Vice President and Director of Governance Studies
THE SEARCH
Search for the Vice President and Director of Governance Studies
The Brookings Institution
Washington, DC
The Brookings Institution (“Brookings” or “the Institution”) seeks a collaborative, experienced, and visionary leader to serve as the Vice President and Director of Governance Studies, one of its five research programs. The Brookings Institution is renowned as one of the top think tanks in the world, with a deep history and an established reputation for excellence in conducting research to improve policy and governance at the local, national, and global levels. Distinguished by its commitment to independence, Brookings operates free from political and ideological agendas, ensuring that ideas are evaluated solely on the strength of well-defended, solid research methodologies. It embraces a diversity of views and thoughts, aiming to develop ideas that resonate beyond academic circles and impact the broader world. This outward-looking orientation positions Brookings as an unparalleled platform for scholarship that addresses some of the most pressing issues of our time.
Viewed as a leading independent voice in the domestic policymaking sphere, the Governance Studies Program at Brookings (GS) is dedicated to strengthening democracy and improving public institutions. Its strong internal culture is characterized by collaboration, innovation, exuberance, and excellence. The next Vice President (VP) and Director of GS will play a critical role in guiding the program’s future direction and amplifying its influence on key governance issues.
As a Vice President, this role will serve as a member of the executive team of Brookings, collaborating with the President and other members of the team to set strategic direction and operational priorities for the Institution. This role must both represent GS’ perspective in these discussions and ensure GS is aligned with the Institution’s overall strategy and priorities.
As Director of the Governance Studies program, this leadership role presents a powerful opportunity to shape the national discourse on democracy and governance. The VP will support timely and impactful intellectual work while managing a collegial community of scholars, researchers, and operational staff where all levels are respected and appreciated. This VP will also encourage cross-program collaboration and innovation and work with GS scholars and development staff to increase funding, ensuring Brookings’ continued success.
The anticipated hiring range for this position is $325,000 – $405,000 annually. The Brookings Institution is required to provide a range that, in good faith, it believes it would pay for the role at the time of this posting. The range considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position and a candidate’s work experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, and education.
The Brookings Institution has retained the executive search firm Isaacson, Miller to assist in this search. Confidential inquiries, nominations, referrals, and CVs with cover letters should be sent via the Isaacson, Miller website for the search: Vice President and Director of Governance Studies, The Brookings Institution.
Karen Avery, Parnter
Jeff Kessner, Partner
Mia Carpiniello, Senior Associate
Arianna Williams, Senior Associate
Caroline Corry, Senior General Search Coordinator
Isaacson, Miller
Research shows that people belonging to structurally marginalized groups often only apply to jobs if they meet 100% of the qualifications. As no one ever meets 100% of the qualifications, we encourage you to apply if you feel that most of the above qualifications reflect your experience and expertise.
Brookings recognizes that to produce high-quality research that informs innovative, practical policy recommendations, the Institution needs to ensure that its personnel represent a diversity of thought, experience, and personal backgrounds. Such diversity within the workforce enhances the relevance and substance of the work and helps to support Brookings’ guiding principles of quality, independence, and impact.