Director, Technology Leadership

IDT Corporation; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Special Competitive Studies Project (SCSP) seeks a full-time Director for the Technology Leadership Directorate to identify emerging technologies, assess global landscapes, and develop policy recommendations.

This in-person Arlington, VA role involves leading research teams, managing projects, and communicating strategic insights to senior officials within a dynamic government-facing environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in STEM or related field; Master’s or PhD preferred.
• 5–10 years of defense research and analysis experience.
• Deep expertise in technology policy and geopolitical assessments.
• Strong leadership and mentoring abilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.

Responsibilities

• Lead and/or manage research projects focused on technology-related research.
• Develop and implement research plans on strategic technology sectors.
• Use analytical tools to identify patterns and insights for defense agencies.
• Prepare reports and presentations for senior officials.
• Provide leadership updates and autonomy in duties.
• Collaborate with SCSP staff and external stakeholders.
• Think creatively to solve research issues.

Skills

Defense research

Strategic analysis

Leadership

Technical policy

Policy development

Written communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in STEM or related field

Master’s degree preferred

PhD preferred

Job description

Founded by Dr. Eric Schmidt, the Special Competitive Studies Project (SCSP) is a 501(c)3 private operating foundation tasked with making recommendations to strengthen America’s long-term global competitiveness for a future where artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies reshape our global strategic environment. The project is organized into three directorates - Global Partnerships, Technology Leadership, and AI Adoption. Each directorate will analyze AI and other emerging technologies, address how these technologies will reshape their field and produce detailed recommendations to ensure that America is organized to win the techno-economic competition.

The Technology Leadership Directorate is seeking a full-time Director. As Director, you will join a team focused on identifying emerging technologies, assessing global competitive landscapes, and developing policy recommendations to strengthen public-private partnerships. In addition, you will also support the implementation of several technology-focused programs, ranging from private roundtables to public summits and conferences. This role offers exposure to cutting-edge technologies, national security strategy, and the policy-making process.

SCSP offers a dynamic work environment, and each employee becomes an integral part of our team. This is an in-person position at our headquarters in Arlington, VA.

Responsibilities

• Lead and/or manage research projects, including providing guidance and tasks to Associate Director(s) and Research Assistant(s), focused on technology-related research projects, including comparative/net assessments, geopolitical analysis, and technology capabilities evaluations.
• Develop and implement research plans on strategic technology sectors and methods to gather and analyze relevant industry and government data, including government policies, emerging technology trends, and geopolitical issues.
• Utilize analytical tools, data, and other relevant information to identify patterns, trends, and correlations in technology-related data, providing valuable insights to military and defense agencies.
• Prepare comprehensive reports, briefings, and presentations to communicate research findings and strategic recommendations to senior officials, government stakeholders, and key decision-makers.
• Provide SCSP leadership with status updates, plans of action, as well as providing situational awareness on developments affecting completion of the mission, while exercising considerable autonomy in carrying out his/her duties.
• Think creatively and independently to identify, evaluate, and solve issues connected to the research.
• Work collaboratively with other SCSP staff on joint projects, cross-cutting research issues, and in engagements with outside stakeholders.

Minimum Qualifications

• A Bachelor's degree in a STEM field, international relations, security studies, political science, or a related discipline. A Master's or Ph.D. degree in one of the above fields is strongly preferred.
• 5 to 10 years of experience in defense research and analysis, with a proven track record of leading high-impact projects.
• Deep expertise in technology policy, geopolitical assessments, and strategy development; a specific understanding of the techno-economic competition (e.g., AI, chips, biotech) is essential.
• Strategic thinking and analytical skills, with the ability to synthesize complex information into clear and actionable insights for senior leadership and policymakers.
• Strong leadership and/or team management abilities, including mentoring and developing the skills of Associate Director(s) and Research Assistant(s).
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey a variety of concepts to diverse audiences.

$90,000 - $169,500 a year

This is an exempt position.