Assistant to the Vice President, Economic Studies (Job ID: 2025-3698)

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 Assistant to the Vice President of Economics Studies provides high-level administrative support for the Vice President & Director of the Brookings Economic Studies Program (VP). In addition provides general administrative support and office management to meet the operational needs of ES and coordinates special projects. Primary responsibilities include managing the VPs complex calendar including all internal and external scheduling activities commitments and deadlines as well as travel arrangements and expense processing.

Scheduling Travel and Administrative Support (75%)

• Serves as central point of contact for internal and external requests to the VPs office; uses judgment to identify opportunities and anticipate problems suggest solutions.

• Manages daily schedules and calendars; processes all internal and external requests for meetings and speaking engagements with guidance from VP.

• Maintains frequent contact and works closely to coordinate the goals/projects/priorities of the VP.

• Maintains key peer-level relationships across Brookings and with external key audiences to support effective calendar maintenance.

• Arranges internal and external meetings as requested by VP including greeting external guests who are meeting with the VP on campus.

• Ensure the VP is given and reviews all necessary materials in preparation for meetings and other activities and that the VP remains on track for activities and events that occur during the day.

• Drafts talking points and coordinates with the VPs research assistant on presentation materials ahead of speaking engagements.

• Arranges travel and prepares itineraries; processes reimbursements; verifies procurement card charges; collects and organizes logistical and briefing materials for meetings and travel.

• Provides partners with necessary background contact information and assistance to execute travel logistics.

• Works with communications development and other teams to schedule media interviews funder stewardship speaking engagements and other special events.

• Manages sensitive information and materials with discretion.

• Receives screens and routes phone calls; receives and disseminates information related to projects; responds to inquiries from the public; receives staff and visitors.

• Attends meetings to take notes or minutes as requested.

• Coordinates annual reports and annual performance review meetings with the VP for all scholars.

• Works with communication team to ensure that the VPs web page is updated and accurate and in compliance with conflict-of-interest disclosures.

Office Coordination and Program Support (25%)

• Monitor program facilities equipment and supplies and serve as primary contact for related staff requests.

• Manage procurement of supplies and equipment and ensure that program facilities and equipment are well-maintained.

• Serve as principal liaison to Procurement Office Facilities Mailroom and front desk staff.

• Proactively tracks status of VPs priorities and projects as requested.

• Assist in the planning execution and monitoring of special projects and initiatives led by the VP.

• Coordinates necessary logistics for events requested by VP (internal and all staff programming general meetings job talks/interviews and private events).

• Manage conference room calendars and keep conference rooms and other ES public areas neat and organized.

• Provides support for the Economic Studies management team on an as-needed basis including assisting with administrative duties and management team meetings.

• Other duties as assigned.

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:

Bachelors degree preferred or equivalent combination of education and experience. Minimum two years of experience providing scheduling and special assistance to an executive including a history of implementing best practice administrative assistant systems. A successful candidate will have professional experience that demonstrates strong organizational skills and an ability to perform and prioritize multiple tasks seamlessly and with exceptional attention to detail. Work experience in a fast-paced environment required; background in a research or academic setting strongly preferred. Office management experience preferred. Orientation to administration as a professional field preferred. Must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S.

Knowledge/Skill Requirements:

Microsoft Office experience with advanced knowledge of Outlook required. Comfort with learning new software/tools preferred. Excellent organizational communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to manage multiple tasks set priorities and adjust to shifting priorities. Ability to work independently and with a team; ability to complete tasks with minimal supervision. Initiative poise mature judgment and meticulous attention to detail. Ability to interact with high profile individuals and their designees with confidence. Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion.

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 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.