Senior Director for Communications and Public Affairs (Job ID: 2024-3491) - 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.  

Ready to contribute to Brookings success? 

The Senior Director for Communications and Public Affairs (hereinafter “Senior Director”) at the Brookings Institution will oversee a comprehensive portfolio that includes strategic communications, media relations, government affairs, and strategic partnerships. This role is crucial in enhancing Brookings' visibility and impact across media, government bodies, and key external stakeholders. The Senior Director will manage a team that ensures cohesive strategies that align with Brookings' mission and objectives. This position reports to the Vice President for Communications and Public Affairs and collaborates closely with senior leadership to advance the institution's public policy impact and external engagement, while safeguarding its reputation for quality and independence.

Media Relations and Communications Strategy (40%)

• Develop and implement media engagement strategies to elevate Brookings' visibility in key policy areas.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with journalists, editors, and media outlets to secure coverage of Brookings research and experts. Serve as institution spokesperson.
• Collaborate with internal teams to identify media opportunities, coordinate interviews, briefings, and events.
• Create press releases, media pitches, and materials to communicate Brookings' research effectively.
• Oversee media monitoring, reporting, and analysis to assess the impact of communications efforts.
• Work closely with the Vice President for Communications to implement media strategies aligning with the President's priorities.
• Oversee direct reports, including Senior Media Relations Manager, Senior Communications Manager, and more.
• Prepare the President for media engagements, ensuring key messaging alignment.
• Facilitate media interactions for the President, acting as a liaison to ensure seamless coordination with media.
• Develop and implement proactive strategies and response protocols for brand risk mitigation and crisis communications.
• Manage relationships with external media trainers and media monitoring vendors.
• Maintain oversight and mentor other members of the Central Communications teams to cultivate success.
• Facilitate and schedule media training sessions for staff as needed.
• Lead impact storytelling opportunities for Brookings’ strategy, writing and internal communications.

Government Relations and Policy Engagement (30%)

• Develop and execute comprehensive strategies to foster productive relationships between scholars and policymakers and government officials at all levels.
• In conjunction with the research programs and the Office of General Counsel (as appropriate), monitor legislative and regulatory developments relevant to Brookings' mission and research areas.
• Provide timely analysis to inform Brookings' initiatives.
• Serve as a trusted liaison between Brookings and government stakeholders, disseminating and advocating for Brookings’ evidence-based work to inform solutions to pressing policy challenges.
• Collaborate with Brookings scholars to support their research and recommendations effectively contribute to public discourse and policy formulation.
• Prepare scholars to brief members of Congress, deliver testimony to government committees and commissions, and provide educational briefings to congressional staffers.
• Work with internal, cross-functional teams to integrate government affairs priorities into overall organizational objectives.
• Advise and assist in responding to Congress and other governmental inquiries  reflecting Brookings' mission and values.

Partnerships and External Stakeholder Engagement (30%)

• Identify and cultivate partnerships with key external policy stakeholders.
• Oversee review partnership and co-branding requests from research programs in collaboration with the Office of General Counsel and the Office of Development.
• Provide strategic advice to programs and staff on the development and management of partnerships in alignment with Brookings’ policies and institutional priorities.
• Support the Vice President and other teams in developing guidance and strategies in areas including, among others intellectual property, branding, and donor recognition.

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 Communications, Journalism, Political Science, Public Policy, or a related field.  A minimum of ten years of professional work experience in media relations, government affairs, and strategic communications required. Proven track record in developing and executing strategic communications plans and partnerships to inform public policy outcomes. Extensive experience in providing guidance and support to scholars, staff, and leadership in their interactions with public officials Experience working with media in a fast-paced, policy or media environment preferred.  Communications experience in a government setting preferred. Must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S.

Knowledge/Skill Requirements

Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to tailor messages to diverse audiences. Demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships with media members and government stakeholders. Proficient in media monitoring tools and reporting techniques. Strategic thinker with the ability to lead overall communication strategy and goals. Detail-oriented, organized, and capable of managing multiple tasks simultaneously. Collaborative mindset with experience working across teams to achieve common objectives. Strong understanding of public policy issues and the legislative and regulatory processes at the federal, state, and global levels. Commitment to 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.