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. 

The Global Economy and Development program at Brookings generates actionable insights and tools that address shared economic and social challenges. We collaborate with local, national, and global policy actors and communities to achieve a more equitable, sustainable, and prosperous world for all. 

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.

Please Note: This position is included in the staff bargaining unit, Brookings United, affiliated with the IFPTE Local 70 union, and is covered under the terms of the collective bargaining agreement.

Responsibilities

Ready to contribute to Brookings success? 

The Development Assistant will support the Brookings Global Economy and Development program (Global) in achieving the program’s fundraising goals. The ideal candidate will manage multiple assignments, take the initiative to learn new skills, problem-solve, and anticipate team needs, all while upholding a commitment to Brookings’ mission. 

Data Management (40%)

• Ensure data integrity for the program; maintain donor and prospect information in Raiser’s Edge, including correspondence, meeting notes, proposals, events, contact details, and other relevant information.

• Serve as the team's expert for Raisers’ Edge, maximizing functionality and identifying efficiency opportunities to enhance the development team’s operations.

• Maintain donor lists for research portfolios, geographic regions, program initiatives, and councils/advisory groups in the team’s various trackers and filing systems.

Fundraising Support (40%)

• Create and maintain grant kickoff materials that summarize key elements of newly awarded Global grants for program and operations teams.

• Serve as the primary point of contact for donor acknowledgements.

• Support grant report management, including preparing initial report templates, developing timelines, preparing supplemental materials, and following up with scholars and team members to ensure timely completion.

• Prepare background briefings for meetings with prospects, donors, and other external partners.

• Conduct research to identify and qualify potential new donors, including individuals, foundations, corporations, and government entities, leveraging various resources and tools to build a robust prospect pipeline.

Administrative Support (20%)

• Provide administrative support including meeting scheduling, travel arrangements, and expense reports.

• Assist in preparing briefing materials for funder and prospect meetings.

• Organize and participate in weekly team meetings, create agendas, and track activities for discussion.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

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

Bachelors’ degree required; minimum one year of related experience required—college work-study, internships, or other experience considered. Excellent communication, database and spreadsheet skills, including the ability to enter and manipulate data. Interest in global issues and familiarity with fundraising in a non-profit environment is preferred. Must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S.

Knowledge/Skill Requirements

Excellent interpersonal, organizational, administrative, and communication skills required. Must be attentive to detail, proactive, discreet and dependable. Must be able to exercise good judgment, take initiative, function independently and work in close cooperation with others. Must be able to coordinate a variety of tasks simultaneously in a fast-paced environment, meet deadlines and consistently follow up on details. Must be a positive team player, show professional demeanor and attire, and communicate clearly and politely in person and on the phone. Knowledge of Microsoft Office and the capacity to quickly learn other types of software, including Raiser’s Edge is required. Excellent grammar, spelling, proofreading, and editing skills, and the ability to research information and compile it into a concise briefing.

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.