Assistant Director of Research

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

Job summary

The University of Texas is seeking an Assistant Director of Research to support the strategic growth of the Clements Center's policy research portfolio in Austin, TX. This role involves overseeing research operations, facilitating partnerships, managing events, and engaging with policymakers.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree, extensive experience in research administration, and strong communication skills. The position offers a competitive salary starting at $100,000 based on qualifications.

Qualifications

• Minimum five years of experience in research administration or policy research.
• Experience coordinating public engagement activities and events.
• Proven ability to develop collaborative relationships.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute strategic plans for policy research.
• Manage day-to-day research operations and support scholars.
• Disseminate policy research to government and public sectors.

Skills

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

Written communication

Verbal communication

Critical thinking

Collaboration

Strategic planning

Education

Bachelor’s degree in public policy or related field

Advanced degree in relevant field (preferred)

Job description

Assistant Director of Research

The Assistant Director of Research supports the strategic growth and daily management of the Clements 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

• Collaborate 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.
• Manage day‑to‑day research operations, including proposal development, project tracking, events, social media, marketing, and scholar support.
• Coordinate and participate in the dissemination of policy research to the private sector as well as state and federal government, including through private briefings and public engagement activities.
• Oversee a highly selective student fellow program, including recruitment, selection, mentorship, project supervision, and professional development of undergraduate and graduate fellows.
• Serve as the point of contact for all Center research fellows and visiting fellows.
• Build and maintain partnerships with scholars, policymakers, and peer institutions to foster collaborative research, convene high‑level events, and translate historical insights into actionable policy recommendations.
• Lead planning, resourcing, and execution of all public and private events that originate with research activity, coordinating 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.
• Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

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 Range

$100,000+ depending on qualifications.

Working Conditions

This position is based in Austin, TX on the UT Main Campus. It is not eligible for remote work. Standard office conditions apply, with occasional early morning, night, and weekend work expected or required.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does 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. The University of Texas at Austin will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information.