Program Assistant Director, Research

Arizona State University•Washington, DC

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Arizona State University seeks a Program Assistant Director, Research to support the Strategic Thinkers Program (STP), a graduate-level program conducted in partnership with the U.S. Department of War (Department of Defense). The program delivers a one-year master’s degree for mid-career military officers and government civilians and operates as a high-visibility, contract-funded academic initiative. Under general direction, this position serves as a mission-critical leader in program execution, integrating program management, academic administration, research support, financial oversight, and executive-level government engagement. The Program Assistant Director, Research works directly with the STP Director, SCETL Leadership, faculty, and senior Department of War stakeholders, including regular engagement with Pentagon-based offices. The position is based in Washington, DC, at ASU’s Barrett & O’Connor Center, with limited telework flexibility.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a related field AND six (6) years of experience in program management, project management, client relationship management, academic administration, or government/contract-funded program operations; OR any equivalent combination of education and experience from which comparable knowledge, skills, and abilities have been achieved.
Experience supporting government contracts or working with the Department of Defense
Familiarity with ASSIST, Workday, and/or Canvas learning management systems
Background in research support, policy analysis, or national security studies
Experience coordinating executive-level meetings, briefings, or stakeholder engagements
Knowledge of executive education programs and higher education administration
Knowledge of budget management, forecasting, and contract financial tracking
Knowledge of organizational management, strategic planning, and program operations
Skill in project management, including planning, execution, and risk management
Skill in managing client and stakeholder relationships in complex environments
Ability to establish and maintain effective internal and external working relationships

Responsibilities

Manage day-to-day operations of the Strategic Thinkers Program in accordance with contract requirements and performance standards.
Develop, maintain, and execute program plans, ensuring alignment with contractual deliverables, academic requirements, and institutional objectives.
Serve as a primary administrative liaison with Department of War stakeholders, including the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) and Pentagon offices.
Prepare, edit, and submit required reports including weekly activity reports, semi-annual reports, and other contract deliverables.
Ensure compliance with reporting timelines, quality standards, and federal contract requirements.
Participate in government meetings and presentations to support program execution and maintain continuity of stakeholder engagement.
Manage program budget, track expenditures, and support annual budget planning and forecasting.
Maintain a detailed understanding of program financials to monitor expenses and proactively identify issues.
Prepare, reconcile, and submit invoices in accordance with federal requirements, including use of the ASSIST platform.
Ensure compliance with Joint Travel Regulations (JTR) for all travel-related activities.
Support audit preparation, financial reporting, and contract compliance documentation.
Manage student records, enrollment coordination, grading documentation, and academic tracking.
Coordinate course scheduling, classroom logistics, and faculty support.
Support academic milestone execution, including war games, staff rides, orientation, and commencement activities.
Prepare and analyze student assessments, evaluations, and program feedback.
Assist students in accessing ASU support resources and Washington, DC-based services.
Support the STP Director and faculty with research, analysis, and academic writing.
Assist in the development of course materials, background papers, and strategic research outputs.
Contribute to synthesis of program findings for reports, briefings, and external engagements.
Accompany the STP Director to meetings at the Pentagon and other government offices as required.
Draft and manage executive-level correspondence with Department of War stakeholders and university leadership.
Coordinate visits and engagements for visiting faculty, senior officials, and subject matter experts.
Manage calendars for the Director and Assistant Director, including scheduling of high-level meetings and engagements.
Plan and execute all program-related travel, including staff rides, research trips, orientation, and commencement activities.
Coordinate logistics for war games, guest lectures, and other program events.
Manage travel arrangements for students, faculty, and external participants in compliance with federal and university policies.