Center Manager, Center for Universal Education

Position description

Equal-Opportunity Employer: It is Brookings policy to provide equal employment opportunity for all of its employees and applicants without regard to their actual or perceived race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, personal appearance, citizenship status, family responsibilities, gender identity or expression, genetic information, matriculation, political affiliation, veteran status, or any other prohibited basis of discrimination as required by law.

Center Manager, Center for Universal Education

US-DC-Washington

Job ID: 2022-2958
Type: Regular, Introductory
# of Openings: 1
Category: Research Project Management
1. Resident Employee (Hybrid)

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.

 

The Global Economy and Development program at Brookings aims to shape the policy debate on how to improve global economic cooperation and fight global poverty and sources of social stress. Founded in 2002, the Center for Universal Education (CUE) is a leading policy center focused on universal quality education and skills development around the world. The center plays a critical role in accelerating education change so that all learners can thrive in a rapidly changing world. CUE helps inform the development and implementation of policy related to global education and promotes actionable strategies for governments, civil society, education practitioners and private enterprise.

 

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. 

 

Vaccine Policy: Brookings requires allstaffand visitorsto submit proof ofcompletevaccination against COVID-19to bein Brookingsbuildings. 

 

Individuals that(i) havea qualifying medical condition that contraindicates a COVID-19 vaccination, or (ii) who object to being vaccinated based on a sincerely held religious belief, may request a reasonable accommodation. Brookings policies on masks and other pandemic mitigation measures will continue to be informed by DC and CDC guidelines. 

 

 

Responsibilities
 

Ready to contribute to Brookings success?

 

The Center Manager supports CUE's Director and Deputy Director on a variety of key strategic and operational priorities that are central to the Center's work, including Center-wide strategy, operations, budgeting, development, coordination, event management, and team building. The Center Manager will bring a mix of systematic project management skills and creativity in tackling emerging issues and workstreams. A flexible and entrepreneurial mindset will be essential, always with an eye toward opportunities for innovation and amplifying impact across CUE's diverse global network of collaborators. The Center Manager will also serve as the initial point-of-contact for all internal Brookings administrative matters on behalf of CUE.

 

Center Operations Management (70%)

• Serve as first line of defense on all Center operations matters and provide on-going cross-center coordination on core functions and activities.
• Work with CUE's leadership and the Global finance team to manage CUE's core budget and serve as the primary liaison for cross-Center budgets.
• Synthesize CUE budgets, help to identify medium-term funding priorities. Provide oversight and management of Center expenses, and support Deputy Director in discussions with Global Finance team. 
• Liaise with Global Finance team and center leadership in day-to-day budget and contract maintenance. 
• Support Global's Program Manager in Center's staffing, hiring, and onboarding processes.
• Identify and advance policies and processes that optimize internal information flows, decision-making, and overall effectiveness of CUE, with special attention to promoting inclusive information flows. 
• Manage Center calendar and support Center scholars in coordination as needed.
• Work closely with Global Comms team members on implementation and coordination of Center events. 
• Ensure good working relationships between the Center and Global operations staff to identify and maximize opportunities to steward CUE's work.

Center Strategic Support (30%)

• Support the development and implementation of Center-wide strategy. 
• Contribute and facilitate ongoing efforts with the CUE team to co-construct, implement and evaluate Center-wide vision, strategy, and goals.
• Support CUE's leadership in fundraising efforts, including drafting of grant proposals, execution of external engagement, and report preparation in coordination with the Global Development team and other CUE scholars.
• Support in the development and lead execution of team building and Center culture strengthening efforts.
• Serve as primary liaison to promote CUE's internal administrative coherence and alignment with best practices across Global and the rest of Brookings.

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:

 

Bachelor's degree required. Master's degree in education, economics, public policy, international relations, or related social science field preferred. Minimum of five years of relevant professional work experience required in project management, research management, program development and/or strategic planning (in non-profit, policy, or educational working environment is desirable). 

 

Must be currently authorized to work for any employer in the U.S.

 

Knowledge/Skills Requirements:

 

Cooperative, professional, and entrepreneurial disposition; able to navigate ambiguity in building new and efficient processes and systems. Excellent organizational skills, with attention to detail. Superior oral and written communication, and impeccable time management skills required. Strong problem-solving skills and ability to think outside of the box is necessary. Familiarity with budgeting required. Mastery of Microsoft Office (MS) Office Suite (Word, Excel, and Power Point) required. Must be a true team player, collaborative, flexible and diplomatic with a high level of professionalism to respond in a fast-paced environment. Ability to work well cross-divisionally in a collaborative atmosphere. Proven ability to take broad direction and put it into action, work independently and manage multiple projects. Ease in dealing with high level individuals on a variety of issues. 

 

Familiarity with research-oriented work environments preferred, as well as an interest in international development and education issues, especially in the Global South.

 

Additional Information:

 

What can we offer you? Brookings provides a generous benefit package that is comprehensive and includes both traditional benefits and unique offerings.

 

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. 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.

Application instructions

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