BASIC FUNCTION

Leads online presence of Metropolitan Policy Program (MPP) at Brookings. Provides report publishing, new media, website content and public event management support to MPP. Maintains all components of the MPP’s websites; helps market content to other websites; provides ongoing strategic improvement of web content. Manages the program’s e-newsletter for broad and targeted audiences. Provides contact list database management support. Provides technical support to MPP blog. Coordinates regularly with the Brookings Communications Office. Assists with social media outreach.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

Required Skills: BA/BS degree in Political Science, Public Policy, Communications, Journalism, Marketing, or a related field required. Minimum 4 years relevant online or website maintenance experience preferred. Proven interest in political science and/or public policy a must. Strong writing skills a must. Preferred Skills: Graphic design skills and familiarity with research-oriented work environments and previous public relations experience preferred. Capitol Hill, think tank or public relations agency experience a plus.

KNOWLEDGE REQUIREMENTS

Strong understanding of and experience with the web, including familiarity with web content management systems (Sitecore and WordPress) and ability to problem solve and do relevant research and web analysis. Strong oral and written communications skills. Strong experience with the following computer skills: HTML, Word, InDesign, PowerPoint, Excel, and basic Photoshop. Must be able to learn other new technology applications for communications and design; must have strong organization, high initiative, strong interpersonal skills, discretion, and mature judgment; must be able to work in a fast-paced environment. Ability to innovatively, creatively and effectively leverage MPP’s electronic communications tools to promote our research and policy initiatives. High degree of self-motivation and good work ethic with a proven ability to work under pressure with minimal supervision and as part of a team. Creative and positive-thinker and learner. Knowledge of and interest in domestic policy issues preferred.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

70% Web Content

• Using established content management system, creates, updates and maintains all program content and web pages in accordance with Brookings website standards and consistent with program’s research and communications goals.
• Maintains external program websites.
• Applies taxonomy and other metadata to optimize content presentation on various parts of the program’s pages and Brookings.edu at large.
• Recommends sound search engine optimization practices for all MPP content published on website.
• Drafts teaser and summary language to accompany site content, in conjunction with research and communications team, and suggests accompanying photos.
• Updates and maintains MPP expert biography pages with new content and information.
• Serves as MPP liaison to Brookings web team by attending regular web coordinator team meetings; keeps the Communications team informed of new features and issues of concern; coordinates with other programs.
• Monitors daily automated reports on web performance and coordinates with central Communications staff to optimize web pages.
• Evaluates the performance of the program's web pages regularly to determine how best to improve upon the use and impact of the site; works with Communications analytics team to conduct a monthly analysis of the performance of the program's web pages, including preparing charts for such statistics as users, visitors and downloads; tracks newsletter performance by reviewing click stream data.
• Maintains proficiency in HTML, SEO practices, online newsletter creation, A/B testing and other online communications applications and standards (e.g., participates in training sessions, learns new software applications to further develop skills).
• Other duties as assigned.

10% New and Social Media Support

• Assists in management of new media outreach tools, including Twitter and Facebook. Can live Tweet public events and draw social media buzz for MPP research, scholars and events.
• Brainstorms ways in which MPP can raise its visibility with core audiences, including creative concepts such as videos and social media tactics.
• Provides technical support to MPP blog.

10% Database Management

• Provides support for program wide constituency database.

10% Electronic Newsletter

• Coordinates with MPP research and communications staff to format and distribute electronic newsletters using HubSpot in conjunction with the Office of Communications; advises on best newsletter strategy and practices; coordinates with Communications to analyze and report on newsletter metrics and continually improve newsletters.

Only applicants meeting minimum qualifications for the position will be considered. Successful completion of a background investigation is required for employment in this position. No phone calls please. Brookings welcomes resumes from all qualified applicants, particularly women and minorities.