At CSIS we actively seek to employ a diverse group of people who embody our organizational values. We welcome and encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply, especially those from traditionally underrepresented groups.

The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) is a non-profit, bipartisan public policy organization established in 1962 to provide strategic insights and practical policy solutions to decision-makers concerned with global security and prosperity. Over the years, it has grown to be one of the largest organizations of its kind, with a staff of some 200 employees, including more than 120 analysts working to address the changing dynamics of international security across the globe.

A key pillar of CSIS, the Economic Security and Technology Department (EST) serves as a center of excellence for strategic insights and policy solutions for the United States and its partners to sustain economic and technological advantages essential to their long-term prosperity, security, and resilience in the face of global threats. The Department focuses on areas shaping global technology and commercial competition and their role in national security—economic policies related to trade, investment, intellectual property, and innovation; advanced and strategic technologies such as AI, semiconductors, digital, quantum, and cybersecurity; energy security and climate, as well as economic relations with China and with partners.

EST seeks a Director of the Strategic Technologies Program to evaluate how technology affects the direction and pace of change in economies, interstate conflict, diplomacy, intelligence, and more. The Strategic Technologies Program also relates trends and bigger picture issues to specific policy actions.

The salary band for this role is $150,000 -$200,000, commensurate with experience.

Essential functions may include, but are not limited to the following:

Strategy and Research Leadership

• Under the guidance of the EST President, develop a robust research agenda on cybersecurity, emerging technologies and innovation, frameworks for digital governance, 5G networks and telecommunications, surveillance and privacy, and the role of technology in power and conflict. Potential areas for development include advanced robotics, digital identity, cloud and edge computing, among others.

• Serve as a thought leader in Washington in one or more of the above topic areas.

• The Director will contribute to, and where relevant, spearhead the EST Department’s strategic research priorities.

• Serve as an adviser to the EST President and CSIS leadership on technology policy and security issues.

Outreach and External Engagement

• Identify funding opportunities, thought partnership with the private sector and investment community, and more generally, broadening the base of support for CSIS.

• Cultivate an excellent professional network and liaise productively with other organizations.

• Promote the program’s research and insights with a diverse set of stakeholders, including government officials on the Hill and in the Administration, the media, the private sector, academia, as well as policymakers and researchers in partner countries.

Institutional Responsibilities

• Serve on the EST leadership team, develop joint projects with other program directors, and advise the EST President on how the Program can contribute to Department-wide strategy.

• Identify funding opportunities and develop robust research proposals in line with CSIS and EST priorities and research agenda.

• Contribute to the thought leadership and strategic direction of CSIS and EST.

• Attract and build a world-class team with deep analytical expertise.

• Mentor research analysts to ensure quality research and professional development.

KNOWLEDGE, EDUCATION, AND EXPERIENCE

• 12+ years of relevant experience and master’s degree in a relevant field.

• Previous experience working in government or industry. Management experience is a plus.

• Demonstrated experience managing a research agenda. Previous experience fundraising for research projects is preferred.

• History of publishing in national and international media and in academic journals, preferred.

• A track record of building and maintaining relationships with contacts related to policy work, including in the U.S. and foreign governments.

• Entrepreneurial mindset with a proactive approach to identifying challenges, setting priorities, and implementing policy-relevant solutions.

• Excellent verbal, written, and communication skills, with an ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from stakeholders and media.

Physical requirements and work conditions

This position will be based out of our Washington DC headquarters and is expected to be in office. The physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee working in an office environment. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status.

Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.

How to Apply

Interested applicants should submit:

• A 1-2 page cover letter followed by a 1-2 page resume in a single PDF document. Please title the document “[Your name] cover letter and resume.” The cover letter should clearly demonstrate why you are interested in this position and what distinguishes your background from other applicants.

• Please do not submit additional materials (references, transcripts) etc. These will be requested if needed during the interview process.

Required Skills

Required Experience