Director & Scholl Chair - Scholl Chair in International Business

Center for Strategic and International Studies, Inc.•Washington, DC

3d•$150,000 - $250,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) is a nonprofit, bipartisan public policy organization established in 1962. Its Economics Program / Scholl Chair in International Business is part of the Economic Security and Technology Department and conducts economic analysis on issues affecting U.S. growth and security, including trade, technology, economic coercion, supply chain resilience, and capital markets. The program’s focus areas include trade policy, supply chain resilience, investment policy, international finance, responses to economic coercion, export promotion, and commercial diplomacy. The Director will lead the Economics Program’s research agenda and position it as a leading voice on relevant economic security and policy topics. The role collaborates with other programs and the wider department on research initiatives and signature products, and engages government, the private sector, academia, media, partner countries, and the investment community. The Director reports directly to the EST President and works closely with the EST Vice President and other program directors. The position is based at CSIS’s Washington, D.C. headquarters and is expected to be in-office.

Requirements

12 or more years of relevant experience.
Master’s degree or equivalent in a field related to economics or finance.
Senior-level experience on economic policy issues, including trade, investment, and technology issues in the federal government or industry.
Demonstrated experience managing a policy research agenda.
Track record of building and maintaining relationships with policy contacts in U.S. and foreign governments.
Entrepreneurial mindset and proactive approach to identifying challenges, setting priorities, and implementing policy-relevant solutions.
Excellent verbal, written, and communication skills, including the ability to present information effectively and respond to questions from stakeholders and media.

Nice To Haves

Doctorate with a research track record in a field related to economics or finance, focused on trade and technology.
Previous experience fundraising for research projects.
History of publishing in national and international media and academic journals.

Responsibilities

Develop and lead a research agenda on trade, investment, international finance, supply chain resilience, commercial diplomacy, and emerging economic alliances, focused on U.S. competitiveness and economic security.
Position the Economics Program as a leading voice on trade policy, investment screening, export controls, economic coercion, supply chain resilience, and commercial diplomacy.
Serve as a thought leader in Washington, D.C., advancing policy discussions and shaping strategic dialogue.
Contribute to and, where appropriate, lead department-wide flagship initiatives, signature products, and major research efforts.
Identify funding opportunities and opportunities for thought partnership with the private sector and investment community, and broaden support for the EST economics agenda.
Cultivate a professional network and liaise with other organizations.
Promote program research and insights to government officials, media, the private sector, academia, and policymakers and researchers in partner countries.
Identify and secure funding through high-quality research proposals aligned with EST and CSIS strategic priorities.
Partner with the Deputy Director to lead program operations, strategic planning, and execution.
Recruit, develop, and retain a high-performing team with strong economic and analytical expertise, fostering research excellence and professional growth.