Deputy Director - Science, Systems and Sustainment (S3D)

Institute for Defense Analyses; Alexandria (VA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA) seeks a Deputy Director for the Science, Systems, and Sustainment Division (S3D) to lead strategic research programs in national security analysis. The role reports to the S3D Director and shapes the division's direction while strengthening internal operations.

You will oversee sponsored and internal research, manage portfolios, mentor staff, and coordinate with sponsors and IDA leadership.

Qualifications

• Doctoral degree in a relevant field with 6+ years of national security analysis experience.
• Master's degree in a relevant field with 12+ years of national security analysis experience.
• Significant military leadership experience at the O6 level or above with national security analyses.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement the division's research program, strategic vision, and long-term direction.
• Provide strategic input on capabilities, emerging technologies, and methodologies for sponsors.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to align the division's program with sponsor objectives and IDA priorities.
• Act as Director in the absence of the Director or when designated.
• Plan, negotiate, and manage sponsored and internal research programs and reporting.
• Provide guidance to research teams and portfolio leads.
• Lead reviews of projects to ensure quality and publish selected results.

Skills

Independent analyses

Project leadership

Quantitative analysis

Publications & presentations

Communication skills

Problem solving

Security clearance

Education

Doctoral degree

Master's degree

Military leadership (O6+)

Job description

The Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA) is seeking a Deputy Director for the Science, Systems, and Sustainment Division (S3D). The ideal candidate is an experienced manager with a strong record of independent technical analysis in the national security space and the ability to build and manage a program of sponsored and internal research. The Deputy Director works closely with the S3D Director, Assistant Directors, and staff to shape and direct the division's research program and strategy, while actively leading efforts to strengthen S3D's internal business and research operations. The Deputy Director also contributes directly to sponsored research by leading interdisciplinary teams.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Leadership

• Partner with the S3D Director, Assistant Directors, and staff to develop and implement the division's research program, strategic vision, and long-term direction.
• Provide strategic input on research capabilities, emerging technologies, and methodologies needed to support sponsors.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to align S3D's program with sponsor objectives and IDA headquarters priorities.
• Act as Director in the absence of the Director, or when so designated.

Research Program Management & Oversight

• Assist in planning, negotiating, and managing S3D's sponsored and internal research programs, including initiating project descriptions and reporting on program execution.
• Manage processes for internally funded (independent) research and development proposals.
• Provide guidance and support to research teams and portfolio leads.
• Lead reviews of projects and deliverables to ensure they meet IDA's quality standards, serving as publication approval authority for selected products.
• Respond to information requests from the Director, sponsors, and IDA headquarters.
• Contribute independently to one or more projects as a member of the research staff, including publishing and presenting findings.

Business Operations & Resource Management

• Support division administration and operations, and manage S3D's business and operational needs.
• Implement and ensure compliance with corporate policies, and contribute to S3D‑specific policies, processes, and tools.
• Assist in implementing data, modernization, and process improvement initiatives.
• Collaborate with the Business Manager and IDA Finance on budgetary accountability, funding requirements, and resource allocation across portfolios.

Staff Development & Management

• Provide leadership and direction to the research team, fostering collaboration and continuous improvement.
• Contribute to recruiting, hiring, and onboarding.
• Support staff professional development, mentoring, and coaching, and establish performance expectations.
• Participate in the performance review and annual evaluation processes.
• Aid the Director on staffing decisions and code of conduct matters.

Special Projects & Leadership

• Lead strategic initiative teams to improve division operations or research quality.
• Assist with presentations to IDA corporate leadership, the Board of Trustees, and senior external stakeholders.
• Undertake special projects to enhance division management.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education/Experience (one of the following):

• Doctoral degree in a relevant field with 6+ years of experience in national security analysis; or
• Master's degree in a relevant field with 12+ years of experience in national security analysis; or
• Significant military leadership experience at the O6 level or above, completion of Senior‑Service or Senior‑Level Professional Military Education, and direct experience leading national security analyses.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Experience conducting and leading independent technical analyses in the national security space.
• Demonstrated leadership in project management and oversight of technical teams.
• Experience with quantitative analysis, test and evaluation, or support for military acquisition programs.
• Track record of publishing and presenting findings effectively.
• Strong written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to convey technical information to technical and non‑technical audiences.
• Innovative problem‑solving and adaptability in an unstructured, multi‑project environment.
• A current active security clearance is required; TS/SCI is desired.

Other Requirements

• Ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI security clearance.
• Successful completion of a criminal background check.
• Travel (domestic or international) may be required.

Candidates selected for an interview will be asked to provide a one-page statement outlining their vision for S3D and IDA. External candidates who are selected for an in‑person interview will be asked to give a presentation on a research project.

U.S. Citizenship is required

Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance is required

IDA is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing a fair recruiting process and working environment free from discrimination. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identify, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

IDA is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process or in order to perform the essential functions of a position, please send an email to [e-mail] and let us know the nature of your request and contact information.

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