Deputy Chief Human Resources Officer (Job ID: 2025-3658)

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.

 

Brookings Human Resources (HR) department actively develops and implements HR best practices aligned with organizational priorities. The HR team delivers high quality HR services and ensures the recruitment, development, recognition, and retention of a diverse, high performing and engaged workforce, and smooth and efficient operations. We are a collaborative HR team of 17, including Staffing, Benefits, Compensation & HR Technology, and Learning & Development, working to provide a supportive and well managed workplace where all employees have a sense of belonging and can contribute in an impactful and meaningful way.

 

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.

Responsibilities

Ready to contribute to Brookings success?

 

Serving as a trusted advisor to the Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officers (VP and CHRO) and a strategic partner to research programs and business units, the Deputy Chief Human Resources Officer (DCHRO) plays a key role in translating the Institution’s human capital priorities into coordinated action. This role balances big-picture planning with hands-on implementation, helping to lead efforts across all major HR domains, including talent management, employee/labor relations, compensation, benefits, systems, organizational development, and compliance. The DCHRO helps foster a strong, inclusive workplace culture and ensures that HR policies, systems, and services remain responsive, consistent, and positioned to support Brookings’ evolving institutional needs. This role also provides supervision to key HR staff, enabling operational excellence and continuous improvement in HR service delivery.

 

Strategic HR Leadership (35%)

• Serve as deputy and trusted advisor to the VP and CHRO, helping to shape and advance Brookings’ human capital strategy, aligned with institutional priorities and operational needs.

• Represent HR in cross-institutional working groups (e.g., Management Team, DEI Committee) or initiatives as delegated by the VP and CHRO; serve as a delegate for the VP and CHRO when needed.

• Anticipate workforce implications of institutional decisions; provide strategic input on talent risks and opportunities.

• Design and implement major HR initiatives – such as institutional change projects, new tools, and service model shifts – in partnership with the VP and CHRO and independently as appropriate; ensure initiatives are thoughtfully coordinated, communicated, and aligned with organizational priorities.

• Serve as a subject matter expert in strategic change management, advising on the planning, execution, and communication of major HR and institutional initiatives to ensure effective adoption and long-term success.

• Track, analyze, and report on HR metrics to support decision-making and evaluate the impact of institutional initiatives.

• Monitor employment legislation – partnering with the Office of the General Counsel to ensure policy alignment and institutional risk mitigation.

• Stay current on HR best practices and industry trends, evaluating and recommending innovations that improve the employee experience and institutional resilience.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with senior leaders across the institution, offering trusted counsel as needed.

• Support organizational design and workforce planning efforts to meet evolving institutional needs.

HR Operations and Service Delivery (35%)

• Oversee day-to-day HR operations to ensure consistent, timely, high-quality service delivery of core services includ