Application Guide
How to Apply for Deputy Chief of Staff
at Brookings Institution
🏢 About Brookings Institution
The Brookings Institution is one of the world's most prestigious think tanks, known for its nonpartisan research and influence on public policy. Working here offers the opportunity to contribute to meaningful societal impact while collaborating with leading experts across economics, foreign policy, and governance.
About This Role
As Deputy Chief of Staff, you'll support executive leadership in strategic planning, internal operations, and stakeholder management for a major research program or center. This role is impactful because you'll help translate Brookings' research into actionable policy recommendations and ensure organizational effectiveness.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might involve coordinating the Chief of Staff's schedule with research priorities, drafting briefing materials for upcoming policy discussions, facilitating meetings between senior fellows and external stakeholders, and troubleshooting operational challenges to keep research initiatives on track. You'll balance long-term strategic planning with immediate demands from leadership and researchers.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Brookings Institution Is Looking For
- 5+ years of experience in policy, government, or think tank operations with demonstrated project management skills
- Strong understanding of U.S. political processes and policy ecosystems, particularly in Brookings' focus areas like economic studies or foreign policy
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills for drafting briefings, reports, and coordinating with senior scholars
- Proven ability to manage complex calendars, prioritize executive priorities, and navigate institutional relationships
📝 Tips for Applying to Brookings Institution
Highlight specific experience with policy research coordination or think tank operations—Brookings values institutional knowledge
Demonstrate understanding of Brookings' nonpartisan mission by avoiding politically charged language in your materials
Reference specific Brookings research initiatives or publications relevant to the center you'd be supporting
Emphasize experience managing up to senior executives in academic or policy environments
Show how you've previously bridged research and operational functions in complex organizations
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
["Your understanding of Brookings' unique role as a nonpartisan convener in policy debates", 'Specific examples of managing executive operations in research or policy environments', "How you've previously supported the translation of research into actionable recommendations", 'Your approach to balancing multiple priorities in a fast-paced, intellectually demanding environment']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → The specific Brookings center or program this role supports (e.g., Economic Studies, Foreign Policy)
- → Brookings' recent high-impact publications or testimony relevant to the role's focus area
- → The institution's governance structure and how different centers interact
- → Brookings' approach to maintaining nonpartisanship while influencing policy debates
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Focusing too much on personal political views rather than Brookings' nonpartisan research mission
- Generic operations experience without policy or research environment context
- Failing to demonstrate understanding of think tank operations versus corporate or government roles
📅 Application Timeline
This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!
Ready to Apply?
Good luck with your application to Brookings Institution!