Director, China Research Center — Geopolitics & Tech Policy

RAND; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 153,000 - 263,000; Full time

Job summary

RAND is seeking a Director of the China Research Center and Distinguished Tang Chair in China Research. The Director will oversee the center’s research agenda and staff while guiding policy-relevant analysis on China and AI for U.S. policymakers.

The role is a five-year term with potential extension and requires exceptional leadership and fundraising capabilities. The candidate will engage with senior government, military, and industry partners and align research with RAND’s mission of objective

Qualifications

• The Director must have an excellent track record in researching and publishing policy-relevant issues on China.
• Experience providing insights to decisionmakers through government, academia, think tanks, or the private sector.
• Strong leadership, organizational management capabilities, fundraising, and complex portfolio management.

Responsibilities

• Lead and guide all aspects of the center’s work in line with RAND’s mission and objectivity.
• Develop and execute the center’s strategic plan and priorities.
• Define and oversee the center’s research agenda, recruiting resident researchers and external collaborators.
• Develop and sustain relationships with decisionmakers in government and industry in the U.S. and partners.
• Pursue and secure new research opportunities and funding with foundations and donors.
• Ensure the quality and impact of the center’s research outputs.
• Collaborate with GER Centers and Chairs on China and AI-related research.

Skills

Policy analysis

Leadership

Fundraising

Stakeholder outreach

China policy

Written and verbal communication

Education

Master's degree

PhD preferred

Social sciences background

Job description

RAND is seeking a Director of the China Research Center and Distinguished Tang Chair in China Research. The Director will oversee the center’s research agenda and staff while guiding policy-relevant analysis on China and AI for U.S. policymakers.

The role is a five-year term with potential extension and requires exceptional leadership and fundraising capabilities. The candidate will engage with senior government, military, and industry partners and align research with RAND’s mission of objective