The Research Assistant and Project Coordinator in the Center for East Asia Policy Studies (CEAP) provides research support to the Philip Knight Chair in Japan Studies and programmatic coordination for CEAP more broadly. The Research Assistant and Project Coordinator performs in-depth research into primary and secondary sources on topics related to Japan and East Asian international relations, and provides copy-editing and event management for the Knight Chair. The Research Assistant and Project Coordinator also provides administrative support to the Director and Assistant Director.

Research and event support to Philip Knight Chair in Japan Studies (60%): 

• • Provides research, editing, and writing assistance to the Philip Knight Chair in Japan Studies on book chapters, articles, blog posts, and other publications.

• • Compiles information as requested by the Knight Chair, using both English- and Japanese-language sources.

• • Translates Japanese-language materials and data, including primary and secondary sources of information.

• • Creates bibliographies, research summaries, and background notes on topics related to Japan and East Asian international relations for use by the Knight Chair.

• • Drafts summaries and analyses of CEAP Japan-related events for web pages, grant proposals, grant reports, invitations, and correspondence.

• • Performs proofreading, editing, and limited writing assistance for the Knight Chair, as well as other involved scholars, on both long-term book projects and shorter projects.

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

• • Creates visual representations of data accumulated through research.

• • Researches professional contacts in think tanks, academia, government, and media.

• • Serves as primary assistant to CEAP Senior Fellow / Philip Knight Chair in Japan Studies, holding regular meetings to coordinate research, other activities, scheduling, travel, and administrative duties.

• • Organizes all CEAP Japan-related events and activities, to include communicating with guests and participants, making logistical arrangements, and coordinating communication regarding events and activities within Brookings and to the public.

• • Works with Knight Chair and CEAP Assistant Director on Japan-related grant applications and reporting, including writing funding proposals and donor reports, calculating and drafting project budgets, and ensuring budget compliance in events management.

Programmatic support to Center for East Asia Policy Studies (40%):

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

• • Provides support for administrative and contractual arrangements associated with CEAP; reviews reports and proposals; helps coordinate production of CEAP materials.

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

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

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

• • Provides general assistance to CEAP Director and Assistant Director for center logistics and administration.

• • Provides back-up organizational support for other Center events and activities, as needed.

Education/Experience Requirements:  

 

Bachelor’s degree in political science, international political economy, international relations, or other related field is required; Master’s degree in Japan studies or Asian studies preferred. One year of relevant professional experience, including writing and editing, use of primary and secondary sources, and research in Japanese language, is required. Experience in a non-profit policy research organization is preferred, and experience with event management – including internal meetings and public conferences – is preferred. Previous residence, study, and/or work experience in Japan is preferred. Travel to Asia and within the United States is possible.

 

Knowledge/Skills Requirements: 

Research: Must possess knowledge of Japan, U.S.-Japan relations, and international relations in East Asia, and must be able to conduct directed, professional policy research in these issue areas using primary and secondary sources. Must be able to identify sources with minimal direction and compile, organize, and proofread bibliographies and chronologies.

Writing: Ability to fact check and copy-edit publications is required. Strong writing skills are required. Must be able to write clear and concise summaries of research for use by Knight Chair; able to summarize Brookings public events for publication on the Brookings website; able to co-author blog posts with a Senior Fellow; and able to draft event invitations that require minimal editing.

Organizational skills: Must possess excellent organizational skills with high level of attention to detail; and be able to work independently, multi-task, and complete tasks in a timely manner.

Communication skills: Complete English-language fluency is required; a high degree of proficiency in spoken and written Japanese is required. Ability to communicate and build relationships with Japan-based individuals and organizations is required. Must possess excellent communications skills, with ability to interact with all levels of internal and external stakeholders required.

Interpersonal skills: Excellent interpersonal skills are required. Must possess the poise, tact, discretion, and mature judgment to handle and respond appropriately and professionally in high-pressure atmosphere.

Technical skills: Must be able to effectively use the Internet; and should possess advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office applications including Office 365. Capability in data visualization tools is preferred.

 

Additional Information:

 

Brookings requires that all applicants submit a cover letter and resume. Please attach your cover letter and resume as one document when you apply.

Successful completion of a background investigation is required for employment at Brookings.

 

Brookings is an equal-opportunity employer that is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals regardless of race, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, physical or mental disability, marital status, veteran status, or other factors protected by law.