Managing Director, The Hamilton Project (Job ID: 2026-3887)

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, D.C. Our mission is to equip decision-makers with nonpartisan research and policy strategies to create a more prosperous and secure country and world. 

To advance our mission, we are committed to the following four goals: 

• Develop economic growth strategies for a changing world 

• Expand economic and social opportunity for all 

• Revitalize U.S. democratic institutions 

• Advance peace and security worldwide 

At the core of our mission is the quality, independence, and impact of our research. We are dedicated to finding bold, pragmatic solutions for societal challenges through open-minded inquiry, diverse perspectives, and holding ourselves to the highest standards of scholastic rigor. 

Beyond the pursuit of excellence and intellectual rigor, Brookings places immense value on creating a supportive and collaborative environment where every individual can do their best work, learn, and grow. Because of this, Brookings has been at the forefront of public policy for more than a century. 

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.

Position Location: This position is hybrid. Hybrid positions combine regular in-person presence at our Washington, DC office with the option of two days of remote work each week.  

Responsibilities

Ready to contribute to Brookings success? 

About the Hamilton Project: The Hamilton Project (THP) at the Brookings Institution produces research and policy proposals on how to create a growing economy that benefits more Americans. Our economic strategy reflects a judgment that long term prosperity is best achieved by making economic growth broad-based, by enhancing individual economic security, and by embracing a role for effective government in making needed public investments. THP focuses on a broad range of topics in macroeconomics and applied microeconomics with policy relevance. Current and recent projects include policy proposals on raising revenue through tax reform, the social insurance system including nutrition assistance, the labor market and responding to AI-related disruption, early childhood education, health care, and climate change. Visit www.hamiltonproject.org for more information.

As a member of THP’s leadership team, develop and execute an overall outreach and communications strategy with policymakers, journalists, experts, and other stakeholders. Develop and organize major policy forums, public events, and special projects to highlight THP work, as well as the organization’s annual retreat. Collaborate with Director and Associate Director to manage the staff and work of the Hamilton Project, including the organization’s finances, and maintain and strengthen relationships with THP’s Advisory Council, as well as other stakeholders. Provide strategic guidance on all areas of research and product development.

Outreach and Communications Strategy, including Event Planning (45%)

• Develop and implement THP’s overall communications and outreach strategy in collaboration with ES and Central Communications.

• Create and implement media strategy around paper releases and THP events, including background on new releases and coordinating press interviews with THP scholars and commissioned authors.

• Plan public policy forums and other events to showcase THP’s work.

• With support of the Assistant Director, oversee all event logistics.

• Create and implement outreach strategy for congressional offices and other policymakers on topics relevant to the work of THP.

• Oversee THP’s website; work with relevant staff to develop and implement social media strategy, leveraging tools available through the independent Hamilton Project website.

• With support of the Assistant Director, plan and organize THP’s annual retreat for its Advisory Council and guests.

Project Operations Management (35%)

• Support the Director in managing day-to-day operations of the team.

• Collaborate with Associate Director, Human Resources and program counterparts on hiring and other HR-related activities.

• Partner with the Program Finance and Development team to develop and execute the THP budget and support development processes.

• Manage foundation grants, in coordination with the Program Finance and Development team.

• Serve as liaison to the Project’s Advisory Council, overseeing donor stewardship and cultivation activities.

• Serve as administrative liaison within Economic Studies and, more broadly, Brookings for THP.

Research and Product Development (20%)

• Collaborate with Director and Associate Director to plan policy agenda.

• Collaborate with the Director and Associate Director to frame and develop THP publications and auxiliary products.

• Provide input on THP policy proposals and other work products.

• Monitor and assess legislative and policy developments relevant to The Hamilton Project's priorities.

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

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree.

• Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in government, public policy, a think tank, or a similar policy-focused environment.

• Background in public policy or economics, with demonstrated project management experience.

• Experience leading strategic communications, stakeholder outreach, and event planning initiatives.

• Familiarity with the national media and public policy landscape, particularly in the economic policy field.

• Experience supervising staff and leading cross-functional teams.

• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships with senior leaders across government, academia, the private sector, and other external stakeholders.

• Excellent written, verbal, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills. 

Preferred Qualifications

• Graduate degree (e.g., MPP, JD, MBA, or related field).

• Experience with budget development and financial management.

• Experience managing foundation grants and/or supporting fundraising and donor stewardship activities.

• Understanding of the legislative process.

Knowledge/Skill Requirements

Strong organizational, event planning, and writing skills; ability to work independently and manage multiple projects. Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills. Ability to listen, provide thoughtful guidance, and respect the abilities and perspectives of others, earning the respect and trust of people at all levels. Ability to collaborate effectively in a team environment. Familiarity with the national press and policy environment, particularly in the economic policy field, is required. Sophisticated understanding of the legislative process is a plus. Demonstrated ability to synthesize and communicate complex research findings and policy ideas to diverse audiences, both orally and in writing. Demonstrated strategic thinking and sound judgment in assessing policy ideas and their practical application.

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, including diversity of experience, thought, and personal background.  We welcome applications that reflect a variety of backgrounds based on ideology, race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, 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. All selection decisions are based upon merit, skills, abilities and experience.