Assistant Director of the Biosecurity and Pandemic Policy Center

Texas A&M University System • Washington, DC

6d

About The Position

The Assistant Director of the Biosecurity and Pandemic Policy Center (Center) supports the Center by identifying priority policy research initiatives and planning and coordinating policy events, workshops, and meetings at the Bush School DC, Texas A&M University, or other locations to facilitate new policy development. The role establishes and maintains effective communication and coordination with pandemic preparedness and biosecurity stakeholders in the private sector and non-governmental organizations; monitors emerging national policy gaps, conducts policy research, drafts grants and research proposals, papers, briefs, summaries, and op-eds. The Assistant Director explores funding opportunities for biosecurity and pandemic preparedness research initiatives in philanthropy, government, and the private sector, as well as other collaborative opportunities, and provides experiential learning and educational opportunities for Texas A&M University students and interns.

Requirements

• Master’s degree with an emphasis in public policy, foreign policy, international affairs or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Six years of related experience in public policy, policy research, communications, and/or relevant government, higher education, or other non-governmental organizations.
• In-depth knowledge of policy processes in the United States, especially regarding biodefense, health security, and pandemic preparedness programs and policy at the federal level.
• Knowledge about coordinating with the private sector, non-governmental organizations, and scientists on biodefense medical countermeasures, supply chains, the strategic national stockpile, and bio-risk management policies.
• Demonstrated experience in grant writing, including identifying funding opportunities and drafting competitive proposals for government agencies, foundations, and/or philanthropic organizations.
• Editorial writing experience, including drafting, editing, and preparing policy reports, while papers, briefs, op-eds, and other written products for publication.
• Experience editing and coordinating multi-author policy documents and reports for clarity, accuracy, and consistency of voice.
• Ability to initiate, lead, and manage policy research analysis and projects, including commissioned policy reports.
• Ability to identify national policy gaps and develop research agendas to advance preparedness and biodefense.
• Strong ability to analyze, synthesize, and translate complex data and research findings into clear, actionable policy recommendations.
• Demonstrated ability to develop high-quality written and visual products for a wide range of audiences, including policy reports, briefings, presentations, media engagements, and social media.
• Experience disseminating and publicizing policy research products to maximize impact
• Ability to turn research findings into actionable policy recommendations.
• Ability to initiate and manage stakeholder engagement across government, academia, and the private sector.
• Excellent writing, speaking, and presentation skills.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and to lead or supervise others to achieve shared goals.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree or higher degree and/or equivalent experience in academia, policy think tanks, congressional fellowships, and other related areas.
• Extensive professional experience on topics related to biosecurity, cybersecurity, foreign affairs, pandemic preparedness and response, health security, or other related topics.
• Experience with U.S. federal policy processes, including biodefense, health security, and pandemic preparedness programs, and other relevant executive orders.
• Demonstrated experience in identifying, writing grants, and securing funding to support biosecurity, pandemic preparedness, or related public policy and research initiatives.
• Experience conducting and supporting policy research, including drafting research papers, policy briefs, and summaries of conclusions.
• Experience working with the executive branch and interagency cooperation relating to pandemic preparedness and response at strategic and policy levels.
• Ability to identify priority gaps and engage stakeholders to develop new policy options and recommendations.
• Experience coordinating and communicating with the private sector, non-governmental organizations, scientific stakeholders, and manufacturers, including on medical countermeasures, critical medicines, supply chains, the Strategic National Stockpile, and bio-risk management.
• Experience managing professional communications platforms, including social media, to support policy dissemination and outreach.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and management of biosecurity and pandemic policy research initiatives, identifying priority gaps and communicating research agendas to strengthen state, national, and international policies, strategies, and institutional capacities for preventing, preparing for, and responding to biological threats with pandemic potential.
• Oversee and coordinate policy research projects and commissioned policy reports, working with internal teams, external experts, consultants, and partners.
• Conduct grant writing activities, including identifying funding opportunities and drafting competitive proposals for government agencies, foundations, and philanthropic organizations.
• Recruit, coordinate, and supervise consultants, contractors, interns, and students supporting policy research efforts.
• Collect, analyze, and synthesize relevant literature and policy developments to inform leadership and research outputs.
• Collaborate with Texas A&M University Government Relations to ensure that the policy and research agenda are aligned with the Biosecurity and Pandemic Policy Center strategic vision and goals, as well as national, state, and Texas A&M University priorities.
• Represent the Biosecurity and Pandemic Policy Center in policy discussions, workshops, conferences, and stakeholder engagements as a subject matter expert.
• Assist with event planning and coordination.
• Completes special projects and supports program operations as assigned.
• Draft, edit, and publish policy research papers, briefs, summaries of conclusions, op-eds, and other written products for varied audiences.
• Translate complex policy and technical research into clear, actionable recommendations for policymakers and stakeholders.
• Coordinate with marketing and Communications to manage professional communication platforms, including social media, to disseminate policy research and program activities.
• Develop supporting materials such as briefings, presentations, tables, figures, and infographics for research products, grants, and outreach.
• Assists with media engagement and public-facing communications related to pandemic preparedness and biosecurity policy.
• Manage policy research and programmatic projects, including timelines, deliverables, budgets, and stakeholder coordination, and related events.
• Engage and coordinate with government agencies, private sector partners, non-governmental organizations, scientists, and manufacturers.
• Coordinates project resources in collaboration with sponsors and university units.
• Manage project quality control and assurance while ensuring compliance with institutional requirement.

Benefits

• Health, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance with Texas A&M contributing to employee health and basic life premiums.
• 12-15 days of annual paid holidays.
• Up to eight hours of paid sick leave and at least eight hours of paid vacation each month.
• Automatic enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas.
• Health and Wellness: Free exercise programs and release time.
• Professional Development: All employees have access to free LinkedIn Learning training, webinars, and limited financial support to attend conferences, workshops, and more.
• Employee Tuition Assistance and Educational Release time for completing a degree while a Texas A&M employee.

What This Job Offers

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