Deputy Chief of Staff (Job ID: 2026-3813)
Brookings - Washington, DC
Apply NowJob Description
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. About the Executive Office: 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 Presidentu2019s office and the President's support team and aims to communicate regularly and transparently with Brookings staff about whatu2019s happening at the institutional level. 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. Responsibilities Ready to contribute to Brookings' success? The Deputy Chief of Staff (DCOS) is a senior strategic leader responsible for driving the operational and strategic direction of Brookingsu2019 presidentu2019s office, ensuring that enterprise priorities are reflected in the presidentu2019s engagements, coordinating the presidentu2019s engagement with high-impact initiatives and special projects, including working with relevant internal and external stakeholders. This role partners closely with the president and VP and chief of staff (VPCOS) to ensure the presidentu2019s time is used effectively to deliver on institutional priorities, manage cross-functional support for the use of her time, and demonstrate operational excellence within presidentu2019s office, cultivate a high-performing, inclusive team culture. Direct support of the president (70%) + Exercise full accountability for the quality, timeliness, and strategic relevance of briefing materials, ensuring the president is prepared for all engagements, including in the development of the presidentu2019s daily briefing book. + Work with the executive assistant/scheduler to oversee the development of the daily schedule and work with the President, including strategic calendar planning. + Attend relevant meetings with the president, which will include some travel. Brief the president before meetings and use judgement to make recommendations regarding any required follow-up and execution. Track execution and follow up to ensure completion. + Work with select stakeholders, maintaining and cultivating high-value relationships on behalf of the presidentu2019s office. + Manage the flow of information into and out of the presidentu2019s office. + Manage the work of the executive assistant/scheduler, lead writer, and research assistant to ensure exceptional support for the president. + Engage with internal teams to strategically deploy the presidentu2019s time to support fundraising and communications efforts and ensure consistent messaging and alignment. Specifically, work closely with development to plan, develop, coordinate, and implement fundraising activities initiated by the president. + Work with the director of board relations to support the presidentu2019s interactions with members of the board of trustees, including meeting preparation, implementation, and follow-up. + Build capability across the presidentu2019s office team, mentoring staff and fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and professional growth. + Champion innovative solutions and continuous improvement to enhance operational effectiveness and organizational impact of the presidentu2019s office. Executive office responsibilities (20%) + Support the chief of staff in leading the full executive office, including goal setting and performance tracking for the executive leadership team, ensuring efficiency, and use of best practices. + Develop agendas and advance materials for executive leadership meeting, working with VPCOS to ensure effective use of time and alignment with the presidentu2019s priorities. + Partner with VPCOS and VP, chief human resources officer on executive searches for vice presidents and other strategic hires directly reporting to the president. + Lead special projects as identified with the president and chief of staff. Presidentu2019s office leadership (10%) + With president and VPCOS, set and drive strategic and operational direction for the presidentu2019s office, ensuring alignment with enterprise priorities and board-approved objectives. + Serve as a strategic thought partner to the president and chief of staff, proactively shaping priorities and translating high-level objectives into actionable plans. + Lead the day-to-day functions of the presidentu2019s office, ensuring strategic priorities are reflected in the presidentu2019s calendar, time allocation, and engagement. + Model inclusivity, integrity, and organizational stewardship, reinforcing Brookingsu2019 culture and long-term mission. 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 Bacheloru2019s degree required; Master's degree in public policy, public administration, political science, communications, business administration, or a related field strongly preferred. Minimum of 15 years of progressively responsible experience in government, political strategy, nonprofit leadership, consulting, policy advocacy, or executive support roles in Washington, DC. Demonstrated understanding of the Washington, DC political environment, key stakeholders, and the nonprofit landscape. Knowledge/Skill Requirements Proven ability to think strategically, manage through influence, synthesize complex information, and make sound recommendations. Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to speak with authority and represent the executive office effectively. Strong organizational skills with the ability to anticipate needs, manage competing priorities, and follow through with urgency. Experience working directly with senior-level executives and cross-functional teams. Demonstrated ability to understand what makes for effective, high-quality briefing materials, agendas, and pre-read documents u2013 and the ability to deliver those materials. Ability to operate with discretion, sound judgment, and professionalism. 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 visitBrookings 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 aseparateattachment. 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. Please Note:Must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. Program Executive Office Job Function Management Posted Date 3 days ago (2/18/2026 4:35 PM) Job ID 2026-3813 Salary The projected hiring range for this position is $185,000 to $200,000.
Created: 2026-02-23