Assistant Director of Research

Job Posting Title

Assistant Director of Research

Clements Center for National Security, The University of Texas at Austin

Weekly Scheduled

Hours:

40
FLSA Status:
Exempt from FLSA
Earliest

Start Date:

Immediately
Position Duration:
Expected to Continue

Location:

Austin, TX

The Clements Center for National Security at The University of Texas at Austin draws on the best insights of diplomatic and military history with the mission to train the next generation of national security leaders. The Assistant Director of Research supports the strategic growth and daily management of the Center’s policy research portfolio. This role oversees research operations, scholar and fellow programs, research dissemination, partnership development, and research‑related events to advance the Center’s mission and engagement with policymakers, scholars, and the public.

• Collaborates closely with the Director of Research to design and execute a strategic plan for expanding the Center’s policy research portfolio, including launching new research initiatives on contemporary national security challenges.
• Manages day‑to‑day research operations, including proposal development, project tracking, events, social media, marketing, and scholar support.
• Coordinates and participates in the dissemination of policy research to the private sector, state and federal government, including private briefings and public engagement activities.
• Oversees a highly selective student fellow program, including recruitment, selection, mentorship, project supervision, and professional development of undergraduate and graduate fellows; serves as point of contact for all Center research and visiting fellows.
• Builds and maintains partnerships with scholars, policymakers, and peer institutions to foster collaborative research, convene high‑level events, and translate historical insights into actionable policy recommendations.
• Through the Center’s events team, leads planning, resourcing, and execution of all public and private events that originate from research activity.
• Works closely with the events, communications, and student programs teams to synchronize schedules and efforts.

• Bachelor’s degree in public policy, political science, international relations, history, or a related field.
• Five or more years of progressively responsible professional experience in research administration, policy research, academic programs, government affairs, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience managing complex projects, initiatives, or research programs with multiple stakeholders and competing 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 synthesize and present research findings to various audiences.
• Demonstrated strategic planning, critical thinking, and problem‑solving skills.
• Experience supervising, mentoring, or supporting students, fellows, or professional staff.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively across teams and exercise sound judgment in a fast‑paced environment.
• Relevant experience in national security, foreign policy, public policy, or related research areas.

• Advanced degree in public policy, international relations, political science, history, or a related field.
• Experience working in a university research center, think tank, government agency, or policy organization.
• Experience with proposal development, grant administration, or research portfolio management.
• Knowledge of contemporary national security and foreign policy issues.
• Experience overseeing fellowship, scholar, or academic engagement programs.
• Experience supporting strategic communications, social media, or marketing initiatives related to research or public programs.
• Familiarity with higher education administrative processes and organizational structures.
• Demonstrated ability to convene high‑level stakeholders and facilitate partnerships across academic,…