Project and Research Assistant, CUE (Job ID: 2024-3427) - The Brookings Institution

Overview

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 Global Economy and Development (Global) program at Brookings equips global, national, and local policymakers with the cutting-edge knowledge and actionable tools they need to address shared challenges and achieve a more equitable, sustainable, and prosperous economic system for all. The Center for Universal Education (CUE), founded in 2002 as part of the Global program, is one of the leading policy centers focused on universal quality education across the world. We develop and disseminate effective solutions for quality education and skills development. We envision a world where all children and youth have the skills they need to succeed in the 21st century. The Center plays a critical role in influencing the development of policy related to global education and promotes actionable strategies for governments, civil society, and private enterprise. 

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 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.  

Please note: This position is part of the union (Brookings United) and subject to the terms of the Memorandum of Agreement. 

Responsibilities

Ready to contribute to Brookings success?

The Family Schools and Community Engagement (FSCE) team within CUE is seeking a Project and Research Assistant (PRA) to support its work. Reporting to the Senior Fellow and Director of CUE, the PRA will work on projects led by CUE’s director as well as projects associated with the FCSE team and other related research initiatives. This is a two-year termed appointment, with the potential to renew.

Project Assistance and Administrative Support (50%

• Assists the Senior Fellow and Director by providing administrative and coordination support, including meeting scheduling and reimbursements.

• Support the FSCE team with the development of the new strategy and programming for the Family Engagement in Education Network. 

• Supports the Senior Fellow and Director with communications to key partners and external stakeholders;

• Provides primary administrative support and coordinates the planning, execution, and follow-up related to virtual and/or in-person meetings, events, and workshops related to requests from key partners for webinars and presentations.

• Liaises across the program teams on key components of project implementation including finance, web, communications.

• Drafts key takeaway notes from virtual and/or in-person meetings and workshops, for review by the Director and/or Family Engagement Team;

• Regularly tracks and inputs relevant data into project monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) plans and trackers;

• Other administrative duties as assigned.

Research Assistance (50%)

• In support of the Senior Research Analyst and Senior Fellow, researches, reviews, compiles, and processes data and information on a broad range of topics as related to the research

• Reviews and organizes relevant research, data, and documents from various sources, including electronic databases, web research, libraries, and government documents;

• Provides support on analytical reviews and summaries of existing literature pertinent to assigned topics; compiles, abstracts, and organizes material into bibliographic form and summaries; maintains electronic bibliography files in a manner consistent with norms of the field.

• Writes summary reports, briefing memos, and bibliographies; synthesizes research and assists with drafting, editing, and/or proofreading concept notes, memos, briefing documents, and reports.

• Provides content for blogs as requested by the Leapfrogging team; monitors and summarizes current events, debates, policy analysis, and research

• Participates in relevant conferences, meetings, and briefings initiated by CUE and partner organizations, and serves as a project liaison and note-taker, writing summary reports as necessary.

• Other research assistance duties as assigned.

Qualifications

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 education, sociology, economics, international affairs, political science or related social science field required. Strong academic record. Minimum of one year of combined work and internship experience in project, administrative, or research assistance. Prior experience organizing high-level events and meetings with senior stakeholders. Experience living, working and/or studying abroad is a plus.

Knowledge/Skills Requirements

Proficiency in all Microsoft Office Suite programs required. Cooperative attitude and flexibility with the ability to work as part of a team. Administrative experience and sharp attention to detail.

Familiarity with basic qualitative research methods such as conducting literature reviews and web research. Ability to multi-task and meet multiple deadlines in a timely manner, within a fast-paced work environment.

Professional demeanor and level of comfort working with individuals from government and international sector. Ability to work well under pressure with poise and discretion and to exercise mature judgment. Knowledge of global education issues, including family engagement, strongly preferred. Ability to work with minimal supervision.

Strong written and verbal communication skills are advantageous, including preparing papers, editing, and proofreading.

Complete fluency in written and spoken English is required.

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.

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.