Associate Director, Technology Leadership

Founded by Dr. Eric Schmidt, the Special Competitive Studies Project (SCSP) is a 501(c)3 private 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 six panels–Foreign Policy, Intelligence, Defense, Economy, Society, and Future Technology Platforms. Each panel 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.

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 Associate Director. As Associate 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

• Conduct in-depth original research, including tasks focused on technology-related research projects, including data collection, comparative/net assessments, geopolitical analysis, and technological capabilities evaluations.
• Independently, and as part of the Technology Leadership Directorate, monitor and analyze trends, developments, and emerging issues in relevant fields and areas of interest for SCSP and the team, and identify opportunities for additional research and analysis.
• Produce written products based on the above research and analysis, including drafting original reports, briefing documents, talking points, newsletters, opinion pieces, action plans, and other written products – individually or in coordination with one or more members of the research and analysis team.
• Collaborate with other panel research team members, as well as the operations, public affairs, and government affairs teams, to ensure advance preparation of materials needed for a variety of engagements, meetings, and events.
• Participate in the development of the Directorate’s and SCSP’s shared goals, priorities, and critical tasks.
• Support and mentor panel research assistants in their research and analysis to ensure project deliverables meet requirements and deadlines.
• Ensure high quality and rigorous standards for research and analysis, including adherence to SCSP’s protocols and procedures for citation, writing style, and potential conflicts.

Minimum Qualifications

• Minimum qualifications include a bachelor's degree in a STEM field, international relations, security studies, political science, or a related discipline. A master's degree is preferred.
• 2 to 5 years of research and analysis experience. Experience in relevant fields identified above is preferred.
• Self-starter with strong initiative, ability to work independently and in a team environment.
• Expertise in defense-related research methodologies, geopolitical assessments, strategy development, and project management.
• Strategic thinking and analytical skills, with the ability to synthesize complex information into clear and actionable insights for senior leadership and policymakers.
• Excellent research project management abilities.
• Ability to mentor panel research assistants.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey a variety of concepts to diverse audiences.

This is an exempt position.