Senior Fellow & Co-Director, Urban-Brookings Tax Policy Center (Job ID: 2024-3566)

The Brookings Institution • Unclear • Washington, District of Columbia • 2w ago

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 the Economic Studies Program: 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 Urban-Brookings Tax Policy Center (TPC): TPC aims to improve tax and fiscal policy decision-making by producing independent, timely, and accessible analyses. The Center combines microsimulation modeling that is widely used across the ideological spectrum and regularly cited by the media with nationally recognized experts on tax policy who conduct research on emerging issues and regularly provide technical assistance to policymakers. TPC also plays a critical role in providing basic education about the tax code for policymakers, advocates, journalists, and the broader public. It aims to help others understand how tax policy affects different groups of people, how tax policy affects revenues and the economy, and how to use the tax code as effectively as possible when seeking a policy outcome.

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.

Responsibilities

Ready to contribute to Brookings success?

The Co-Director of the Urban-Brookings Tax Policy Center (TPC) is a senior fellow within the Economic Studies (ES) Program. TPC is a joint venture of the Urban Institute and the Brookings Institution and the Co-Director is responsible for the full scope of TPC operations on the Brookings side, including developing TPC’s strategy and research/policy agenda, ensuring the Center is on sound financial footing, and managing and supporting the performance of Center staff. The Co-Director also works with TPC scholars at the Urban Institute, in a collaborative and advising role. As a senior fellow within the ES program, the Co-Director also conducts and publishes substantial research in the field of public finance economics.

Research and Research Management

Conducts in-depth, high-quality public policy research in area of expertise, independently and in collaboration with other scholars. Provides guidance and support to more junior fellows to support their work.
Authors or co-authors policy and research reports, blogs, op-eds.
Develops the Center’s strategy and research/policy agenda collaboratively with the Research Vice President.
Provides supervision to affiliated researchers and operations staff. Provides ongoing feedback on deliverables, conducts regular performance assessments, and mentors staff in development of skills/competencies.
Routinely provides reports and summaries of activities and impact for a variety of purposes.
Presents research and gives talks at select outside meetings and conferences.
Convenes private roundtables, author conferences and public events to inform research and disseminate work.
Leads and actively participates 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.

Communications & Dissemination

Develops flexible outreach, engagement and communications strategy for Center research and policy work, in conjunction with the Communications team, that can support policy impact in an uncertain and changing landscape.
Engages with academics, policymakers, and industry experts to identify authors, speakers, and discussants for publications and events.
Works collaboratively with ES Communications and others to create and execute dissemination and promotion strategies for research products.
Serves as a resource to media, as appropriate, in areas of expertise.

Fundraising

With the ES Development Team, develops and implements funding strategy to ensure the Center is on sound financial footing. Leads fundraising and stewardship efforts for current and perspective donors. Works with finance team to ensure Center finances are aligned with work plans.
Develops and maintains responsive and productive relationships with existing funders and leads engagement with potential funders in consultation with Development team.
Works with Urban Institute staff as appropriate to further collaborative goals.

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 Ph.D. or equivalent in economics or a related field is required in addition to at least ten years of relevant experience. The successful candidate will be established and well-regarded in their field of expertise. The Co-Director 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. Must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S.

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. Ability to work collegially with staff at all levels and in all job profiles. Commitment to contributing to a supportive and productive workplace with a diverse workforce. 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.

Application Process and Selection Timeline

Interested candidates who meet the program’s eligibility requirements should apply online and submit, in one document, (a) a cover letter describing their relevant experience as well as research interests and priorities, and (b) a curriculum vitae.

For full consideration, please apply by January 31, 2025. Applications will continue to be reviewed after that date. The preferred start date for this position is between Spring and Fall 2025.

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 visitBrookings Benefits.

Successful completion of a background investigation is 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.