Director of Communications, Economic Studies (Job ID: 2024-3504)

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 levels.

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 provides an inclusive and welcoming workplace that values the efforts of all contributors.

About Economic Studies

The Economic Studies (ES) program analyzes current and emerging economic issues facing the United States and the world. Based on that research, ES provides innovative, practical policy recommendations. The program 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 disseminating their findings to the policy community and the broader public.

Position Location

This position requires a minimum of three days per week of in-person presence at our Washington, DC office, with four to five days per week preferred.

Responsibilities

Ready to contribute to Brookings’ success?

The Director of Communications for the Economic Studies (ES) program manages strategic communications, media relations, events, and digital strategy efforts. This role supports the development and promotion of new research by more than 30 PhD economists across several areas of economics, including tax policy, fiscal and monetary policy, health policy, economic security, regulatory policy, and more.

The Director is responsible for developing and implementing a comprehensive communications strategy for ES, including digital marketing, outreach, media/press relations, branding/positioning strategy, content development, impact tracking, and event planning.

This position manages a team of communications professionals and coordinates efforts with other ES staff and contractors involved in communications. The Director works closely with Brookings’ Central Office of Communications and is a part of the ES Management Team, advising on management and strategic planning.

Communications Strategy Management (20%)

• Plan and implement overall strategic communications plan for ES, coordinating with the Brookings Central Office of Communications (COMM).
• Assist VP with long-term strategic communications efforts to ensure high impact.
• Identify target audiences, including key stakeholders in the media, government, academia, and the private sector.
• Focus on Economic Studies brand positioning and contribute to Brookings’ overall brand.
• Work with staff to develop partnerships with external organizations.
• Promote consistent messaging of Institutional priorities.

Program Management (20%)

• Ensure ES support staff perform communications duties effectively.
• Interact with Brookings General Counsel on institution-wide policy setting and uphold Brookings’ standards of independence.
• Oversee production and distribution of internal communications related to the communications team’s activities.

Content and Event Production (20%)

• Oversee editorial calendar and production of web and print content.
• Manage production of ES events and related content.
• Work with research staff to create blog posts and other commentary.
• Manage the production of digital marketing assets for email, social media, and the website.
• Oversee Brookings Quality Review guidelines for ES publications.

Media Relations (20%)

• Identify opportunities to position ES scholars as key media resources.
• Conduct assessments of ongoing work to identify media opportunities.
• Help ES researchers develop and monitor media goals.
• Develop media strategies for high-profile events and research publications.
• Draft, edit, and place op-eds with ES scholars.

Digital Communications Strategy (20%)

• Develop digital outreach strategies to maximize impact of ES research and events.
• Oversee the development of digital content, including for web, email, and social media.
• Ensure the website is updated accurately with relevant materials.
• Evaluate how external audiences interact with the Brookings website and adjust content to improve user experience.
• Oversee tracking and reporting of impact metrics related to ES work.

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; coursework in communications or public relations preferred.
• Minimum of eight years of experience in the communications field.
• Experience creating overall communications strategies and working with top-tier media in a fast-paced, policy-oriented environment.
• Must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S.

Knowledge/Skill Requirements

• Superior organizational skills, entrepreneurial attitude, and excellent written and oral communication skills required.
• Strong interest in economic policy preferred.
• Self-starter with minimal supervision.
• Strong interpersonal skills, discretion, poise, and mature judgment.
• Ability to work effectively and collegially with diverse staff levels.
• Strong familiarity with media outlets and strategies.
• Hands-on manager committed to professional development and coaching staff.
• Must be able to work in a fast-paced environment.

Additional Information

What can we offer you? Brookings provides a generous benefits package, including medical, dental, vision benefits, time off, and workplace flexibility. For more information, please visit Brookings Benefits.

Brookings requires all applicants to submit a cover letter and resume. Please attach your cover letter and resume as one document when applying.

Successful completion of a background investigation is required for employment at Brookings.

Brookings welcomes diversity in all its forms and encourages applications from a variety of backgrounds. Brookings is an equal-opportunity employer committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive workplace.

Learn more here