Center Coordinator, CUE (Job ID: 2024-3438) - 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 program's research agenda is related to policies and trends affecting developing countries including global poverty, universal education, the global middle class, fragile states, globalization, inequality, foreign assistance and development effectiveness

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 Global Economy and Development program at Brookings aims to shape the policy debate on how to improve global economic cooperation and fight global poverty and sources of social stress. The Center for Universal Education (CUE), founded in 2002 as part of the Global Economy and Development 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.

The Center Coordinator of CUE works under the direction of the Assistant Director to provide administrative and operations support across CUE’s portfolio, including center financial and event coordination. Duties will include internal and external communications, as well as coordinating logistical arrangements for CUE’s public events such as conferences, seminars, and meetings. Additionally, the Center Coordinator will collaborate closely with the Global Finance and Administration team to ensure the effective management of Center contracts, payments, and expense reporting.

This is a two-year termed appointment, with the potential to renew.

Center Administrative Support (40%)

• Provides overall cross-center operations support, assisting with liaisons between research teams and business units

• Maintain internal CUE communications channels including bi-weekly meeting facilitation support, knowledge management processes and systems, management of the team calendar, and internal staff update emails

• Coordinate team-building activities including annual retreat and monthly social activities

• Maintain external CUE communications channels, including managing CUE-wide email inboxes, ensuring appropriate and timely follow up on external requests for information or action, and serving as the point of contact for CUE non-resident fellows, as needed

• Assist with scheduling and travel bookings for Deputy Director and others as needed.

• Other duties as assigned.

Center Finance Support (30%)

• In coordination with Global Finance colleagues, serve as the center's point person on day-to-day financial and budgetary questions

• Manage Center purchasing card expense reporting

Events Support (30%)

• Working closely with the Assistant Director and communications team, support the logistical planning and execution of CUE's cross-center public events (e.g. annual spring symposium and UN General Assembly week meetings).  When needed, assist research teams in the logistical planning for other public events

• Assist CUE research teams in planning all types of private/internal events (including seminars, policy roundtables, briefings and workshops)

• Work with communications team to maintain and update a quarterly event calendar, inform team of updates related to events and team roles related to events

• Other 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/Expereince Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required.  Minimum of two years (three to four years preferred) of solid work or internship experience including project coordination, financial and administrative support, and event organization. Interest in international development, education, and/or international relations preferred. Work experience in non-profit, public sector, academia, or policy organization preferred.

Knowledge/Skill Requirements

High degree of cultural sensitivity and comfort working in an office environment with diverse staff in research and operational roles. Excellent oral and written communication skills required. Ability to work independently and within a team to effectively multi-task, prioritize, and meet multiple deadlines with accuracy and precision in a fast-paced work environment.  Strong organizational skills with professional demeanor and work ethic. Cooperative and proactive attitude and flexibility with a willingness to back up others.  Competence to undertake assignments with little supervision. Demonstrated experience using Microsoft Office (MS) Suite (including Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, and Teams). English fluency is required.  Proficiency in another language(s) is strongly preferred.   Must be currently authorized to work for any employer in the U.S

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.