Director of Gov. & PA
About the Company
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 Job
The Director of Government and Public Affairs plays a pivotal role in facilitating the Institution's engagement with policymakers and decisionmakers in the public, private, and civic sectors through data-informed decision making and strategic leadership. Reporting to the Senior Director of Communications and Public Affairs, the Director will foster productive relationships between Brookings and government bodies and stakeholders in all sectors. Additionally, the Director will develop strategies for measuring and tracking impact.
Responsibilities
Strategy Development and Execution (65%)
Collaborate with Central Communications and Program Communications team members to develop strategies to reach key stakeholders with Brookings broadly disseminated work, including policymakers, industry leaders, and decisionmakers, including events, briefings, testimony, interviews, digital communications, collateral, etc.
Serve as a trusted liaison between Brookings and government stakeholders at all levels, broadly disseminating Brookings’ evidence-based work to inform solutions to pressing policy challenges
Serve as a strategic advisor to senior leadership on engagement opportunities and brand management within governmental and other external spheres
Identify and develop relationships with points of contact in the Washington D.C. public policy community, including the White House, U.S. Congress, Executive Branch Agencies, state and local associations, think tanks, trade associations, NGOs, and relevant stakeholders
Work with internal, cross-functional teams to integrate public affairs priorities and audience insights into overall organizational objectives
Collaborate with Brookings scholars and research programs communications staff to support the broad dissemination of their research and recommendations effectively contributing to public discourse
Guide optimization of audience outreach strategies across all channels, including digital and multimedia
Research & Analytics Leadership (20%)
Develop frameworks measuring impact of public affairs work
Collaborate with various teams to help them understand and identify their target audiences and the most effective ways to connect with them
Oversee the coordination and tracking of official testimony
Integrate insights gained from monitoring policy developments at global, national, and subnational levels into strategy
Identify emerging opportunities and platforms for engagement with key audiences, particularly decisionmakers
Team Management & Internal Support Strategies (15%)
Collaborate with peer directors across Communications and Public Affairs to ensure cohesive strategy implementation to ensure communications work is high-impact internally and externally
Collaborate with internal teams to identify opportunities to promote and broadly disseminate Brookings work to stakeholders via various channels such as written materials, print collateral, presentations, partnerships, digital and multimedia media, etc.
Serve as an internal consultant to subject matter experts on public affairs and audience engagement strategies
Establish team processes and workflows
Mentor a cross-functional team
Actively contribute to internal team and/or organizational work that shapes our systems and our culture
Other duties as assigned
Qualifications
Education & Experience
Bachelor's degree in Political Science, International Affairs, Public Policy, Law, Communications, Marketing, or a related field
Minimum of 8-10 years of progressive work experience in government affairs, public policy, audience strategy, communications, or public affairs
Proven experience in engaging with government bodies and officials, with a strong understanding of legislative and regulatory processes at the federal level;
additional experience at the local, state, and/or international levels is strongly preferred
Demonstrated ability to develop and execute strategic plans to engage with policymakers and other key stakeholders
Experience providing guidance and support to scholars, nonprofit staff, and/or leadership in their interactions with public officials
Strong track record of using data and research to drive strategic decisions and measure impact, including in policy or advocacy environments
Substantial experience in developing and executing multi-channel engagement strategies
Proven ability to translate complex research into actionable insights and communicate effectively with senior stakeholders
Background in digital strategy and familiarity with contemporary marketing and analytics tools is a plus
Minimum of 3 years of management experience leading cross-functional teams
Brookings policy prohibits lobbying in the course of Brookings activities and this position will not be expected or permitted to engage in lobbying activities
Must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S.
Knowledge & Skills
Excellent written and verbal communication skills with demonstrated ability to tailor messages to a diverse audience and translate complex data and research into compelling insights
Demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships across policy, government, and research communities
Strategic mindset with track record of developing engagement strategies that drive measurable results
Experience working in policy or advocacy environments with understanding of legislative and regulatory processes
Analytical skills to assess the potential impact of legislative and regulatory developments on the institution's mission and research areas
Proficient in analytics platforms, CRM systems, and audience research tools
Detail-oriented project manager capable of leading multiple complex initiatives simultaneously
Collaborative leader with proven ability to work across teams and guide cross-functional projects
Strong understanding of policy landscape and stakeholder ecosystem
Commitment to nonpartisanship, scholar independence, civil debate, and inclusive policymaking
