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 Economic Studies: The Economic Studies program analyzes current and emerging economic issues facing the United States and the world and, based on that research, provides innovative, practical policy recommendations. ES’s work covers a broad array of economic issues, including economic growth, economic opportunity and mobility, the labor market, regulation, health policy, the environment, tax policy, retirement policy, and fiscal and monetary policy. Economic Studies scholars influence key economic policies by conducting rigorous and relevant research and then disseminating and communicating their findings to the policy community and to the broader public.

About the Hutchins Center: The mission of the Hutchins Center on Fiscal and Monetary Policy is to improve the quality and efficacy of fiscal and monetary policies and public understanding of them. It does this by doing and commissioning research, convening public and private events, and explaining current economic policy issues for a broad audience. 

Position Location: Most Brookings positions are hybrid, combining regular in-person presence at our Washington, DC, office with the option of at least two days of remote work each week. We will prioritize candidates in or willing to relocate to the DC area for hybrid work, but will also consider remote applicants. Remote work applicants may not work from the following states: Alaska, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Michigan, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Washington. 

Responsibilities

Ready to contribute to Brookings success? 

The Fellow/Senior Fellow will lead the Hutchins Center’s initiative to build a model that allows us to estimate macroeconomic effects of policies that address our long-run fiscal challenges, beginning with Medicare and Social Security. Under the supervision of the Hutchins Center’s policy director and director, the Fellow/Senior Fellow will (a) assess available macro and microsim models and identify potential partners; (b) build, test, and validate a model; (c) work with the Hutchins Center team to identify alternative policies to evaluate and help disseminate results; (d) collaborate with research assistants on all of the above. The Fellow/Senior Fellow also would participate in other Hutchins Center projects and, as time permits, pursue their own research.

Please note: This is a two-year termed appointment. 

Research

• Assess available macro and microsim models and identify potential partners.

• Build, test, and validate a model.

• Work with the Hutchins Center team to identify alternative policies to evaluate and help disseminate results.

• Collaborate with research assistants on all of the above.

• With Hutchins Center leadership, convene private roundtables, conferences, and public events to inform research and disseminate work. 

• Serve as an informal advisor to more junior fellows and research staff. Work with and mentors research assistants and analysts, to produce research and to facilitate their professional development. 

• Lead and actively participate in ES program and scholar community activities including seminars, recruiting, service to the profession, and diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives and generally acts as a good citizen of their center, program, and Brookings. 

• Ensure all research activity is aligned with Brookings’s policies. 

Communications & Dissemination

• Develop flexible outreach, engagement, and communications strategy for research and policy work, in conjunction with the Communications team, that can support policy impact in an uncertain and changing landscape.

• Promote program and center’s work to expand influence. 

• Engage with academics, policymakers, and industry experts to identify authors, speakers, and discussants for publications and events. 

• Organize private and public events to discuss and promote research and inform public policy issues. 

• Serve as a resource to media, as appropriate, in areas of expertise. 

• Ensure that any work subject to Brookings Quality Review process has successfully been through the process before publication.

Fundraising

• With the ES Development and Hutchins teams, participate in stewardship of current and prospective donors.

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

A PhD in economics (or closely related field) is required, with at least five years’ experience in coding macroeconomic projection models. The successful candidate will be familiar with the institutional details of Social Security and Medicare as well as the tax code and will be willing to work closely with and take feedback from Hutchins Center leadership. They will be established and well-regarded in their field of expertise. They will have a record of distinguished experience and/or leadership in government, academia, the non-profit sector, or the private sector. Must have a demonstrated ability to understand and write knowledgeably about public policy research of the economic caliber necessary for publication in a top academic journal.

Knowledge/Skill Requirements

Must be able to lead independent research and competently lead issue-focused meetings, initiatives, high-level conferences, and other events without supervision. Must be comfortable working with high-ranking decision makers, senior government officials, current and potential funders, and Brookings senior management. Commitment to contributing to a supportive, productive, and diverse workplace is required. Must have an interest in or experience with mentoring junior staff and an ability to work collegially with staff at all levels and in all job profiles.

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.