Associate Director, National Security Research Division (NSRD)

Job Type:

Overview

RAND's National Security Research Division (NSRD) delivers methodologically rigorous research and analysis to help theDepartment of Warand the broader national security community address the United States' most critical defense and security challenges.Itsanalytic priorities align withDoW'sevolving priorities,in particular,positioningthe United States for strong homeland defense; preparing for greatpower 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 theOffice of the Secretary ofWar, the Joint Staff, combatant commands, defense agencies, the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps, and the Defense Intelligence Enterprise. The division manages more than200active analytical projects at any given time, which generate annual revenue ofapproximately$70-75 million.

Position Description

The Associate Director of RAND NSRD directly supports the RAND Vice President and Director of NSRDin a manner consistent with RAND's mission to improve policy and decision-making through objective research and analysis, including helping guide the division's research agenda, expanding its business base, developing and executing a 3-year business plan, ensuring the division's work meets RAND quality standards, and supporting sponsors' needs.

Approximately 80% of this position will involve duties related to the leadership, management and oversight of the research division.The remaining 20% of the time will involve individual research pursuits.This is a five-year term position, with an option to extend subject to management approval.

The Associate Director, reporting to the Vice President and Director of NSRD, will be responsible for:

• Helping to oversee a complex enterprise featuring numerous distinct workstreams including oversight of multi-disciplinary analyses

• Helping to oversee the allocation of the division's discretionary accounts for concept development and exploratory research on horizon topics, to build capabilities ahead of sponsor requirements, and extend the reach of NSRD analyses

• Having a proven track record in business development

• Providing intellectual leadership for division research

• Helping to ensure that briefings, written reports, and other products meet RAND standards for quality and objectivity

• Providing consistent and high-quality advice to the Vice President and Director of NSRD as part of the leadership team

• Assisting in recruiting, onboarding, developing, and mentoring RAND staff and creating an inclusive work environment

• Having national and international recognition as a national security policy expert in their field

Qualifications

• An excellent track record in national security policy through deep experience in government, FFRDCs, academia, or related sectors. The record should demonstrate strong research and analysis capabilities, deep knowledge of national security policy, excellent leadership and organizational management capabilities, and the ability to build business and to maintain and manage a complex research program.

• Exceptional abilities in interpersonal relations, maintaining staff and sponsor relationships, and in written and oral communications. All staff at RAND must have a strong commitment to RAND's core values of quality and objectivity.

Education Requirements

Advanced degree in a National Security discipline, Policy Analysis, Engineering, Economics, Operations Research, Information Science, or related field. Master's Degree required; PhD is preferred.

Experience

• Experience equivalent to RAND senior-level researcher (a minimum of 8 years conducting or overseeing policy research and 10+ years of experience in the national security community is desired), including experience managing complex teams in a sponsor-oriented environment.

• Experience working directly with senior national security officialsis required.

Security Clearance

An active Secret clearance is required. Candidate must be eligible for a Top-Secret clearance.

Location

We are actively hiring for this position in Washington, DC; Pittsburgh, PA; or Santa Monica, CA. This position is flex, which provides the opportunity for work from home and the office, with at least 50% of days worked on-site at one of the RAND offices required. Relocation assistance may be available.

Salary Range: $171,800 - $268,400

Senior Researcher: $171,800 - $268,400

Hiring ranges for Economists, Management Scientists and Physician Researchers are slightly higher than the range shown.

At RAND, the research program management role is a termed assignment that is performed by an experienced researcher, but the researcher role is not a termed position. The candidate selected for this role will be offered regular employment with RAND as a researcher.RAND considers a variety of factors when formulating an offer, including but not limited to, the specific role and associated responsibilities; a candidate's work experience, education/training, skills, expertise; and internal equity.Successful candidates will be offered employment as a Senior researcher in a specific title, as determined by the candidate's education and experience. The salary range includes base pay plus RAND's sabbatic pay (which provides compensation above base pay when vacation is taken). This position may also be eligible for additional compensation. RAND provides strong benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, paid time-off, and more.

Application review

Application review will begin Monday, June 22nd, 2026

Equal Opportunity Employer