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 Office of Communications is a centralized service unit that develops effective communications products and strategies to empower and share impactful scholar messages to wide audiences. The Office of Communications meets the daily needs of the institution through web development and publication support, convening and event support, multimedia services like video, animations, and podcasting, governance of visual design and brand systemts, social media management, and institutional brand and media communications.

The Brookings Studio’s mission is to provide broadcast quality services to the Brookings community enabling global outreach by our scholars to television, radio and web-based news outlets. We are successful when scholars can focus on their interview, while our team operates the facilities and manages the logistics.

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.

Ready to contribute to Brookings success?

The Senior Writer and Director of Editorial leads the production of high-impact communications materials for the Office of Communications, transforming complex policy research into compelling content that reaches and influences key stakeholders. This role combines hands-on writing and editorial expertise with strategic leadership, requiring collaboration with peer directors to amplify research across multiple channels while maintaining organizational editorial standards.

Writing and Editing (80%)

Work closely with Brookings scholars, researchers, and communications colleagues, translating academic papers and complex policy analysis into clear, compelling narratives.
Create and oversee the creation of high-impact, digestible content products based on in-depth scholarly research, including news releases, one-pagers, policy briefs, newsletter content, feature stories, short-form video scripts, and other content targeting policymakers, the media, and the general public.
Provide strategic guidance on content approach and messaging.
Serve as primary editor and expert on editorial standards, ensuring consistency and quality across all content.
Provide guidance on tone, messaging, and content structure to effectively communicate with target audiences.
Collaborate on communications products for Brookings’ executive office.
Manage confidential and time-sensitive communications projects.
Manage freelance writers, including assessing needs, providing briefs and editorial direction, reviewing work, and collaborating with the Managing Director on contracts and budgets.

Collaboration & Internal Support (20%)

Facilitate knowledge sharing and best practice exchange across Brookings.
Collaborate with peer directors across Communications and Public Affairs to ensure cohesive strategy implementation so that work is high-impact internally and externally.
Work collaboratively with the communications team to convey concepts through multimedia/web projects and other targeted communications campaigns.
Assist with annual reports and other institutional products.
Establish processes and workflows.
Actively contribute to internal team and/or organizational work that shapes our systems and our culture.
Other duties as assigned.

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

Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, English, Political Science, or a related field required. Minimum 8 years of relevant experience, including writing knowledgeably and comfortably about public policy issues. Prior experience at a think tank is preferred. Exceptional writing, storytelling, and editing skills. Strategic thinker with the ability to distill complex ideas into clear, impactful messages. Experience working in fast-paced, high-stakes policy environments. Must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S.

Knowledge/Skill Requirements

Excellent writing skills are essential to this position’s success, including concept and message development and drafting, fact checking, editing, and proofreading. Must be able to write clearly and concisely for different audiences and in different formats. Must be able to work effectively with all levels of internal and external stakeholders and demonstrate impeccable judgment and people skills. Successful candidates will be deeply collaborative and enjoy an in-person and collegial atmosphere. Must possess excellent organizational skills and an initiative-taking approach with an elevated level of diligence. Experience in upholding and communicating brand and editorial standards. Must thrive under tight deadlines and accommodate occasional flexible hours. High degree of professionalism with discretion and the ability to maintain confidentiality. Must possess advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office applications including Office 365.

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.

You will also be required to submit a writing sample that demonstrates your ability to transform dense policy analysis or technical research into engaging, accessible prose that connects with a broad audience while maintaining intellectual rigor.

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.

The Brookings Institution

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