Gov. Affairs Manager
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 Government Affairs Manager (Manager), plays a pivotal role in facilitating the institution's engagement with government bodies (including departments and agencies) and policymakers at all levels. Reporting to the Senior Director of Communications and Public Affairs, the Manager’s responsibilities include coordinating and executing comprehensive strategies to foster productive relationships by scholars with government bodies and stakeholders, and monitoring legislative and regulatory developments relevant to Brookings' mission and research areas.
Responsibilities
Communications/Congressional Outreach Strategies for Brookings Community (50%)
Develop and implement short- and long- terms plans to track and effectively promote our scholars’ work to policymakers, government agencies, and their staffs, employing various channels such as written materials, briefings, presentations, and public speaking engagements
Utilize professional knowledge of the public policy process and established contacts to analyze potential opportunities and intersections of proposed legislative and regulatory activity with the work of the Brookings scholars
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, think tanks, trade associations, and relevant stakeholders on matters affecting the institution’s mission
Monitor, track, and promote the scheduling of testimony of Brookings scholars in Congress and in front of federal agencies, as well as in foreign, state, and local government entities
Collaborate with internal, cross-functional teams to conduct the work listed above
Communications/Internal Support Strategies (50%)
Pursue opportunities for Brookings scholars to provide thought leadership on relevant issues, in Economics, Foreign Policy, Governance, Global Development, and Metropolitan policy
Support and advise scholars, staff, and leadership in their engagements with public officials
Help prepare subject matter experts to brief members of Congress, deliver testimony to government committees and commissions, and to provide educational briefings to congressional staffers
Create and establish a list of contacts for policymakers and government staffers for internal use
Manage invitation coordination for speakers of high importance at Brookings events
Qualifications
Education & Experience
Bachelor's degree in political science, international affairs, public policy, law or related fields
A minimum of five years of related work experience in government affairs, public policy, or related fields, preferably with a focus on engaging with government bodies and officials
Strong understanding of the legislative and regulatory processes at the federal level; local, state and/or international experience a plus
Proven track record in developing and executing strategic plans to engage with policy makers
Experience in providing guidance and support to scholars, staff, and leadership in their interactions with public officials
Must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S.
Brookings policy prohibits lobbying in the course of Brookings activities and this position will not be expected or permitted to engage in lobbying activities
Knowledge & Skills
Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to distill complex policy issues into clear and compelling messages
Demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders in the government and policy community
Analytical skills to assess the potential impact of legislative and regulatory developments on the institution's mission and research areas
Collaborative mindset with experience working across teams to achieve common objectives
Familiarity with diverse policy areas, such as economics, foreign policy, governance, global development, and metropolitan policy
Strong commitment to the values of nonpartisanship, scholar independence, civil debate, and inclusive policymaking
