Research Analyst (Job ID: 2023-3348)

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. 

The Governance Studies program at Brookings is dedicated to analyzing policy issues, political institutions and processes, and contemporary governance challenges. Our scholarship identifies areas in need of reform and proposes specific solutions with the goals of: improving the performance of the national government; informing debate; and providing policymakers with expert analysis and ideas to ensure better institutional governance. 

Position Location: This position is hybrid. Hybrid positions combine regular in-person presence at our Washington, DC office with the option of at least two days of remote work each week.  

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.    

Please note: This position is part of the union (Brookings United) and subject to the terms of the Memorandum of Agreement.  

Responsibilities

Ready to contribute to Brookings success?

Brookings’ Anti-Corruption, Democracy, and Security (ACDS) project is a three-year project to catalyze knowledge generation and collaboration in support of collective action toward reducing corruption, strengthening democracy, and improving global security for the benefit of nations and communities around the world. The project’s premise is that with strong and diverse partnerships, platforms for action-focused research and cross-learning on concrete challenges, and clear metrics to measure progress, the key actors in government, civil society, and the private sector will be willing and/or more able to pursue and implement the actions needed to effectively mitigate corruption, economic inequality and advance democracy. Through research, analysis, thought leadership, and strategic engagement, ACDS will equip key stakeholders with the knowledge and tools they need as they work to fulfill their anti-corruption commitments and take actions to strengthen democracy, weaken autocrats and enablers, and improve global security.

Reporting to the Senior Research Associate, Associate Fellow, and Assistant Director (“Assistant Director”), the Research Analyst provides research, writing, stakeholder engagement, and project management assistance to the ACDS project. The Research Analyst coordinates with the ACDS team to support development of research strategies and implementation of research agenda, conducts research on key topics, drafts summaries of findings, proactively coordinates with other team members to advance implementation of and address questions about work assignments, supports quality assurance processes for materials, supports the management of publication process as needed, and interacts with internal and external stakeholders and donors. Funding for this position is approved through April 30, 2026, with the possibility for extension based on availability of funding.

Research Support (60%)

• Contributes to and works with Assistant Director, Senior Director, and other project staff in planning and implementation of research agenda and specific deliverables.
• Suggests relevant ideas at all research phases.
• Conducts research on ACDS-relevant topics such as: anti-corruption; transparency, accountability, and participation (TAP); financial transparency and integrity; government ethics; and natural resource governance, including drafting research memos and conducting literature reviews.
• Drafts, edits, and fact-checks research products in preparation for publication.
• Independently conceives ideas for and/or assists with conceptualizing and drafting shorter knowledge products, such as blog posts, to enhance the reach of scholar’s research projects.
• Co-supervises interns with Assistant Director and guides interns on how to conduct such research activities, coordinates with them and other team members on assignments, reviews their work, and relays questions or concerns to project leadership.
• Attends meetings, symposia, conferences, and hearings relevant to research projects. Provides relevant notes and summaries to project team members.
• Independently compiles, reads, abstracts, synthesizes, analyzes, and organizes research material into summarized form.
• Analyzes key findings; draws conclusions and provides opinions; conducts independent analysis and summary of qualitative and quantitative data.
• Co-authors material for publication as appropriate.

Project Management Support (40%)

• Works closely with the ACDS project team, particularly the Assistant Director, to coordinate research processes both internally and externally (including with interns and consultants), plan events and other mechanisms for communication and engagement, develop and maintain stakeholder engagement lists.
• Conducts key informant interviews and other stakeholder engagement activities; tracks takeaways and follows up as needed.
• Coordinates with ACDS team and GS development and communications staff on timelines for project publications, events, and other deliverables.
• Uses mature, independent judgment to appropriately respond to external and internal requests for communication.
• Maintains list of priorities for project workstreams and briefs project leadership on those regularly.
• In coordination with other ACDS staff, coordinates and/or supports the research and publication processes for papers, manuscripts, op-eds, and other publications; delegates work to and reviews work of consultants, temps, and interns as needed; serves as point of contact with external and internal stakeholders as needed; assembles and communicates revisions and suggestions.
• Communicates with external stakeholders accurately and effectively on activities and developments related to ACDS research as appropriate, demonstrating professionalism and good judgment.
• Contributes ideas for external engagement, such as stakeholders and events.
• Collaborates with ACDS team and Brookings development officers in crafting and submitting funding proposals and reports to external donors.
• Attends meetings to take notes or minutes, as requested.
• Serves as back up to Research & Communications Assistant as needed to assist with scheduling and coordinating internal and external calls and meetings, logistical planning for meetings and other events, including travel and hotel arrangements, catering, and other meeting planning functions.
• Tracks, codes, and submits reimbursements where applicable for project-related expenses as needed.
• Recruits and oversees work of interns

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 in a social science or related field required; academic background in political science, economics, or related field preferred. Minimum two years of relevant work experience in social science research and/or project management.

Knowledge/Skills Requirements:

Strong qualitative research skills; strong writing and editing ability; strong project coordination abilities; initiative, discretion, diplomatic, mature judgment, and collaborative and organizational skills. When applicable, willingness to work overtime or outside of normal operating hours.

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.