Project Manager and Research Analyst

The Workforce of the Future (WoF) initiative focuses on innovative policy solutions at the intersection of industrial policy, economic development, immigration policy, and the future of work. WoF is seeking a Project Manager and Research Analyst (PMRA) to work closely with the Senior Fellow advance the initiative’s research and policy agenda. This is a dynamic role that combines research, policy analysis, project management, writing, data analytics, and high-profile public engagement.

Note: Please be advised that Brookings is currently undergoing a multi-year strategic implementation, and as part of this effort, your role, supervisor, and program may change.

Position Location: This position is hybrid. Hybrid positions combine regular in-person presence at our Washington, DC office with the option of two days of remote work each week.  

Please note: This position is included in the staff bargaining unit, Brookings United, affiliated with the IFPTE Local 70 union, and is covered under the terms of the collective bargaining agreement. 

Position Summary: The PMRA will bring strong analytical and writing skills, critical thinking, sound judgement, intellectual curiosity, and the ability to manage complex projects and priorities independently. A flexible and entrepreneurial mindset will be essential, always with an eye toward opportunities for innovation and amplifying impact. Responsibilities will include conducting in-depth research and analysis; drafting policy memos, presentations, and other written products; managing complex projects and partnerships; supporting high-profile public engagements and convenings; and serving as a key point of contact for internal and external stakeholders. The PMRA will have the opportunity to engage across a range of policy issues and work closely with researchers, policymakers, and other leaders in the field.

Preference will be given to candidates with expertise in one or more of the following areas: regional economic development; labor economics and workforce policy; AI and its effects on the workforce; and data visualization and interactive tools.

This is a one-year termed position with extension dependent on funding.

To read the full job description and apply, please see the job posting.

Qualifications 

Bachelor’s degree in economics, political science, sociology or related social science field required. Master’s degree preferred. Strong academic record. Minimum of four years of relevant professional experience spanning research, project management, policy analysis, or related work. Excellent writing and communications skills. Familiarity with key sources of economic data and core scholarship on industrial policy, migration, labor, or social policy. Data visualization and editorial experience, a plus. Demonstrated experience engaging policymakers.

Knowledge / Skill Requirements

Knowledge, work experience, and established interest in network science, industrial organization, workforce development, labor and urban economics, migration, AI adoption, or global economic development. Preference will be given to candidates who have demonstrated expertise in one of more of the following areas:

• Regional economic development – industrial policy, urban growth, and regional development strategies.
• Labor economics – particularly as it relates to effects of migration, upskilling, active labor market policies, as well as onset and adoption of new AI technology; experience with wage, skill, occupation or employment datasets in the U.S. or abroad such as O*NET, OES, CPS, NLSY, LEHD, or other public databases.
• AI and workforce – research on how AI is changing the labor market.
• Data visualization and interactive tools – experience developing interactive online dashboards and visualization tools (e.g., RShiny, Tableau, Power BI, Plotly, or Dash) to communicate research insights, enable policy simulation, and support stakeholder engagement with complex economic and labor market data.

Strong written and oral communications skills required; high functionality in Microsoft Office software package and experience with data analysis. Ability to meet rapid, multiple deadlines in a fast-paced work environment. Professional demeanor, high level of comfort working in a culturally diverse environment with high-profile individuals from academic, policy, corporate, government, and international circles. Ability to work well under pressure with discretion and mature judgment.