BASIC FUNCTION

Serves as management team member in the Metropolitan Policy Program, responsible for providing strategic advice to the vice president on his office’s projects, support and management of the VP office staff, connection between the VP’s office and the broader Metro Program and connection between the VP’s and central Brookings administration.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

Bachelors’ degree required; Masters’ degree preferred. Also required: 10+ years of experience in fast-paced; experience managing projects with time and financial constraints, and managing people with diverse educational backgrounds and experiences; working successfully in a deliverables-focused project environment. Proven set of organizational tools to effectively manage across teams; exceptional communication skills, both written and oral. Must possess the ability to interact and manage relationships with high level individuals and organizations; represent the VP’s office and broader program with a high standard of professionalism. Knowledge of urban and metropolitan issues regionally or nationally, and existing ties with the leadership class in a number of metro areas around the country is strongly desired. Experience to connect national policies to local implementation; the experience in advancing ideas and strategies in different state and local contexts; and the ability to advise local leaders on metropolitan approaches preferred. Ability to design systems and processes to organize people and information flows.

KNOWLEDGE REQUIREMENTS

Must be highly collaborative in nature and has the ability to make decisions. Strong communicator and a natural connector between groups and individuals. Natural problem solver, be it with projects or between people. Must be a strategic, big picture thinker. Highly organized and execution oriented; ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment and to pivot quickly when opportunities change. Strong writer/speaker. Comfortable and effective in high level political environments.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

30% Support and Provide Management of VP Office Staff

• Working closely with VP, provide day-to-day management of VP office staff, including weekly check-ins and team meetings.
• Strategize with VP and senior administrator, office of the VP on overall time management to help the VP focus on priority projects.
• Develop protocols with senior administrator, office of the VP, to ensure VP is properly staffed, well briefed, and receives key documents in anticipation of events.
• Lead in the development of HR activities (e.g., participate in the development of performance reviews) and manage dotted line reporting from each member of the VP office.

30% Connects Office of the VP with the Metro Program

• Systematically organize regular meetings and devise other communication tools to strengthen and align VP and Metropolitan Policy Program efforts. This includes actively engaging with Metro Program teams to discuss how VP office efforts (external relations and high priority projects) are connected to other content areas.
• Serve on the Metro management team and work with the Metro management team to ensure that projects led by VP’s office are adequately staffed and integrated into broader Program.
• Coordinate with development and communications to make sure highest-value outreach to funders, media and other key stakeholders is planned, prioritized, scheduled and supported.

30% Strategic Advisor to the Vice President

• Collaborate on new ideas and strategies with the VP and weigh/evaluate their merit.
• Devise processes to determine which ideas are to be mobilized or prioritized and subsequently design the staging & sequencing of ideas, such as how to re-align staff, alter program priorities, and adjust timelines. In certain cases, personally manage high profile projects, which could involve select VP office staff.

10% Connects Office of the VP with Brookings Central

• Regularly attend department meetings and keep the Metro Program abreast of new developments. Advise the VP on where and when to engage. Stays apprised of efforts within various Brookings departments when the VP expresses interest.
• Lead the preparation of all board, excom and steering committee to prepare the VP for these events.

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