Managing Director, Strategy Implementation (Job ID 2025-3756)

Join one of the most influential mostquotedand 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 tonew ideasfor solving problems facing society at the localnationaland global level.

We bring together leading experts in government and academia from all over the world rooted in open-minded inquiry andrepresentingdiverse 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 developmentgovernanceand 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 Presidents office and the Presidents support team and aims to communicate regularly and transparently with Brookings staff about whats happening at the institutional level.

Position Location: This position ishybrid. Hybrid positions combine regular in-person presence at our Washington DC office with theoptionof two days of remote work each week.

Ready to contribute toBrookingssuccess

The Managing Director Strategy Implementation is responsible for designing and leading a high-performing organizational function that accelerates strategic execution and transformation excellence across the Institution. This position will shape a scalable future-ready framework that strengthens organizational resilience enhances performance and fosters adoption of new ways of working to achieve the goals outlined in Brookings multiyear strategic plan. The role provides clarity structure and support in navigating complex change translating cultural and behavioral dimensions of transformationsuch as mindset adaptability and collaborationinto measurable and sustainable practices.

This is a three-year term appointment.

Strategy Implementation Planning

• Develops and leads the implementation of the organizations strategic plan across all research programs and business units.

• Engages the Brookings community to translate strategic goals into actionable workstreams milestones and measurable outcomes.

• Establishes and operationalizes a governance model to track progress escalate issues and support decision-making.

• Ensures alignment between strategic initiatives budgets and resource allocation.

Performance Management & Measurement

• Develops and manages dashboards performance indicators and reporting processes to measure progress toward strategic objectives.

• Identifies risks dependencies and barriers to implementation and proactively recommends corrective actions.

• Facilitates regular strategic reviews with executive leadership and stakeholders.

Change Leadership & Communication

• Manages an in-house implementation team and assesses the need for sources and manages consultants as needed.

• Drives cross-functional engagement to foster ownership accountability and collaboration.

• Supports stakeholder engagement communication and change management best practices to ensure organization-wide understanding and adoption of the strategic plan.

• Builds confidence and alignment through transparent communication storytelling and shared success metrics.

• Equips leaders with tools templates and processes to manage strategic execution within their areas.

Capability Building & Sustainability

• Builds internal capacity for challenge identification and prioritization change management evaluation and continuous improvement.

• Coaches change leaders and teams on outcome-based thinking and organization alignment.

• Develops documentation playbooks and frameworks to ensure continuity and momentum throughout the strategic implementation timeline.

Strategic Advisory & Collaboration

• Serves as a trusted strategic advisor to the Vice President Chief of Staff and the broader Executive Leadership Team (ELT) on transformation priorities and readiness.

• Cultivates strong partnerships across functional areas to ensure unified transformation delivery.

• Represents the transformation agenda at board executive and enterprise forums providing insight on progress and impact.

Ready to make an impact In this role you will support Brookings values of collegiality respect inclusiondiversityand community and bring the following qualifications:

Education/Experience Requirements

Bachelors degree in Business Organization Development or a related field; MBA or advanced degree preferred. Minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in consulting implementation or enterprise program management; minimum of 8 years engaging directly with executive clients. Advanced certifications in Change Management Lean Six Sigma or Organizational Development a plus. Proven success leading large-scale cross-functional implementation projects. Exceptional communication and executive presence with the ability to influence C-suite stakeholders. Strong business acumen and strategic problem-solving skills. Expertise in change management process optimization and technology adoption. PMP or similar certifications a plus. Must be comfortable working independently and making decisions. Strong critical thinking problem-solving and analytical skills. Must be thoughtful responsive and sensitive in response to employees questions or concerns.

Knowledge/Skill Requirements

Deep expertise in organizational transformation change enablement and continuous improvement. Proven record of translating strategy into execution and benefit realization. Strong governance and systems thinking mindsetbalancing agility control and risk. Exceptional leadership presence with the ability to influence and inspire at C-suite level. High emotional intelligence and analytical acumen. Experience designing structures that embed capability accountability and adaptability at scale. Strategic thinker with a consultative mindset and client-first orientation. Confident leader capable of navigating ambiguity and driving results under pressure. Collaborative team player with a focus on developing people and processes. Commitment to excellence innovation and continuous improvement.

Must be authorized to work for any employer in the US.

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 visitBrookings Benefits.

Brookings requires that all applicantssubmita 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 jobopeningyou should add a position-specific cover letter as aseparateattachment.

Successful completion of a background investigation isfor 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 anequal-opportunityemployer that is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive selection decisions are based upon merit skillsabilitiesand experience.