Director, International Security and Defense Policy (ISDP) Program, National Security Research Division (NSRD)

RAND Corporation • Washington, DC

184d • $152,700 - $262,500 • Remote

About The Position

One of seven business divisions at RAND, RAND's National Security Research Division (NSRD) develops actionable recommendations driven by analysis to help policymakers address the most pressing security threats facing the United States. Our analytic priorities align with DoD's evolving priorities, in particular, revitalizing deterrence of great-power aggression, strengthening the US military's lethality and capabilities, and helping to ensure the readiness of the Joint Force to execute the U.S. National Defense Strategy. Undergirding our research priorities is a deep commitment to fostering the next generation of national security strategists and policy leaders. NSRD operates the National Defense Research Institute (NDRI), a U.S. federally funded research and development center (FFRDC) that works with the Office of the Secretary of Defense, the Joint Staff, combatant commands, defense agencies, the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps, and the Defense Intelligence Enterprise. As a global pacesetter in defense and broader national security research and analysis, NSRD helps U.S. government decisionmakers overcome seemingly intractable security challenges and manage complex defense institutions. To do so, NSRD builds teams who bring unique perspectives, extensive experience, and a wide range of skill sets. Our research is objective, fact-based, and data driven. Everything we produce stands up to the highest level of scrutiny, is carefully peer-reviewed, is technically sound, and provides useful, viable solutions.

Requirements

• Excellent track record in defense policymaking and policy analysis.
• Deep knowledge of the evolving defense policy environment and Pentagon organizations and processes.
• Strong research and analysis capabilities.
• Excellent leadership and organizational management capabilities.
• Ability to oversee a portfolio of 50-75 projects on time and on budget.
• Exceptional abilities in interpersonal relations and managing staff and sponsor relationships.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Commitment to RAND's core values of quality and objectivity.

Nice To Haves

• Ph.D. in a relevant field.
• Experience equivalent to RAND senior-level researcher.
• Minimum of 10+ years in policy development or analysis in a corporate or research environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead and guide the analytic agenda of the International Security and Defense Policy Program (ISDP).
• Engage key sponsors across the US government and internationally.
• Work with RAND team members to engage potential DoD sponsors on their highest-priority analytic requirements.
• Convert important conversations into agreed projects that deliver actionable recommendations.
• Adapt areas of emphasis to stay on the cutting edge of policy issues.
• Identify growth opportunities outside DoD that leverage the program's strengths.
• Recruit, retain, develop, and lead RAND team members.
• Ensure the quality of analysis.
• Enhance the visibility and policy impact of the program.

Benefits

• Health insurance coverage.
• Life and disability insurance.
• Savings plan.
• Paid time-off.
• Sabbatical pay.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Industry: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
• Education Level: Master's degree