Senior Operations Manager, Executive Office (Job ID: 2024-3444) - 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 Executive Office (EO) moves the Brookings mission forward by supporting and guiding the research programs, external affairs, and business operations of the Institution.  The EO consists of the President’s office and the President's support team and aims to communicate regularly and transparently with Brookings staff about what’s happening at the institutional level.

Position Location: This position requires three to five days a week in the office, depending on the needs of the of the office.

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. 

Ready to contribute to Brookings success?

The senior manager oversees the day-to-day operations of the executive office (EO) and is a close thought partner to and implementor for the vice president of executive affairs (VPEA). The senior manager helps the vice president lead their portfolio of activities, including EO-sponsored special projects, management of the president’s priorities, team, and activities. The senior manager is a key liaison from the EO to the Brookings community and external stakeholders; provides program management and coordination for special projects, administration, and outreach efforts in the executive office; manages project progress against objectives; identifies, and resolves obstacles or challenges; and as needed, represents the VPEA on administrative matters

Executive office management

• Manage the executive office’s (EO’s) budgets, operations, and engagment of key institutional stakeholders.
• Manage EO business processes and ensure the executive office works effectively with research programs and across central functional areas including finance, HR, IT, general counsel’s office, communication, and development.
• Manages and prepares, in close cooperation with the VEPA, timely and thoughtful agendas for executive leadership team (ELT) meetings and retreats – and Brookings management team meetings – including topic tracking, vetting, and sequencing potential agenda items, providing research, and preparing advance materials.
• Staff ELT meetings, providing meeting logistics support, note taking, and tracking after-meeting action items.
• As needed, support the president and VPEA on engagment with research vice presidents, including research on topics of shared interest and prioritizing and sequencing topics for discussion.
• Manage other EO-sponsored staff engagement efforts, such as Talkbacks, Town Halls, executive lunches, and other ad hoc EO-sponsored staff events, including developing programming and messaging, preparing participants, screening content, and ensuring logistics are addressed.

Chief executive support

• Work with VPEA and executive assistant to the president (EA) to track, assess, and respond to inquires for president’s time.
• Contribute situational awareness and insights while working closely with VPEA, EA, and other stakeholders as need to track and evaluate requests for president’s time, ensuring thoughtful decision making.
• Work with VPEA, EA, and speechwriter to ensure the president receives timely, quality briefings and event preparation, and that post-meeting follow up is clear and actionable.
• Work closely with the vice president and chief development officer (VPCDO), the central and research program development staff, and EO staff to ensure the president is prepared to shape and/or support fundraising efforts as needed, across the institution.
• Work with the VPEA to coordinate board of trustees engagement among the VPCDO, their staff, and the EO staff, including those who oversee board governance.
   

EO-lead institutional efforts

• Develop and project manage EO-sponsored special projects, working closely with the VPEA on the planning, socialization, and launch of programmatic or operational initiatives, including scope, budgets, and workplans including stakeholder engagement and staffing.
• Assist VPEA and the vice president and chief human resources officer with executive team recruitments, as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

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: 

A minimum of five years of directly relevant professional experience. Significant project management experience is critical, including directing and managing multi-faceted projects with multiple stakeholders and in multicultural work environments. Must have a track record of leading and managing through influence. Demonstrated experience working in governmental, mid- to large-sized non-profit, or policy/political organizations a plus. Must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S.

Knowledge/Skill Requirements:

Excellent  oral and written communication skills required, including the ability to synthesize and frame complicated information in a clear and compelling way. Must have a strong interest in business processes, comprehensive project management, and organizational effectiveness. Must also be able to work independently and within a team to effectively prioritize and track progress on multiple deadlines with accuracy and precision in a fast-paced work environment.  Strong organizational skills with professional demeanor and work ethic. Must exhibit dependability sound judgment, and work with confidential information. Demonstrated experience using Microsoft Office (MS) Suite, including deep expertise with PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, and SharePoint.

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.