Investment Analyst

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, D.C. Our mission is to equip decision-makers with nonpartisan research and policy strategies to create a more prosperous and secure country and world. 

 

To advance our mission, we are committed to the following four goals: 

• Develop economic growth strategies for a changing world 

• Expand economic and social opportunity for all 

• Revitalize U.S. democratic institutions 

• Advance peace and security worldwide 

 

At the core of our mission is the quality, independence, and impact of our research. We are dedicated to finding bold, pragmatic solutions for societal challenges through open-minded inquiry, diverse perspectives, and holding ourselves to the highest standards of scholastic rigor. 

 

Beyond the pursuit of excellence and intellectual rigor, Brookings places immense value on creating a supportive and collaborative environment where every individual can do their best work, learn, and grow. Because of this, Brookings has been at the forefront of public policy for more than a century.

 

The Investment Office is responsible for managing the long-term financial assets (i.e. the endowment) that supports approximately 20% of Brookings’ annual operating budget. In addition to setting and implementing the investment strategy in conjunction with the Investment Committee of the Board, the Investment Office team researches and selects external asset management firms, handles internal portfolio operations, and works with Brookings’ other business units to establish and maintain strong financial and legal practices, and to comply with regulations.

 

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? 

 

The Investment Analyst will contribute to all aspects of the four-person team’s duties. The Analyst will initially focus on investment operations, data management and reporting while gaining exposure to investment management. The Analyst will gradually expand into investment research and portfolio analysis responsibilities over time as they gain experience. This is a regular, full-time position. Business travel will eventually be required, approximately 10-20% of time. Work Location: This is a hybrid position based in Washington, DC, with a minimum expectation of 3 days per week onsite at Brookings' Massachusetts Avenue office.

 

Data Management and Analysis  (35%)

• Manages information flows for the investment team. 

• Prepares Investment Committee and Board exhibits including Summary of Portfolio Activity, Summary of Portfolio Performance and Spending Sustainability. 

• Supports team members with ad-hoc manager and/or whole portfolio analyses, including assessments of asset values and performance over time, underlying portfolio exposures, and cash flows/liquidity.   

 

Investment Portfolio Operations  (35%)

• Monitors and communicates existing managers’ capital call requests to colleagues for execution.   

• Enters existing managers’ capital account statements and other performance data into the portfolio tracking spreadsheet.  

• Assists Investment Office colleagues in assembling and submitting investment subscription and redemption documents.  

• Receives and responds appropriately to existing managers’ requests for regulatory confirmations and authorized contact lists, requesting guidance and/or assistance from appropriate colleagues as needed. 

 

Investment Management  (30%)

• Attends external manager meetings. Takes notes and documents for the record. 

• Participates in weekly Pipeline meetings with the whole team to discuss and analyze findings with existing and prospective managers. 

• Draws on expertise of senior team members to increase knowledge about the portfolio, markets, managers and the industry

• Supports the Institution’s annual financial audit by collecting investment funds’ financial statements and tax documents.  

Qualifications

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: 

 

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree required; 0–2 years of relevant experience preferred, which may include internships or relevant coursework.  

 

Knowledge/Skill Requirements

Demonstrated interest in endowment investing and financial markets. Strong attention to detail.  Uses judgment to identify opportunities, anticipate problems and suggest solutions. Excellent organizational skills, written and verbal communication skills, and people skills. Ability to work independently and with a team. Ability to complete tasks with minimal supervision: reliability, responsiveness, initiative, poise, appropriate and mature judgment. Ability to set priorities, meet deadlines, manage multiple tasks and competing demands. Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion. Ability to interact diplomatically, professionally and quickly with Brookings’ trustees, executive leaders and their assistants. Basic experience in Microsoft Outlook and Word and intermediate to advanced proficiency in Excel is required; familiarity with Microsoft 365, Sharepoint, and Power Automate 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. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and vision benefits, generous time off, and workplace flexibility. For more information, please visit Brookings Benefits.   

  

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, including diversity of experience, thought, and personal background.  We welcome applications that reflect a variety of backgrounds based on ideology, race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, 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. All selection decisions are based upon merit, skills, abilities and experience.