Project Manager, China Center, Foreign Policy (Job ID 2026-3800)

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 Foreign Policy program at Brookings is the leading center of high-quality policy-relevant scholarship advancing actionable solutions to the major challenges to international peace and security. Brookings Foreign Policy scholars and staff draw on their deep expertise to engage in in-depth nonpartisan research and analysis aimed at informing policymakers and the public debate and developing concrete policy recommendations to address the worlds toughest problems.

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.

Please Note: This is a term-limited position. The appointment is expected to run through December 2028 contingent upon project needs and continued funding.

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

A bachelors degree is required; demonstrated interest and experience in China international relations and foreign policy is strongly preferred. Minimum four years of relevant professional experience in project management which may include operations or administrative roles for non-profit organizations including direct experience with event organization is required. Experience in a research setting is strongly preferred.

Knowledge/Skill Requirements

Organizational skills: Must possess superior organizational skills and a high level of initiative and attention to detail. Demonstrated event management and project management skills are required. Must be able to work independently multi-task and complete tasks in a timely manner. Must also be able to anticipate and identify disruptions and work collaboratively with colleagues to adjust plans as necessary.

Interpersonal skills: A high level of interpersonal skill is required to handle confidential situations and high-level contacts across the Institution. A combination of superior attention to detail and demonstrated poise tact flexibility and diplomacy is required to deal with fluid scheduling demands and a large volume of details. Ability to manage up down and across is imperative. Must be persuasive polished and collegial with ability to interact successfully with high-level individuals in diverse settings and must be able to serve as an effective ambassador for the Project.

Communication skills: Communication skills including information sharing and ability to create a common understanding of purpose and direction are oral communications skills and ability to write precisely and clearly are required. Must be able to identify contact and interact professionally and productively with all levels of internal and external stakeholders including potential consumers of Brookings products in order to achieve maximum impact. Must be able to independently draft internal and external communications.

Technical skills: Ability to create monitor and enforce simple budgets is required along with knowledge of basic financial and administrative practices including arrangement and administration of travel reimbursement contracts expense tracking and coding and operations are required. The Project Manager must be able to understand explain and maintain internal processes and must be able to handle sensitive and confidential information responsibly and with discretion. Substantive knowledge: Academic or professional familiarity with China and a broad range of international relations and foreign policy issues and a willingness to apply this knowledge generally in a management capacity is required.

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 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.

Please Note: Mustbe authorized towork for any employer in the U.S.