Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Job ID: 2026-3881)

Overview This search is being managed by Spencer Stuart, a leading global executive search and leadership consulting firm. To submit confidential comments, nominations, or expressions of interest, please send an email with any supporting materials to: [email protected] .  The Brookings Institution is a nonprofit, nonpartisan research organization dedicated to equipping decisionmakers with high-quality, independent research and policy strategies that help create a more prosperous and secure country and world. At the core of Brookings’ mission is the quality, independence, and impact of its research. Through open-minded inquiry, diverse perspectives, and the highest standards of scholarly rigor, Brookings develops bold, pragmatic solutions to complex policy challenges and brings evidence-based ideas into public debate and decision-making. Founded in 1916, Brookings has been at the forefront of public policy for more than a century, serving as a trusted bridge between research and practice. Its scholars engage policymakers, the media, and the public through research, events, publications, testimony, and global engagement—always with a commitment to independence, integrity, and nonpartisanship. In 2026, Brookings’ scholars continue to produce influential work across a wide range of critical issues—from economic growth, fiscal stability, and global security to democratic governance and the future of work. Brookings’ work is organized around four policy themes: Economic growth strategies for a changing world Economic and social opportunity for all U.S. democracy Peace and security worldwide Brookings is committed to being a modern, world-class nexus of policy insights and solutions that leverages its expertise to bring together coalitions of organizations and leaders to address complex policy challenges. Brookings does so by using sophisticated analytics and new technologies, including AI, to gain insights into not just its reach, but where that reach is translating into impact. These efforts are guided by the understanding that Brookings research is not an output, but rather an input to improved public policy. This is Brookings' strategic North Star. Brookings' research shapes legislative debates, informs executive-branch decision-making in an AI world, guides philanthropic and private-sector strategy, and elevates public understanding of complex policy challenges. At a time when facts are too often contested, Brookings has remained steadfast in its commitment to rigorous analysis, intellectual honesty, and real-world impact. Brookings brings to this work a long history of exceptional financial management of an annual operating budget of approximately $100 million and an endowment with a market value of approximately $500 million. Disciplined fiscal stewardship underpins Brookings’ independence and credibility and enables it to invest confidently in its mission over the long term. Brookings has launched a five-year plan to enhance its impact by strengthening its research enterprise, maximizing Brookings’ visibility and presence, securing larger, more flexible and sustainable funding, and increasing its operational effectiveness and efficiency. Achieving these goals requires strong financial leadership, data-informed decision-making, and actionable business intelligence, making the CFO and their team critical partners in the institution's success. Reporting directly to the President, the Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”) serves as the institution’s chief financial strategist and steward, responsible for the overall integrity, sustainability, and strategic alignment of Brookings’ financial enterprise. The CFO is Brookings' senior financial leader and a core member of the Executive Leadership Team (“ELT”). As a senior executive, the CFO plays a central role in institutional decision-making—helping leadership and the Board of Trustees (“Board”) navigate financial tradeoffs, evaluate investment choices, and align resources with strategic priorities. The CFO oversees all aspects of financial management, including financial planning and analysis, budgeting, accounting and reporting, audit and compliance, treasury and investments, and financial risk management. The CFO serves as the principal staff liaison to the Boards’ Finance and Budget Committee and is a trusted advisor to trustees on matters of fiduciary oversight, financial policy, and long-term financial health. The CFO is also a liaison to the Board’s Audit Committee and Investment Committee and attends or presents at other Board committee meetings as needed. A core part of the role is translating complex financial information into clear, decision-ready insight that supports strong governance and effective institutional leadership. As part of its five-year modernization plan, Brookings is undergoing a transition to a centralized finance model. The CFO will manage the coordination and messaging of the change. This role offers a distinctive opportunity to steward the financial strategy and long-term sustainability of an institution whose work shapes public policy debates in the United States and globally. The CFO will partner closely with the President, senior leadership, and the Board to ensure that Brookings’ resources are managed with rigor, transparency, and foresight—supporting both near-term priorities and long-term institutional strength. Responsibilities Key Responsibilities Strategic Financial Leadership Develop and lead Brookings’ long-term financial strategy in close partnership with the president and ELT, ensuring alignment with institutional mission and strategic objectives. Provide multi-year financial modeling, scenario planning, and forward-looking analysis to support enterprise-level decisions, including programmatic investments, staffing strategies, and capital priorities. Advise senior leadership on the financial implications of new initiatives, org