Deputy Chief of Staff

About The Brookings Institution

The Brookings Institution, a nonprofit public policy organization based in Washington, DC, is renowned as one of the most influential, quoted, and trusted think tanks globally. Our mission centers on conducting in-depth research to generate innovative solutions for societal challenges at local, national, and global scales. We convene leading experts from diverse backgrounds in government and academia worldwide, fostering open-minded inquiry to deliver top-tier research, policy recommendations, and analytical insights across economics, foreign policy, development, governance, and metropolitan policy. Brookings offers an inclusive and welcoming workplace, valuing fair practices, clear communication, mutual respect, and collaborative professional and personal development opportunities for all contributors.

About the Executive Office

The Executive Office (EO) plays a pivotal role in advancing Brookings' mission by supporting and guiding the Institution's research programs, external affairs, and business operations. Comprising the President’s office and support team, the EO ensures regular and transparent communication with Brookings staff regarding institutional developments.

Position Location

This position operates on a hybrid model, combining regular in-person presence at our Washington, DC office with the flexibility of working remotely at least two days per week.

About the Deputy Chief of Staff Role

As the Deputy Chief of Staff, you will serve as a senior strategic leader, instrumental in driving the operational and strategic direction of the President’s office. This role ensures enterprise priorities are integrated into the President’s engagements and coordinates her involvement in high-impact initiatives and special projects, collaborating with internal and external stakeholders. You will work closely with the President and VP and Chief of Staff (VPCOS) to optimize the President’s time for institutional priorities, manage cross-functional support, and champion operational excellence within the President’s office, fostering a high-performing, inclusive team culture.

Key Responsibilities

Direct Support of the President (70%)

• Hold full accountability for the quality, timeliness, and strategic relevance of briefing materials, ensuring the President is thoroughly prepared for all engagements, including daily briefing books.
• Collaborate with the executive assistant/scheduler to oversee daily schedule development and strategic calendar planning for the President.
• Attend relevant meetings with the President, which may involve some travel, providing pre-meeting briefings and making informed recommendations for follow-up and execution.
• Track and ensure the completion of all required follow-up actions.
• Engage with select stakeholders, cultivating high-value relationships on behalf of the President’s office.
• Manage the efficient flow of information into and out of the President’s office.
• Supervise the work of the executive assistant/scheduler, lead writer, and research assistant to ensure exceptional support for the President.
• Work with internal teams to strategically allocate the President’s time for fundraising and communications, ensuring consistent messaging and alignment, specifically partnering with development to plan, coordinate, and implement presidential fundraising activities.
• Support the President’s interactions with the board of trustees by working with the director of board relations on meeting preparation, implementation, and follow-up.
• Build capability within the President’s office team, mentoring staff and promoting a culture of accountability, collaboration, and professional growth.
• Champion innovative solutions and continuous improvement to enhance the operational effectiveness and organizational impact of the President’s office.

Executive Office Responsibilities (20%)

• Support the Chief of Staff in leading the full Executive Office, including setting goals and tracking performance for the executive leadership team, ensuring efficiency and best practices.
• Develop agendas and advance materials for executive leadership meetings, collaborating with the VPCOS for effective time utilization and alignment with presidential priorities.
• Partner with the VPCOS and VP, Chief Human Resources Officer on executive searches for Vice Presidents and other strategic hires reporting directly to the President.
• Lead special projects as identified by the President and Chief of Staff.

President’s Office Leadership (10%)

• Collaborate with the President and VPCOS to set and drive the strategic and operational direction for the President’s 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 President’s office, ensuring strategic priorities are reflected in the President’s calendar, time allocation, and engagement.
• Model inclusivity, integrity, and organizational stewardship, reinforcing Brookings’ culture and long-term mission.

Qualifications

Education/Experience Requirements

• Bachelor’s 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, particularly 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 and deliver effective, high-quality briefing materials, agendas, and pre-read documents.
• Ability to operate with discretion, sound judgment, and professionalism.

Key skills/competency

• Strategic Planning
• Executive Support
• Stakeholder Management
• Operational Leadership
• Project Management
• Policy Advocacy
• Fundraising Strategy
• Communications Management
• Team Leadership
• Discretion & Judgment