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. 

Join the team at the Brookings Institution’s Economic Studies program (ES), and work with experts as they focus on addressing obstacles to long-term economic growth and opportunity. ES 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 the labor market, regulation, health policy, and fiscal and monetary policy. ES 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.

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.

Responsibilities

Ready to contribute to Brookings success? 

The Finance Manager is accountable for financial analysis; for preparing, managing, implementing, and reconciling budgets and forecasts; oversight of all financial transactions in portfolio; and for managing grant proposals, reports, and contracts for a portfolio of projects within the Economic Studies Program.

Budget and Forecast Management (50%)

• Responsible for financial management of projects assigned to the FM’s portfolio, in consultation and coordination with senior project staff and the Director of Finance.
• Forecasts obligations, expenditures, and revenue for projects and departments.
• Oversees revenue distribution and compliance with grant terms in the portfolio.
• Drafts annual budgets and forecasts for a portfolio of projects in close consultation with the Director of Finance.
• Provides related analyses, reporting and other materials to facilitate the review and decision making on financial matters related to the projects.
• Produces, coordinates and approves financial reports at the grant, project and/or department level (internal and external).
• Authorizes and monitors project expenditures and purchases.

Project & Proposal Management (25%)

• Manages grants for a portfolio of projects; alerts senior project staff and the Director of Finance of any potential funding concerns or opportunities.
• Coordinates preparation of narrative and financial reports to funders.
• Develops, implements, and monitors contractual agreements, including subcontracts, in coordination with other ES staff.
• Serves as principal liaison for the finances and deliverables associated research projects with other research programs, Development, and Finance.
• Manages internal project budgets for portfolio using Workday and Adaptive.
• Prepares Economic Studies budgeting and reporting materials for further discussion and analysis as requested.
• Prepares reports, ad hoc analysis and project scenarios as needed for the Director of Finance.
• Develops proposal budgets and funding reports to assist fundraising efforts.
• Coordinates the preparation and review of project proposal budgets.
• Coordinates Federal proposals with Economic Studies Director of Finance and the Federal Grant and Contract Specialist in the Controller’s Office.

Financial Administration (25%)

• Processes and/or approves credit card transactions, requisitions, invoices, travel expense claims and other financial transactions.
• Manages cost allocations.
• Oversees procurement process and is responsible for the timeliness of transactions, paperwork submission and the accuracy of posted charges.
• Monitors, on monthly basis, all financial costs associated with projects within portfolio and submits journal entries as necessary for corrections.
• Produces expense reports upon request.
• Assists and advises staff members on all institutional financial processes including conference planning, research contracts, external billing, memorandums of understanding, reimbursements, etc.
• Serves as a liaison with other Finance Managers, other research programs, Development, Accounting, Grants Administration and Legal.
• Works on ad hoc financial assignments as requested by Director of Finance.

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; some business courses preferred. Minimum of four years of related financial or administrative experience required; some background in research, academic, financial, or non-profit setting is preferred.

Knowledge/Skill Requirements:

High level of attention to detail required; strong administrative and organizational skills; excellent oral and written communication skills; and knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite required. Strong problem-solving skills and customer-focused attitude required. In-depth knowledge of financial software applications, databases, spreadsheets, and financial modeling required. Budgeting experience required; must have excellent organizational skills and initiative to manage logistics of projects independently. Must be a mature, self-motivated, team player who gets along well with a variety of personality-types and can work independently. Must be flexible and capable of working in a fast-paced environment with shifting and competing priorities. Extreme honesty and discretion required, with the ability to appropriately handle confidential information.

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.