Operations Lead for AI & Biosecurity Research

RAND Corporation; Boston (MA); Hybrid; USD 103,000 - 174,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Life insurance

Disability insurance

Savings plan

Paid time off

Job summary

RAND Corporation's Center on AI, Security, and Technology (CAST) seeks an Operations Manager to support the Center's people operations and manage CAST Operations. This high-ownership role blends hands-on execution with people-leadership and project management to enable research teams to perform their best work.

The ideal candidate has experience leading teams, strong organizational skills, and the ability to navigate complex institutional structures while maintaining professionalism and

Qualifications

• Experience managing teams of 2–3 people.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Experience navigating complex institutional structures and cross-functional partnerships.
• Clear, diplomatic communicator with professionalism under pressure.
• Ability to maintain composure and sound judgment under deadlines.
• Background in AI security, national security, or biosecurity (preferred).
• Self-directed and proactive in identifying process improvements.

Responsibilities

• Manage Center people support processes ensuring new hires and exiting team members have a seamless, high-quality experience.
• Manage team members on fellowships, IPAs, and other deployments.
• Lead project management for internal team and RAND performance review cycles.
• Provide high-level project management on cross-center initiatives.
• Oversee management of at least one satellite office.
• Serve as team lead for junior operations staff with mentorship and guidance.
• Identify and implement improvements to operational processes and systems.
• Partner with Senior Operations Leads on sensitive matters with discretion.
• Provide operations support across finance, procurement, events, communications, and cross-functional coordination.
• Build and maintain strong relationships across research teams, RAND functions, and external partners.
• Take on additional responsibilities as the Center's needs evolve.

Skills

Team management

Organization

Cross-functional partnerships

Communication

Deadline management

Proactivity

Discretion

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

PMP Certification

Job description

RAND Corporation's Center on AI, Security, and Technology (CAST) seeks an Operations Manager to support the Center's people operations and manage CAST Operations. This high-ownership role blends hands-on execution with people-leadership and project management to enable research teams to perform their best work.

The ideal candidate has experience leading teams, strong organizational skills, and the ability to navigate complex institutional structures while maintaining professionalism and