What are the responsibilities and job description for the Research Assistant (Job ID: 2023-3164) position at The Brookings Institution?
Overview:
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 Brookings Metro program delivers research and solutions to help metropolitan leaders build an advanced economy that works for all. To learn more, please visit brookings.edu/metro. Follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/brookingsmetro.
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 and visitors 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:
The Research Assistant supports Brookings Metro’s work on the trends, policies, and practices that influence inclusive economic growth in U.S. communities. Under the supervision of senior research staff (Fellow & Director of Applied Research), the Research Assistant will perform duties including: 1) researching, drafting, reviewing, and contributing to clear, organized, and persuasive written communications for a variety of audiences and purposes (such as external publication, project management, and outreach), 2) gathering data, conducting literature reviews, and synthesizing themes and findings, 3) preparing graphics and slides for presentations, 4) maintaining productive relationships with outside partners and experts to support collaboration; 5) managing the logistics of meetings and roundtables with outside partners, and 6) contributing to the development of thoughtful analysis and policy recommendations.
Research Assistance (75%)
Administrative Support (25%)
Education/Experience Requirements:
Bachelor’s degree or concentration in economics, public policy, urban planning, political science, data science, geography, or other social science required. At least one year of work experience providing similar work product, in fast-paced, public policy-oriented office (e.g., policy/political organizations, government, non-profit, or academic, including work-study). Preferred: Master’s degree or concentration in economics, public policy, urban planning, political science, geography, data science, or other quantitative social science. Must be authorized to work for any employer in the US.
Knowledge/Skill Requirements:
Required knowledge/skills include: strong writing, analytical, and research skills; strong facility with Microsoft Office suite, particularly advanced knowledge of Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Word; strong organization skills, time-management, and detail-orientation; strong interpersonal skills and mature judgement; ability to contribute to content development and graphic design; comfort with taking initiative; demonstrated ability to think creatively to find data, reports, or academic literature on a given topic quickly.
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. In addition, this position requires submittal of a writing sample. Please upload your writing sample, not to exceed 4 pages.
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.
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 Brookings Metro program delivers research and solutions to help metropolitan leaders build an advanced economy that works for all. To learn more, please visit brookings.edu/metro. Follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/brookingsmetro.
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 and visitors 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 Research Assistant supports Brookings Metro’s work on the trends, policies, and practices that influence inclusive economic growth in U.S. communities. Under the supervision of senior research staff (Fellow & Director of Applied Research), the Research Assistant will perform duties including: 1) researching, drafting, reviewing, and contributing to clear, organized, and persuasive written communications for a variety of audiences and purposes (such as external publication, project management, and outreach), 2) gathering data, conducting literature reviews, and synthesizing themes and findings, 3) preparing graphics and slides for presentations, 4) maintaining productive relationships with outside partners and experts to support collaboration; 5) managing the logistics of meetings and roundtables with outside partners, and 6) contributing to the development of thoughtful analysis and policy recommendations.
Research Assistance (75%)
- Conduct relevant research for senior research staff as assigned.
- Compile, read, and provide analytical reviews and summaries of diverse existing literature, research notes, and relevant fields of practice.
- Contribute to and/or author outlines and high-quality first drafts of written materials, including reports and blog posts.
- Work closely with senior research staff through the publication process, including reviews and revisions.
- Gather and analyze data using tools like Microsoft Excel.
- Develop tables, graphs, charts, and other graphics for presentations and written materials.
- Help prepare public presentations for scholars; assist in delivering presentations to some audiences.
- Attend meetings, take notes, and write summary reports of outside policy briefings, conferences, forums, and symposiums.
- Contribute to program-wide data and policy infrastructure in collaboration with research assistant/analyst colleagues.
- Interact with internal and external stakeholders to inform research design/delivery, and to answer research questions.
- Collaborate with research assistants/analysts across Brookings Metro to gain data/insights in support of the program’s research.
- Conduct fact-checking of Metro publications as part of quality review process along with other research support staff.
Administrative Support (25%)
- Administer the logistics of virtual or in-person meetings with outside partners, including technology, invitations, agendas, email communication, travel arrangements, and collateral materials.
- Provide administrative and logistical support to senior research staff; in collaboration with other Metro staff, schedule appointments and makes travel arrangements or technical logistics; take notes in meetings/calls and maintain records to support project management; process reimbursements; prepare and edit correspondence and memos.
- Work with supervisor and Brookings Metro events staff to support events.
- Maintain relationships with key data staff at government agencies and think tanks as required.
- Update program databases (e.g., Salesforce) routinely with respect to relevant projects.
- Provide general administrative assistance, as needed.
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 or concentration in economics, public policy, urban planning, political science, data science, geography, or other social science required. At least one year of work experience providing similar work product, in fast-paced, public policy-oriented office (e.g., policy/political organizations, government, non-profit, or academic, including work-study). Preferred: Master’s degree or concentration in economics, public policy, urban planning, political science, geography, data science, or other quantitative social science. Must be authorized to work for any employer in the US.
Knowledge/Skill Requirements:
Required knowledge/skills include: strong writing, analytical, and research skills; strong facility with Microsoft Office suite, particularly advanced knowledge of Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Word; strong organization skills, time-management, and detail-orientation; strong interpersonal skills and mature judgement; ability to contribute to content development and graphic design; comfort with taking initiative; demonstrated ability to think creatively to find data, reports, or academic literature on a given topic quickly.
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. In addition, this position requires submittal of a writing sample. Please upload your writing sample, not to exceed 4 pages.
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.
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