Project Coordinator, Center For Universal Education

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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. The program’s research agenda is related to policies and trends affecting developing countries including global poverty, universal education, the global middle class, fragile states, globalization, inequality, foreign assistance and development effectiveness.

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 all staff to submit proof of complete vaccination against COVID-19 to be in Brookings buildings.

Individuals that (i) have a 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.

Ready to contribute to Brookings success?

The Global Economy and Development program at Brookings aims to offer innovative policy solutions and tools to help global, national, and local policymakers build more inclusive and sustainable economic systems that deliver prosperity for all. As part of the Global Economy and Development program at the Brookings Institution, the Center for Universal Education (CUE) develops and disseminates effective solutions for quality education and skills development. It offers a forum for research, high-level dialogue, and public debate on a range of issues relevant to education, with a particular focus on the Global South. CUE envisions a world where all children and youth have the skills they need to succeed in the 21st century and plays a critical role in influencing the development of policy related to global education, promoting actionable strategies for governments, civil society and private enterprise. CUE aims to build a global movement network for learning and action on education systems transformation. This Knowing-Doing Network (KDN) will be a “network of networks” made up of local actors—policymakers, teachers, families, civil society organizations, researchers and other policy actors—on the frontlines of education change. The Project Coordinator reports directly to the Senior Project Manager for the KDN’s Leadership Coalition (KDNLC) and will provide project support for subgrantee organizations of the KDNLC including supporting grantees in their work with Brookings, including understanding of financial, operational and research policies, as well as general planning, coordinating, scheduling meetings, and implementing activities for the wider KDN. The Project Coordinator is also responsible for providing general grant administrative, reporting, operational, and research support, working closely with CUE’s Assistant Director and Senior Fellow/Deputy Director. This is a two-year, termed appointment.

Project Coordination (75%)

• Supervises intern workstreams as required.
• Supports Assistant Director and Senior Project Manager on program impact tracking and grant reporting.
• Coordinates agendas, notetaking, follow-up, and capture of workstream meetings
• Provides support to KDNLC subgrantees on Brookings’ policies and procedures to ensure the success of all organizations participating in the KDNLC
• Maintains and updates the KDNLC participant database and manages the project’s email communication system. Identifies and tests ideas to improve the efficiency of these systems.
• As a core member of the KDNLC team at CUE, the project coordinator supports the overall management of the Knowing Doing Network initiative and helps facilitate the successful planning and execution of the inaugural 10 Civil Society Organizations that will be the first KDN Leadership Council (KDNLC).
• Supports all aspects of subgrantee awards, including compliance to Brookings financial and operational policies, liaising with appropriate colleagues in legal and finance departments.
• Manages logistics and planning arrangements for virtual and in-person events with focus on partner coordination and seamless execution.
• Supports all 10 KDNLC members with onboarding to the network and as required, contributes to the successful completion of their respective workstreams. This may include tracking progress and deliverables, scheduling meetings and taking notes as needed.
• Other administrative duties as assigned.

Administrative and Operational Support (25%)

• Coordinates speaker and participant travel and expense reimbursement in accordance with Brookings’ guidelines.
• Other duties as assigned.
• In collaboration with program Finance team, obtains and coordinates external contract processes, as necessary. Serves as liaison with hotels, caterers, and other vendors and service providers; maintains files on external vendors, service estimates, and fulfillment of service payments.
• Makes and/or supports travel arrangements for team members, KDNLC member organizations, and processes expense reimbursement reports.
• Supports documentation process for funder audits.

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 with a concentration in International Development, Education, International Affairs, Public Policy or related social science required; Master’s degree preferred. Strong academic record. Minimum of two years combined work experience in project coordination and/or research environment required. Demonstrated ability to work with senior level stakeholders. Experience living, working, and/or studying abroad is a plus. Must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S.

Knowledge/Skills Requirements

Excellent oral and written communication skills and fluency in English language required. Exceptional organizational management skills. Competence to undertake assignments with light supervision. Proficiency in Microsoft Office (MS) Suite (including Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint). Cooperative, professional, and entrepreneurial disposition; able to navigate ambiguity in building new and efficient processes and systems. Ability to work independently and within a team to effectively multi-task, prioritize, and meet multiple deadlines with accuracy and precision in a fast-paced work environment to ensure project success and meet deadlines. Good working knowledge of global economic, social, and educational policy issues and demonstrated ability to get up to speed quickly on frontier insights. Sound judgment and discretion in navigating complexity.

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.