National Security Research Lead

University of Texas at Austin; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Vision, Dental, Life, and Disability

Paid vacation & holidays

Tuition assistance

LinkedIn Learning training access

Job summary

The University of Texas at Austin invites applications for Assistant Director of Research at the Clements Center for National Security. The role supports strategic growth, manages the policy research portfolio, coordinates events, and engages policymakers, scholars, and the public.

You will oversee research operations, mentor fellows, develop partnerships, and help translate historical insights into actionable policy recommendations, contributing to the Center's mission within a vibrant campus

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in public policy, political science, international relations, history, or a related field.
• Five+ years of progressively responsible professional experience in research administration, policy research, academic programs, government affairs, or related field.
• Demonstrated experience managing complex projects with multiple stakeholders and priorities.
• Experience coordinating events, public engagement activities, or policy briefings.
• Experience developing and maintaining collaborative relationships with scholars, policymakers, students, and external partners.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present research findings to various audiences.
• Demonstrated strategic planning, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience supervising or mentoring students, fellows, or professional staff.
• Proven ability to work across teams with sound judgment in a fast-paced environment.
• Relevant experience in national security, foreign policy, public policy, or related research areas.

Responsibilities

• Collaborates with the Director of Research to design and execute a strategic plan for expanding the policy research portfolio, including new initiatives.
• Manages day-to-day research operations, proposal development, project tracking, events, and scholar support.
• Coordinates dissemination of policy research to private sector, state and federal government, including briefings and public engagement.
• Oversees a selective student fellow program, recruiting, mentoring, and supervising fellows and visiting researchers.
• Builds partnerships with scholars, policymakers, and peer institutions to foster collaborative research and high-level events.
• Leads planning, resourcing, and execution of all public and private events originating from research activities.
• Works with events, communications, and student programs teams to synchronize scheduling and efforts.

Skills

Strategic planning

Project management

Stakeholder collaboration

Communication skills

Mentoring

Policy research

Cross-functional teamwork

Education

Bachelor’s degree in public policy / political science / international relations / history

Advanced degree (preferred) in related field

Job description

The University of Texas at Austin invites applications for Assistant Director of Research at the Clements Center for National Security. The role supports strategic growth, manages the policy research portfolio, coordinates events, and engages policymakers, scholars, and the public.

You will oversee research operations, mentor fellows, develop partnerships, and help translate historical insights into actionable policy recommendations, contributing to the Center's mission within a vibrant campus