Assistant Director of Research

University of Texas at Austin • Austin, TX

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Clements Center for National Security at The University of Texas at Austin draws on the best insights of diplomatic and military history with the mission to train the next generation of national security leaders. This role supports the strategic growth and daily management of the Clements Center’s policy research portfolio. This role oversees research operations, scholar and fellow programs, research dissemination, partnership development, and research-related events to advance the Center’s mission and engagement with policymakers, scholars, and the public. UT Austin provides an outstanding benefits package including but not limited to: Competitive health benefits (employee premiums covered at 100%, family premiums at 50%) Voluntary Vision, Dental, Life, and Disability insurance options Generous paid vacation, sick time, and holidays Teachers Retirement System of Texas, a defined benefit retirement plan, with employer matching funds Additional Voluntary Retirement Programs: Tax Sheltered Annuity 403(b) and a Deferred Compensation program 457(b) Flexible spending account options for medical and childcare expenses Robust free training access through LinkedIn Learning plus professional conference opportunities Tuition assistance Expansive employee discount program including athletic tickets Free access to UT Austin's libraries and museums with staff ID card Free rides on all UT Shuttle and Austin CapMetro buses with staff ID card.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in public policy, political science, international relations, history, or a related field.
• Five or more years of progressively responsible professional experience in research administration, policy research, academic programs, government affairs, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience managing complex projects, initiatives, or research programs with multiple stakeholders and competing priorities.
• Experience coordinating events, public engagement activities, or policy briefings.
• Experience developing and maintaining collaborative relationships with scholars, policymakers, students, and external partners.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to synthesize and present research findings to various audiences.
• Demonstrated strategic planning, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience supervising, mentoring, or supporting students, fellows, or professional staff.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively across teams and exercise sound judgment in a fast-paced environment.
• Relevant experience in national security, foreign policy, public policy, or related research areas.
• Must be authorized to work in the U.S. on a full-time basis for any employer without sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

• Advanced degree in public policy, international relations, political science, history, or a related field.
• Experience working in a university research center, think tank, government agency, or policy organization.
• Experience with proposal development, grant administration, or research portfolio management.
• Knowledge of contemporary national security and foreign policy issues.
• Experience overseeing fellowship, scholar, or academic engagement programs.
• Experience supporting strategic communications, social media, or marketing initiatives related to research or public programs.
• Familiarity with higher education administrative processes and organizational structures.
• Demonstrated ability to convene high-level stakeholders and facilitate partnerships across academic, public, and private sectors.
• Experience planning and executing public and private events, conferences, or policy forums.

Responsibilities

• Collaborates closely with the Director of Research to design and execute a strategic plan for expanding the Clements Center’s policy research portfolio, which includes launching new research initiatives on contemporary national security challenges.
• Manages day-to-day research operations, including proposal development, project tracking, events, social media, marketing, and scholar support.
• Coordinates and participates in the dissemination of policy research to the private sector as well as state and federal government, including through private briefings and public engagement activities.
• Oversees a highly selective student fellow program, including the recruitment, selection, mentorship, project supervision, and professional development of undergraduate and graduate fellows. The assistant director will also serve as the point of contact for all Clements Center research fellows and visiting fellows.
• Builds and maintains partnerships with scholars, policymakers, and peer institutions to foster collaborative research, convene high-level events, and translate historical insights into actionable policy recommendations.
• Through and with the Clements Center’s events team, leads planning, resourcing, and execution of all public and private events which originate with research activity.
• Works closely with the Clements Center’s events, communications, and student programs teams to synchronize schedules and efforts.

Benefits

• Competitive health benefits (employee premiums covered at 100%, family premiums at 50%)
• Voluntary Vision, Dental, Life, and Disability insurance options
• Generous paid vacation, sick time, and holidays
• Teachers Retirement System of Texas, a defined benefit retirement plan, with employer matching funds
• Additional Voluntary Retirement Programs: Tax Sheltered Annuity 403(b) and a Deferred Compensation program 457(b)
• Flexible spending account options for medical and childcare expenses
• Robust free training access through LinkedIn Learning plus professional conference opportunities
• Tuition assistance
• Expansive employee discount program including athletic tickets
• Free access to UT Austin's libraries and museums with staff ID card
• Free rides on all UT Shuttle and Austin CapMetro buses with staff ID card

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level