Director of Communications, Governance Studies (Job ID: 2024-3562) - 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 Governance Studies program at Brookings is dedicated to analyzing policy issues, political institutions and processes, and contemporary governance challenges. Our scholarship identifies areas in need of reform and proposes specific solutions with the goals of: improving the performance of the national government; informing debate; and providing policymakers with expert analysis and ideas to ensure better institutional governance.

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 Director of Communications, GS, (“Director”) manages the strategic communications efforts for Governance Studies (GS), one of Brookings’ five research programs that is dedicated to analyzing domestic policy issues, the conditions for upholding a successful democracy, American political institutions and processes, and contemporary governance challenges. In addition to playing a leadership role in the program, the Director supports the development and promotion of new research by more than 60 scholar-experts with diverse backgrounds, research interests, and areas of expertise. Our scholarship spans a wide range of topics, including technology and AI, education, racial equity and inclusion, campaigns and elections, effective governance, strengthening democracy, and more.

The Director is responsible for developing and implementing a comprehensive communications strategy for GS, its researchers, and its research centers and projects. This includes publication production and quality control, media relations, website administration, digital marketing, stakeholder outreach, event planning, and impact tracking and reporting. The Director manages a team of four communications professionals and coordinates communications efforts with other GS staff and contractors involved in communications activities. The position also works closely with Brookings’s Central Office of Communications (COMM) to ensure brand consistency, reputation management, and effective communication strategies across the Institution. The Director is an integral part of the GS Senior Management Team, assisting and advising the program Vice President on management issues and strategic planning for the program. 

Program Management (30%)

• Advise the VP on communications-related issues, including crisis communications and positioning of the program’s work externally.
• Review research project proposals and advise on required communications resources, timelines, overall communications goals for new projects, and the strategy to achieve them.
• Supervise, mentor, and develop GS communications staff; Identify opportunities for staff to increase their levels of responsibility; Ensure that staff is exceptionally well-coordinated.
• Establish procedures to streamline workflows and continually improve communications deliverables and processes.
• Interact with the Brookings General Counsel on institution-wide policy setting; enforce conflict of interest policies and conduct ongoing reviews of Brookings policies to uphold Brookings’ standards of independence.
• Participate in regular meetings with COMM to align strategies across the Institution and collaborate on cohesive messaging, outreach, branding, and other communications initiatives.
• Oversee the production and distribution of internal communications related to the impact of the program, including updates on new research, external activities, media mentions, etc.

Website and Digital Strategy (25%)

• Develop and supervise the execution of a digital communications strategy that ensures that GS content is the primary destination for policy decisionmakers; contribute to COMM’s digital communications strategy

• Supervise and support the GS Website and Visual Design Manager to ensure GS reports, blogs, testimony, op-eds, and other products are posted to the website efficiently and in line with Brookings quality standards.

• Work with COMM and GS communications staff to evaluate how external audiences interact with the Brookings website, and adjust web pages and content to improve user experience.

• Oversee strategic development of digital enhancements for Governance Studies research; work with COMM and GS Communications to ensure timely production of high-quality video, audio, interactive, and multimedia content.

• Develop digital outreach strategies to maximize impact of GS research, events, and projects.

• Direct GS social media strategy and grow engagement on digital outreach channels; work with COMM to continually evaluate and improve digital marketing strategies and identify opportunities to leverage Brookings’ Institution-wide outreach channels.

• Manage development of GS digital content, including text and creative for web, email, and social media. Continually review and update production procedures to meet evolving best practices and ensure materials are of the highest quality.

Communications Strategy (15%)

• Plan, socialize, and implement overall strategic communications plan for Governance Studies, coordinating with the Brookings’s Central Office of Communications as needed.

• Assist VP with long-term strategic communications efforts to ensure the program and its scholars maintain and enhance the high impact of the work of GS. Oversee efforts to achieve recognition of the program’s impact throughout the policy community (including the community of Brookings staff and supporters).

• Identify target audiences—including key stakeholders in the media, government, academia, and the private sector—for GS projects, events, and publications.

• Lead in developing and executing on plans that enhance GS brand positioning, working in close coordination with COMM to ensure GS’s efforts are consistent with and contribute to Brookings overall brand standards and positioning.

