Assistant Director of Research

The University of Texas at Austin; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive health benefits

Paid vacation and sick time

Retirement plan with employer matching

Tuition assistance

Job summary

The University of Texas at Austin is seeking an Assistant Director of Research to manage the Clements Center for National Security's policy research portfolio. You will oversee research operations, programs for scholars, and events geared toward national security.

The ideal candidate has a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field and a minimum of five years of experience in research administration. This position offers a competitive salary starting from $100,000 plus comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• Five or more years of professional experience in research administration and policy.
• Demonstrated experience managing complex projects with multiple stakeholders.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively across teams.

Responsibilities

• Collaborates with the Director of Research to design strategic plans.
• Manages daily research operations and project tracking.
• Coordinates dissemination of research to various sectors.

Skills

Research administration

Policy research

Event coordination

Communication skills

Project management

Collaborative relationships

Strategic planning

Student supervision

Education

Bachelor’s degree in public policy or related field

Job description

Job Posting Title

Assistant Director of Research

Hiring Department

Clements Center for National Security, The University of Texas at Austin

Position Details

Weekly Scheduled Hours: 40
FLSA Status: Exempt from FLSA
Earliest Start Date: Immediately
Position Duration: Expected to Continue
Location: Austin, TX

Position Overview

The Clements Center for National Security at The University of Texas at Austin draws on the best insights of diplomatic and military history with the mission to train the next generation of national security leaders. The Assistant Director of Research supports the strategic growth and daily management of the Center’s policy research portfolio. This role oversees research operations, scholar and fellow programs, research dissemination, partnership development, and research‑related events to advance the Center’s mission and engagement with policymakers, scholars, and the public.

Responsibilities

• Collaborates closely with the Director of Research to design and execute a strategic plan for expanding the Center’s policy research portfolio, including launching new research initiatives on contemporary national security challenges.
• Manages day‑to‑day research operations, including proposal development, project tracking, events, social media, marketing, and scholar support.
• Coordinates and participates in the dissemination of policy research to the private sector, state and federal government, including private briefings and public engagement activities.
• Oversees a highly selective student fellow program, including recruitment, selection, mentorship, project supervision, and professional development of undergraduate and graduate fellows; serves as point of contact for all Center research and visiting fellows.
• Builds and maintains partnerships with scholars, policymakers, and peer institutions to foster collaborative research, convene high‑level events, and translate historical insights into actionable policy recommendations.
• Through the Center’s events team, leads planning, resourcing, and execution of all public and private events that originate from research activity.
• Works closely with the events, communications, and student programs teams to synchronize schedules and efforts.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in public policy, political science, international relations, history, or a related field.
• Five or more years of progressively responsible professional experience in research administration, policy research, academic programs, government affairs, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience managing complex projects, initiatives, or research programs with multiple stakeholders and competing priorities.
• Experience coordinating events, public engagement activities, or policy briefings.
• Experience developing and maintaining collaborative relationships with scholars, policymakers, students, and external partners.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to synthesize and present research findings to various audiences.
• Demonstrated strategic planning, critical thinking, and problem‑solving skills.
• Experience supervising, mentoring, or supporting students, fellows, or professional staff.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively across teams and exercise sound judgment in a fast‑paced environment.
• Relevant experience in national security, foreign policy, public policy, or related research areas.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in public policy, international relations, political science, history, or a related field.
• Experience working in a university research center, think tank, government agency, or policy organization.
• Experience with proposal development, grant administration, or research portfolio management.
• Knowledge of contemporary national security and foreign policy issues.
• Experience overseeing fellowship, scholar, or academic engagement programs.
• Experience supporting strategic communications, social media, or marketing initiatives related to research or public programs.
• Familiarity with higher education administrative processes and organizational structures.
• Demonstrated ability to convene high‑level stakeholders and facilitate partnerships across academic, public, and private sectors.
• Experience planning and executing public and private events, conferences, or policy forums.

Salary

$100,000 + depending on qualifications

Benefits

• Competitive health benefits (employee premiums covered at 100%, family premiums at 50%)
• Voluntary Vision, Dental, Life, and Disability insurance options
• Generous paid vacation, sick time, and holidays
• Teachers Retirement System of Texas, a defined benefit retirement plan, with employer matching funds
• Additional voluntary retirement programs: Tax‑Sheltered Annuity (403(b)) and a Deferred Compensation program (457(b))
• Flexible spending account options for medical and childcare expenses
• Robust free training access through LinkedIn Learning plus professional conference opportunities
• Tuition assistance
• Expansive employee discount program including athletic tickets
• Free access to UT Austin's libraries and museums with staff ID card
• Free rides on all UT Shuttle and Austin CapMetro buses with staff ID card

Working Conditions

• Based in Austin, TX on the UT Main Campus
• Position not eligible for remote work
• May work around standard office conditions
• Repetitive use of a keyboard at a workstation
• Occasional early‑morning, night, and weekend work required

Background Check

A criminal history background check will be required for finalists under consideration for this position.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The University of Texas at Austin is an equal‑opportunity / affirmative action employer. We comply with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.