Research Assistant, CAPS (Job ID: 2024-3437), Washington, District of Columbia

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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.

Foreign Policy at Brookings

Foreign Policy at Brookings is a leading center of policy-relevant scholarship exploring the rapidly re-ordering geopolitics of the major powers, and the disordering relations among states and transnational actors. In line with Brookings’s core values of quality, independence, and impact, our scholars provide concrete policy recommendations for how U.S. strategy, the international security architecture, and leading states should adapt to changing threats and opportunities.

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. 

Please note: This position is part of the union (Brookings United) and subject to the terms of the Memorandum of Agreement.

The Research Assistant provides professional directed research support to the Philip Knight Chair in Japan Studies, and other scholars in the Center for Asia Policy Studies (CAPS) on occasion, on topics related to Japan’s domestic and foreign policy, U.S.-Asia relations, and international relations in East Asia. In addition to research support, the Research Assistant provides administrative support and coordination for operations and events for the CAPS Director and Associate Director. The Research Assistant also serves as point of contact for travel and scheduling as requested and works as a team member to provide general programmatic support.

Research and Event Support (50%)

• Supports Knight Chair in all aspects of policy research on specific topics and projects, which may include both long- and short-term projects. This may include direct assignments, broad literature reviews, locating academic and news articles, and data collection.

• Monitors and summarizes current developments relating to research areas.

• Compiles information as requested by the Knight Chair, using both English- and Japanese-language sources. On occasion, translates Japanese-language materials and data, including primary and secondary sources of information.

• Collects documents, articles, and other data as directed from various sources including libraries, databases, government documents, and personal contacts. Reads sources for relevance to research themes.

• Liaises with Brookings and non-Brookings scholars working on research projects with Knight Chair.

• Creates visual representations of data accumulated through research.

• May write summary reports, briefing memos, bibliographies, and chronologies.

• Assists with fact checking, drafting, editing, and proofreading publications as well as other materials such as spoken remarks and presentations.

• Works with Communications staff to update scholar pages on the Brookings website, post content and event information to the website, and promote content on social media.

• Coordinates with scholars and staff to ensure publications are distributed to relevant and interested parties in a timely and efficient manner.

• Assists scholars and staff in planning and scheduling conferences (including major events in Washington, D.C., and abroad), roundtables, briefings, meetings, associated travel, and other events.

• Drafts event invitations and summaries with supervision and editing.

• Under guidance of Director and Associate Director, manages implementation of relevant events and coordinates among Foreign Policy (FP) Communications staff, Central Communications, and Conference Services to facilitate logistical arrangements for events and conferences. Reserves meeting spaces, arranges for catering, and procures audio-visual equipment and necessary event services. Coordinates development of invitations, announcements, and guest lists and liaises with event speakers and their staffs. Proactively monitors event-day implementation of plans and resolves problems.

• Keeps detailed and accurate records of event participants and materials.

• Tracks costs and retains receipts for conferences, meetings, roundtables, and events.

• Maintains calendar and record of events and activities and conveys information to relevant FP staff.

• Coordinates the maintenance and updating of mailing and invitation lists for publications and events.

Programmatic Support to Center for Asia Policy Studies (50%)

• Provides administrative support and coordination to Director and Associate Director as needed.

• Assists with scheduling, travel arrangements, managing contact lists, handling correspondence, and other administrative duties as requested.

• Works closely with CAPS Associate Director to coordinate activities and administrative responsibilities; maintains strong working relationship and good communication with other CAPS and FP staff.

• Works closely with FP and Brookings Institution staff to ensure Center’s activities are carried out in accordance with guidelines and processes of the Foreign Policy program and the Institution.

• Provides administrative support and coordination for contracts associated with CAPS; ensures that contracts with external authors and other vendors are written according to Brookings policy, and are executed and paid according to terms.

• Meets regularly with staff to coordinate activities, schedules, and programmatic duties.

• Helps coordinate the production of CAPS materials, including the monthly newsletter.

• Processes payment and reimbursement requests for CAPS staff, affiliates, guests, and contractors.

• As requested, helps compile information for development proposals and reports.

• Manages intern recruitment process for CAPS; serves as primary point of contact for interns.

• Conducts other relevant work and participates in activities as needed.

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

A Bachelor’s degree is required; a degree in political science, international political economy, international relations, Asian studies, and/or history is preferred. A Master’s degree in Japan studies or Asian studies is desirable, but not required. Coursework on Asia is required. Relevant experience, including experience in research support, event coordination and planning, and project management, is required. Professional experience, including writing and editing, use of primary and secondary sources, and research in Japanese language, is required. Previous residence, study, and/or work experience in Japan and/or Asia is preferred and should be highlighted in the cover letter.

Knowledge/Skill Requirements

Research: Must possess knowledge of Japan, U.S.-Japan relations, and international relations in East Asia. Must develop deep and detailed knowledge of specific policy issues in support of scholars’ work. Must be familiar with research methodologies and techniques, and able to conduct directed, professional foreign policy research by locating and citing appropriate primary and secondary sources. Must be able to conduct literature reviews under guidance and compile, organize, and proofread bibliographies and chronologies. Ability to navigate Japanese-language primary and secondary sources is required.

Writing: Strong writing skills are required. Ability to clearly express concepts, ideas, and facts in research areas is required. Must be able to able to draft event invitations, formal correspondence, literature reviews, and short publications or sections in longer papers with supervision from a scholar. Must be able to fact check and copy edit publications. Must be able to draft contracts with precision and attention to detail with supervision from the Associate Director.

Organizational skills: Must possess excellent organizational skills with high level of attention to detail. Must be able to work independently, identify and seek to resolve problems, ask for clarification when required, and interpret and implement instructions are required. Must be able to multi-task and complete tasks in a timely manner. Must be able to help organize and implement large and small events with high-level participants with minimal supervision, often working on more than one event simultaneously.

Communication skills: Must have outstanding written and oral communications skills. Must be able to communicate proactively and interact professionally and productively with all levels of internal and external stakeholders. Professional fluency in English is required; a high degree of proficiency in speaking and reading in Japanese is required.

Interpersonal skills: Must possess the enthusiasm, poise, tact, discretion, and mature judgment to handle issues and respond appropriately and professionally in a fast-paced environment. Strong listening skills and ability to establish effective working relationships are required. Must be able to adapt to changing circumstances.

Technical skills: Must be able to effectively use the Internet and should possess advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Office 365. A demonstrated ability to visualize how data and concepts can be communicated in different formats is preferred.

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.

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