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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 Office of Communications is a centralized service unit that develops effective communications products and strategies to empower and share impactful scholar messages to wide audiences. The Office of Communications meets the daily needs of the institution through web development and publication support, convening and event support, multimedia services like video, animations, and podcasting, governance of visual design and brand systemts, social media management, and institutional brand and media communications.
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 allstaffand visitorsto submit proof ofcompletevaccination against COVID-19to bein Brookingsbuildings.
Individuals that(i) havea 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.
Ready to contribute to Brookings success?
The Communications and Administrative Assistant serves as the primary point of contact for all internal and external constituencies for the Vice President of Communications and Public Affairs’ (VP) office. Provides administrative and project support to the VP, managing and coordinating meeting agendas and scheduling, tracking projects and deliverables, and supporting the VP’s activities and engagement efforts on special initiatives. Works closely with the Office of Communications (COMM) senior management team, the Executive Office (EO) and peers across the Institution to coordinate efficient and effective operations and special projects for the VP’s office.
Administrative Support for the Office of the Vice President (60%)
Provides comprehensive administrative support for the VP. Arranges and coordinates the Vice President’s (VP) daily and long-term schedule; handles all incoming requests and prep materials for meetings, speaking engagements, media interviews, etc. for the VP. Maintains key peer-level relationships across Brookings and with external key audiences to support effective calendar maintenance. Maintains contacts and email as needed.
Keeps the VP informed of items that arise throughout the day; uses discretion and judgment to suggest solutions and/or opportunities. Tracks action items to manage and ensure appropriate and timely follow up on internal and external requests for information or decision.
Works with the VP to distribute invitations, agendas, and materials for regular communications meetings. Responsible for the dissemination of information and taskers from communications team meetings. Proactively tracks status of VP priorities and projects, as requested.
Prepares travel arrangements and itineraries for the VP, including logistics, materials preparation, liaising between offices, information gathering, booking, procurement card and per-diem resolution, and ensuring timely follow up.
Handles all expenses and reimbursement for the VP.
Assists the Director of Communications Operations with monthly expense reports and contract routing.
Maintains ongoing relationship with Brookings Technology, attends regular liaison meetings. Connects staff with technology services through BHelp.
Project and Special Initiatives Support (40%)
In coordination with the Vice President, and other communications staff, helps draft, coordinate, and track communications deliverables for special projects and communications initiatives. Meets regularly with the VP to manage and determine priorities.
Helps the Vice President draft, edit, and finalize concept notes, background memos, briefings, talking points, and other written materials in support of communications initiatives. Supports integrated Communications and outreach campaigns with the creation of content as needed.
Helps the Vice President proofread, edit, and vet written materials to ensure compliance with internal processes and help identify areas for improvement.
Helps maintain guides for internal processes and coordination, including regular maintenance of style guides and internal Office of Communications platforms (Inside Brookings and Daily Sync).
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 or an equivalent combination of education and experience required. Minimum three years of relevant work experience that includes at least two years of supporting executive level staff. Work experience in a fast-paced, professional work environment, preferably in a communications, media, policy, government, or nonprofit setting. Demonstrated ability to work with senior-level executives; ability to work on independent projects; superior desktop personal computer skills (Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook); and solid writing skills required. Orientation to administration as a professional field preferred. Must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S.
Knowledge/Skills Requirements:
Excellent administrative, organizational, computer, and communication skills (including excellent grammar, spelling, proofreading, and editing skills) is required. Must have acute attention to detail and commitment to follow-through, be discreet, dependable, and work quickly while coordinating a variety of tasks simultaneously. A tactful and mature demeanor with ability to interact with all levels of internal and external stakeholders; high degree of professionalism and the ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive information; comfortable performing administrative/logistical coordination tasks; strong project management skills; comfortable working with data; ability to think ahead and plan proactively; excellent organization and coordination skills with a high commitment to customer service; ability to multitask and meet multiple deadlines and work well under pressure; mature judgment and ability to prioritize. Ability to work independently and in close cooperation with others.
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 attach a relevant portfolio for this position. 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.
