Jobs

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 Global Economy and Development program at Brookings aims to shape the policy debate on how to improve global economic cooperation and fight global poverty and sources of social stress.  The program’s research agenda is related to policies and trends affecting developing countries including global poverty, universal education, the global middle class, fragile states, globalization, inequality, foreign assistance and development effectiveness. 

Position Location: Most Brookings positions are hybrid, combining regular in-person presence at our Washington, DC, office with the option of at least two days of remote work each week. We will prioritize candidates in or willing to relocate to the DC area for hybrid work, but will also consider remote applicants. Remote work applicants may not work from the following states: Alaska, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Michigan, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Washington.  

Vaccine Policy: Brookings requires all staff to submit proof of complete vaccination against COVID-19 to be in Brookings buildings.   

Individuals that (i) have a 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 Center for Universal Education (CUE), founded in 2002 as part of the Global Economy and Development program, is one of the leading policy centers focused on universal quality education across the world. We develop and disseminate effective solutions for quality education and skills development. We envision a world where all children and youth have the skills they need to succeed in the 21st century. The Center plays a critical role in influencing the development of policy related to global education and promotes actionable strategies for governments, civil society, and private enterprise. CUE is seeking an Impact Manager to support its work in measuring and communicating the efficacy of CUE’s work and strengthening our culture around learning and impact. The successful candidate will be responsible for the management of the design and implementation of efforts to monitor, evaluate, and report on impact for both internal and external audiences. They routinely collect quantitative and qualitative data, and use it to create compelling narratives about the outcomes of our work. They make recommendations to inform the effectiveness of our tracking systems and serve as a trusted advisor to program teams in developing theories of change. Using impact data, they prepare grant reports, case studies, presentations, and other written products for internal and external audiences. With an eye toward organizational growth, they help to structure and guide CUE’s internal and external learning efforts, alongside the Deputy Director and Center Manager. The position requires an individual who is mission-focused, strategic, collaborative, a strong team player, creative, self-motivated, open to change, and process minded. They report to the Deputy Director of CUE, and collaborate closely with the Center Manager and all of CUE’s research and project teams, as well as our many partners around the globe. This is a two-year termed position. Renewable contingent on funding.

Tracking, Measuring & Reporting Impact (60%)

• Leads, in close coordination with CUE leadership, the monitoring, evaluation, and learning process for CUE’s cross-center grants, including the development and refinement of indicators, collection of inputs across CUE’s research teams and external partners, and donor and public reporting on these indicators.
• Routinizes the collection and flow of impact data, beyond traditional metrics like clicks and hits, and leads ongoing efforts to optimize data collection and access
• Works closely with CUE’s external evaluators on project-specific data collection and evaluation design
• Proactively engages CUE researchers and project teams to learn more about the outcomes of their work and make connections across themes and geographies
• Leads the development and implementation of reporting systems to improve transparency and organizational learning within CUE
• Produces high quality written products that employ impact data, such as grant reports, newsletters, presentations, case studies, and other communications
• Actively participates in internal and external planning meetings, listening sessions, and events to gather data and develop a deep understanding of CUE’s work and impact model
• Provide training and support to CUE teams and external project partners to ensure the quality of CUE’s monitoring data

Impact Design & Planning (20%)

• Works with CUE leadership, Project Teams, and Global Development team to design impact strategies for proposed research and other projects, including setting feasible and realistic timelines for data collection, analysis, and reporting
• Manages and/or supports teams in the development and implementation of impact monitoring and evaluation tools such as theories of change, logic models, indicators, and reporting templates and systems
• Reviews impact criteria set by funders and potential funders in the proposal process and supports the design of plans to meet those criteria

Project Management & Administration (20%)

• Reads news articles and studies literature about impact tracking and monitoring, evaluation, and learning, in order to continuously improve CUE’s systems and processes
• Manages and ensures appropriate and timely follow-up on internal and external requests for information or action involving impact data or stories
• Manages contracting process for external evaluation consultants
• Handles confidential information with a high level of discretion
• Proposes, designs, and plans trainings on monitoring and evaluation tools and methodologies to enhance capacity of CUE staff & partners
• Collaborates closely with members of CUE’s Development and Communications teams to share information on the activities, outcomes, and impact for use in grant reports, annual/institutional reports, and other products

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: 

Qualifications Bachelor’s degree required (preferably in education, public policy, economics, sociology, or other social science), Master’s degree strongly preferred. A minimum of four years’ experience in a fast-paced, public sector-oriented office (e.g., government, non-profit, or policy/political organizations) strongly preferred. Prior experience working with monitoring evaluation tools, such as theories of change, indicators and metrics, or reporting templates and systems. Proven ability to work effectively in multi-cultural environments with individuals, organizations, and stakeholder groups representing diverse experiences and perspectives. Must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S.

Knowledge/Skill Requirements:

Knowledge of and experience with monitoring, evaluation, and learning best practices is a must. Experience designing and measuring impact strategies for research and public policy efforts are strongly preferred. Experience in education or global development sectors are preferred. Knowledge of effective project management processes and practices; strong organization, interpersonal, and relationship management skills. Experience employing impact data in high quality written products, such as grant reports, presentations, and other compelling formats. A desire to collaborate with and support colleagues. Self-motivation and comfort in working both independently and as part of a team; prioritization of developing and maintaining relationships both with colleagues and external partners. Familiarity with Microsoft Office programs (including Teams, Outlook, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint), and with the capacity to learn new programs and applications. Experience with Smartsheet a bonus. Fluency in English is required. Proficiency in an additional language(s) is highly preferred.

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 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.