Deputy Chief of Staff

Position description

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 Executive Office: The Executive Office (EO) moves the Brookings mission forward by supporting and guiding the research programs, external affairs, and business operations of the Institution. The EO consists of the President’s office and the President’s support team and aims to communicate regularly and transparently with Brookings staff about what’s happening at the institutional level.

Ready to contribute to Brookings’ success?

The Deputy Chief of Staff (DCOS) is a senior strategic leader responsible for driving the operational and strategic direction of Brookings’ president’s office, ensuring that enterprise priorities are reflected in the president’s engagements, coordinating the president’s engagement with high-impact initiatives and special projects, including working with relevant internal and external stakeholders. This role partners closely with the president and VP and chief of staff (VPCOS) to ensure the president’s time is used effectively to deliver on institutional priorities, manage cross-functional support for the use of her time, and demonstrate operational excellence within president’s office, cultivate a high-performing, inclusive team culture.

Direct support of the president (70%)

• Exercise full accountability for the quality, timeliness, and strategic relevance of briefing materials, ensuring the president is prepared for all engagements, including in the development of the president’s daily briefing book.
• Work with the executive assistant/scheduler to oversee the development of the daily schedule and work with the President, including strategic calendar planning.
• Attend relevant meetings with the president, which will include some travel. Brief the president before meetings and use judgement to make recommendations regarding any required follow-up and execution. Track execution and follow up to ensure completion.
• Work with select stakeholders, maintaining and cultivating high-value relationships on behalf of the president’s office.
• Manage the flow of information into and out of the president’s office.
• Manage the work of the executive assistant/scheduler, lead writer, and research assistant to ensure exceptional support for the president.
• Engage with internal teams to strategically deploy the president’s time to support fundraising and communications efforts and ensure consistent messaging and alignment. Specifically, work closely with development to plan, develop, coordinate, and implement fundraising activities initiated by the president.
• Work with the director of board relations to support the president’s interactions with members of the board of trustees, including meeting preparation, implementation, and follow-up.
• Build capability across the president’s office team, mentoring staff and fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and professional growth.
• Champion innovative solutions and continuous improvement to enhance operational effectiveness and organizational impact of the president’s office.

Executive office responsibilities (20%)

• Support the chief of staff in leading the full executive office, including goal setting and performance tracking for the executive leadership team, ensuring efficiency, and use of best practices.
• Develop agendas and advance materials for executive leadership meeting, working with VPCOS to ensure effective use of time and alignment with the president’s priorities.
• Partner with VPCOS and VP, chief human resources officer on executive searches for vice presidents and other strategic hires directly reporting to the president.
• Lead special projects as identified with the president and chief of staff.

President’s office leadership (10%)

• With president and VPCOS, set and drive strategic and operational direction for the president’s office, ensuring alignment with enterprise priorities and board-approved objectives.
• Serve as a strategic thought partner to the president and chief of staff, proactively shaping priorities and translating high-level objectives into actionable plans.
• Lead the day-to-day functions of the president’s office, ensuring strategic priorities are reflected in the president’s calendar, time allocation, and engagement.
• Model inclusivity, integrity, and organizational stewardship, reinforcing Brookings’ culture and long-term mission.

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; Master’s degree in public policy, public administration, political science, communications, business administration, or a related field strongly preferred. Minimum of 15 years of progressively responsible experience in government, political strategy, nonprofit leadership, consulting, policy advocacy, or executive support roles in Washington, DC. Demonstrated understanding of the Washington, DC political environment, key stakeholders, and the nonprofit landscape.

Knowledge/Skill Requirements

Proven ability to think strategically, manage through influence, synthesize complex information, and make sound recommendations. Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to speak with authority and represent the executive office effectively. Strong organizational skills with the ability to anticipate needs, manage competing priorities, and follow through with urgency. Experience working directly with senior-level executives and cross-functional teams. Demonstrated ability to understand what makes for effective, high-quality briefing materials, agendas, and pre-read documents – and the ability to deliver those materials. Ability to operate with discretion, sound judgment, and professionalism.

Application instructions

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