Assistant Director, Research Programs & Projects

Institute for Defense Analyses; Alexandria (VA); On-site; USD 195,000 - 312,000; Full time

Job summary

Institute for Defense Analyses is seeking an Assistant Director to help plan and direct designated research programs within the division, coordinate with sponsors, and guide project staff. The role emphasizes staff development and performance inputs to leadership.

The position requires PhD/MS/BS with substantial experience, U.S. citizenship, and the ability to obtain a security clearance. It involves coordinating projects and ensuring compliance with policies in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to lead project teams and perform independent research.
• Proven ability to effectively document and present findings.
• Innovative thinking and problem solving.
• Ability to work effectively in an unstructured environment and on more than one project concurrently.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance is required.
• U.S. Citizenship is required.

Responsibilities

• Assists in the planning and management of the division's research program and activities; assists the Director to seek out important projects and to initiate and negotiate project descriptions with sponsors.
• Maintains close liaison with selected sponsors during program formulation, project execution, and appraisal of the division's research efforts; ensures project leaders and staff maintain sponsor contact.
• Project staffing: recommends assignments of division resources to projects.
• Project leadership: leads one or more projects in the assigned area and guides execution of research projects.
• Project monitoring: assists the Division Director by monitoring projects in the assigned area that are not led personally.
• Quality control: ensures deliverables are reviewed; participates in the review.
• Staff development: provides staff with opportunities for development and monitors professional development.
• Participates in the administration of the division and helps implement corporate policies affecting center activities.
• Participates in recruiting efforts and assists in performance reviews.

Skills

Project leadership

Team leadership

Documentation

Communication

Problem solving

Security clearance

Education

BS +10 years

MS +8 years

PhD

Job description

Institute for Defense Analyses is seeking an Assistant Director to help plan and direct designated research programs within the division, coordinate with sponsors, and guide project staff. The role emphasizes staff development and performance inputs to leadership.

The position requires PhD/MS/BS with substantial experience, U.S. citizenship, and the ability to obtain a security clearance. It involves coordinating projects and ensuring compliance with policies in a dynamic environment.