• Work with GS scholars and COMM to develop and approve partnerships with external organizations.

• Position communication strategies to support fundraising and other development efforts.

• Work with senior staff to promote consistent messaging of Institutional priorities.

Content Production (15%)

• Supervise and support the GS Communications Manager to maintain the department’s editorial calendar and manage production of all digital and print content, including, on average, 40 new research papers and over 500 accompanying blog posts, podcasts, testimony, and newsletters every year.

• Supervise and support the GS Communications Manager and blog editors to ensure GS research products are developed and produced in line with Brookings standards for quality and independence, including overseeing and enforcing Brookings quality review guidelines for all GS publications.

• Oversee the work of the GS Communications Manager to prepare digital publications for production (perform or approve copyedits, ensure necessary approvals, and arrange for formatting and publication).

• Work with research staff to create blog posts and other commentary to maximize the impact and reach of their research with multiple audiences.

• Direct the production of digital marketing assets for email, social media, and the website.

• Collaborate with COMM and other GS and Brookings staff to create cross-organizational publications, such as the Brookings Annual Report.

Events, Congressional Outreach, and Media Relations (15%)

• Oversee the strategy, development, and execution of, on average, 50 public events and forums every year; Work with GS Events Manager to maintain GS’ events calendar.

• Supervise and support the GS’ Media Relations Manager and Events Manager to ensure events are organized and promoted effectively and in line with Brookings quality standards.

• Identify opportunities to keep policy agenda priorities in the news, on Capitol Hill, and in the executive branch, and working with COMM’s External Relations team, establish GS scholars as key resources for reporters, policymakers, and thought leaders.

• Conduct regular assessments of ongoing work in GS centers and projects to identify event and media opportunities. Monitor breaking news and position scholars to comment.

• Work one-on-one with GS researchers to develop, reach, and monitor their media goals; Oversee the tracking and analysis of media mentions and monitor growth over time.

• Advise GS researchers and staff on media relations interviews, including interview prep and helping to grow relationships between reporters and researchers.

• Supervise and support the GS Events Manager to organize major public events, including identifying speakers and topics; coordinating panels and participants; drafting correspondence and event announcements; Work with COMM to identify and engage media interest.

• Develop and work with the GS Media Relations Manager to implement robust media strategies for high profile events and research publications.

• Work with GS communications team to oversee drafts and edits of event announcements, media memos, pitch letters, fact sheets and other press materials to ensure quality and policy impact; reach out proactively to target media.

• Work with GS Scholars and Media Relations Manager to identify, draft, edit, and place op-eds.

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 required. Minimum eight years of professional experience in communications and/or media relations required, with at least two years of supervisory experience. Non-profit, government, and/or policy experience preferable. A background in communications strategy and agenda-setting as well as writing and editorial experience, including familiarity with various modes of content management and publication production (print/HTML), is required. Experience leading strategy and execution of events required. Ability to speak knowledgeably and comfortably about public policy research and research findings to news media, key and high-level partners including US state, local and federal policy makers, international stakeholders and news media, and broad general audiences in the US and abroad. Experience with digital marketing preferred, including content development, email, and social media. Strong interest and background in political science, domestic policy, American political institutions and processes, and good governance issues preferred and highly desired. Must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S.

Knowledge/Skill Requirements

Entrepreneurial and collaborative attitude required. Exemplary organizational ability, with robust initiative and strong interpersonal and networking skills, discretion, and mature judgment. The ability to work independently and lead a small, dynamic team in a fast-paced environment is essential.

Must be able to work within context of larger institution, coordinating communications efforts. Strong multi-tasking skills and ability to meet tight deadlines. Strong writing and editing skills; Must be able to simplify and synthesize complex issues and text and provide guidance to others.

Understanding and accurately summarizing public policy research, determining newsworthiness of key research; tracking and responding to broad trends in media coverage is necessary. Must have strong familiarity with media outlets and strategies; Excellent news judgment and experience proactively pitching timely stories and op-eds. Must have a high degree of familiarity with the latest digital communications technology and effective digital communications strategies.

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.