Staff Assistant, Hutchins Center on Fiscal and Monetary Policy (Job ID: 2025-3636)

Overview

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. ES’s 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.

About The Hutchins Center: The mission of the Hutchins Center on Fiscal and Monetary Policy is to improve the quality and efficacy of fiscal and monetary policies and public understanding of them. It draws on the expertise of Brookings scholars and of experts in government, academia, think tanks and business. By commissioning research, convening private and public events, it seeks to generate new thinking, promote constructive criticism, and provide a forum for reasoned debate.

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.

Please note: This position is included in the staff bargaining unit, Brookings United, affiliated with the IFPTE Local 70 union, and is covered under the terms of the collective bargaining agreement. 

Responsibilities

Ready to contribute to Brookings success?

The Staff Assistant supports the Hutchins Center on Fiscal and Monetary Policy, including both direct administrative support to principles and project support. Responsibilities include organizing internal and external meetings, management of senior staff calendars and travel schedules, event and conference preparation and execution, project assistance, and office management.

Project Support (50%)

• Serve as administrative backbone of multi-year project on climate change, extreme weather, and the property-casualty insurance market. Project involves multiple elements and key personnel and will require active staff support to stay organized.

• Act as liaison between project leads and other personnel: drafting communications; setting and reminding of deadlines and deliverables; leading scheduling efforts for calls, meetings, seminars, and events; providing travel-booking and/or reimbursement assistance as needed; hosting virtual meetings on Teams and/or Zoom; supporting planning and execution of in-person meetings and events.

• Serve as point of contact for authors/researchers from whom work is commissioned, sending communications regarding contracts, deadlines, and process.

• Be comfortable “managing up” to ensure project leads are meeting deadlines and deliverables; will work in close consultation with associate director on this.

Administrative Support (50%)

• Manage multiple senior scholar calendars, schedule and prepare for appointments, assist with correspondence. Manage flow of information to scholars; anticipate senior staff needs and provide relevant information regarding schedule, appointments/meetings, and correspondence.

• Make travel arrangements, prepare itineraries, process reimbursements, and maintain records of project-related travel expenses and billing.

• Receive, screen, and route phone calls and email inquiries; receive staff and visitors.

• As requested, maintain detailed records of scholar activities, including publications, meetings, media contacts, boards, bios and CVs. Organize and maintain files, both written and electronic.

• Manage and track expenses and invoices; verify procurement card charges and submit necessary materials to finance team for processing.

• Assist with maintenance of office space; order and maintain office supplies.

• Support special projects, day-to-day logistics, and overall Hutchins Center administrative operations, in collaboration with senior project manager and associate director.

• Use judgment to identify opportunities and anticipate problems, suggest solutions. Manage sensitive information and materials with discretion.

• Serve as back-up support for additional senior scholars and/or projects, as needed.

Qualifications

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 required. Minimum one year of relevant administrative and/or organizational experience required; experience can come from prior employment, internship, or applicable undergraduate/graduate work. A background in a research, policy, or academic setting is preferred. Must be authorized to work for any employer in the US. 

Knowledge/Skill Requirements:

Microsoft Office experience required; excellent written and oral communication skills; acute attention to detail; exceptionally strong organizational and interpersonal skills; ability to manage multiple concurrent tasks, set priorities, and adjust to shifting priorities; ability to work with a team; must possess initiative, discretion, poise, and mature judgment. Strong attention to detail and ability to multi-task 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.