Director of Strategic Renewal & Innovation Policy

Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS); Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 150,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) seeks a senior program leader for the Research and Analysis Initiative (RAI) to guide strategy, oversee multi-disciplinary research, and engage policymakers and media. The role involves fundraising, program growth, and cross-team collaboration.

The ideal candidate has 12–15 years of experience plus a graduate degree, with a track record in policy analysis, publications, and building high-performing teams.

Qualifications

• Minimum 12–15 years of experience and a graduate degree related to RAI core competencies.
• Track record of senior-level experience in policy areas noted above; private sector or nonprofit experience is a plus.
• Publication track record in national/international media or academic journals on RAI topics.
• Experience raising funds for research projects is a plus but not required.
• Demonstrated ability to build a high-performing policy team.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with proactive prioritization and policy-relevant solutions.
• Excellent verbal, written, and communication skills with stakeholders and media.

Responsibilities

• Lead high-quality research, publications (commentaries, briefs, reports, podcasts, videos) and engagement with policymakers and media.
• Leverage CSIS EST platform and convening power to elevate policy issues and stakeholder dialogue; track program contributions.
• Develop a strategic plan for ongoing evolution and growth of the program, aligning priorities with interests.
• Provide direction to ensure team, programming, and organizational success; build outreach plans to target audiences.
• Grow donor support to fund program costs and maintain relationships with current donors; write proposals for new opportunities.
• Ensure sound financial stewardship including budgeting and accounting.
• Lead a talented team to execute the work of RAI; mentor staff and interns; collaborate with CSIS programs.

Skills

Leadership

Fundraising

Policy analysis

Stakeholder engagement

Written communication

Education

Graduate degree in relevant area (RAI)

Job description

Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) seeks a senior program leader for the Research and Analysis Initiative (RAI) to guide strategy, oversee multi-disciplinary research, and engage policymakers and media. The role involves fundraising, program growth, and cross-team collaboration.

The ideal candidate has 12–15 years of experience plus a graduate degree, with a track record in policy analysis, publications, and building high-performing teams.