Vice President and Director, National Security Research Division (NSRD)

RAND • Washington, DC

5d • Hybrid

About The Position

RAND’s National Security Research Division (NSRD) delivers methodologically rigorous research and analysis to help the Department of War and the broader national security community address the United States’ most critical defense and security challenges. ts analytic priorities align with DoW’s evolving priorities, in particular, positioning the United States for strong homeland defense; preparing for great‑power war; addressing the national security implications of emerging technologies; revitalizing the defense industrial base; ensuring a strong and ready joint force; and rebalancing security relationships with allies and partners. 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 War, the Joint Staff, combatant commands, defense agencies, the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps, and the Defense Intelligence Enterprise. The NSRD Director oversees more than 400 active analytical projects at any given time, which generate annual revenue of approximately $70-75 million. As a member of the senior management team at RAND, the NSRD Director participates in corporate decision making and collaborates across research divisions at RAND. The Director and Vice President of RAND NSRD reports to the Senior Vice President and Chief Research Officer.
NSRD projects draw on RAND research talent spanning a range of disciplines, including political science, engineering, economics, sociology, psychology, operations research, management, law, and statistics. NSRD teams draw on the best available qualitative data, quantitative data, and methodological tools to deliver insights and actionable recommendations to policymakers. This is a 5-year term position with the possibility of a 2-year renewal with management approval. Position responsibilities are expected to require 100% of the Director’s time.

Requirements

• Exceptional executive management skills, including leadership, interpersonal communication, and teambuilding capabilities
• Demonstrated ability to lead large, multidisciplinary teams and to coach and mentor senior leaders and researchers
• Recognized U.S. national security or foreign policy expert
• Demonstrated experience working directly with senior U.S. national security officials
• Proven track record in business development
• Strong network of contacts across government, academia, and industry
• Excellent analytic skills, with the ability to oversee research quality, understand diverse methodologies, and articulate RAND’s analytical capabilities
• Demonstrated ability to attract and develop research talent
• Ability to travel approximately 20% of the time
• A Master’s degree or equivalent in a relevant field is required; a Ph.D. is preferred.
• Experience equivalent to RAND senior-level researcher, with a minimum of 10+ years required developing policy in the U.S. government or conducting policy analysis in a corporate or research environment, including experience in managing complex teams in a client-oriented environment.
• Given the nature of research conducted in this program, a current background investigation and an active Secret clearance is required.
• Candidate must be eligible for a Top Secret clearance.

Responsibilities

• Provide executive leadership for all activities of the NSRD division, including strategy, research quality, people, partnerships, and financial performance
• Develop close, day-to-day working relationships with the senior officials at the Office of the Secretary of War, the Joint Staff, the Unified Combatant Commands, the defense agencies, and the Department of the Navy leading the development of strategic priorities.
• Oversee the division’s research programs: Acquisition and Technology Policy Program; International Security and Defense Policy Program; Navy and Marine Forces Program; and Personnel, Readiness, and Health Program.
• Oversee the division’s special initiatives: Economic Strategy and Operations Unit and RAND Space Enterprise Initiative.
• Develop and execute the division’s strategic plan, including research priorities, revenue strategy, staffing plans, and talent development.
• Ensure research excellence, methodological rigor, and alignment with RAND’s broader strategic objectives.
• Collaborate with RAND’s U.S. research division leaders to strengthen business development, expand global policy impact, and coordinate government engagement.
• Collaborate with RAND’s research departments to inform hiring, research staff management, and research staff development.
• Represent RAND to senior government officials, heads of state, and international dignitaries as a principal spokesperson on national security research.
• Build and sustain strategic partnerships with government, industry, academia, and philanthropic organizations.

Benefits

• RAND provides strong benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, paid time-off and more.
• RAND is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities.

What This Job Offers

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