Communications & Dissemination

• In collaboration with the Research Vice President develops a research/policy agenda for ES research on trade and economic statecraft.

• Routinely provides reports and summaries of activities and impact for a variety of purposes.

Fundraising

• Works with the ES Development Team to develop and implement funding strategies that ensure a future stream of funding for research activities including the possible establishment of a new center. Leads fundraising and stewardship efforts for current and prospective donors. Works with finance team to ensure finances align with work plans.

• Develops and maintains responsive and productive relationships with existing funders and leads engagement with potential funders in consultation with Development team.

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

The position will be filled at either the Fellow or Senior Fellow level as determined by the expertise and accomplishments of the candidate and the needs of the Economic Studies program. In either case an advanced degree is preferred and a terminal degree in a relevant field is required for a senior appointment. At least five years of relevant experience in economic research and/or policymaking is required. The successful candidate will be established and well-regarded in their field of expertise. They will have a record of distinguished experience and/or leadership in government academia the non-profit sector or the private sector. Must have a demonstrated ability to understand and write knowledgeably about public policy research of the quality necessary for publication in a top academic journal.

Candidates considered at the senior level must have at least three of the following:

• A Ph.D. or other terminal degree in relevant field.

• Proven record of publishing that demonstrates in-depth research rigorous analysis recognized excellence in the field and policy relevance. Publications can be from professional or academic journals edited volumes single-authored books and/or policy-oriented publications.

• Significant professional experience from the public private academic or non-profit sectors. For scholars whose work is practitioner-based candidates must be able to demonstrate an exceptional professional track record with significant leadership strategy and policy experience.

• Track record of academic or policy impact such as framing issues setting agendas or affecting evidence-based changes in policy and practice.

Knowledge/Skill Requirements

Must be able to lead independent research and competently lead issue-focused meetings initiatives high-level conferences and other events without supervision. Must be comfortable working with high-ranking decision makers senior government officials current and potential funders and Brookings senior management. Must show a commitment to contributing to a supportive and productive workplace with a diverse workforce. Must have an interest in or experience with mentoring junior staff and an ability to work collegially with staff at all levels and in all job profiles. Must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S.

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 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 selection decisions are based upon merit skills abilities and experience.