Government Affairs Manager - The Brookings Institution

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 mission of the Office of Communications is to provide the tools, strategies, products and programs to support the brand and its content, and to continually grow Brookings’s impact and effectiveness as a change agent for public policy in the United States and around the world. This purpose is realized if we help our scholars raise awareness, set the agenda and shape the debate around the public policy issues they choose to address. 

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.

Please note:This position is included in the staff bargaining unit, Brookings United, affiliated with the IFPTE Local 70 union, and is covered under the terms of the collective bargaining agreement. 

Ready to contribute to Brookings success? 

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.

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.

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 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. Must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S.

Knowledge/Skill Requirements

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.

Additional Information

What can we offer you? Brookings provides a generous benefit package that is comprehensive and includes both traditional benefits and unique offerings. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and vision benefits, generous time off, and workplace flexibility. For more information, please visit Brookings Benefits. 

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.