Job Posting Title:
Assistant Director of Research
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Hiring Department:
Clements Center for National Security
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Position Open To:
All Applicants
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Weekly Scheduled Hours:
40
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FLSA Status:
Exempt from FLSA
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Earliest Start Date:
Immediately
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Position Duration:
Expected to Continue
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Location:
AUSTIN, TX
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Purpose

The Assistant Director of Research supports the strategic growth and daily management of the Clements 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.

Responsibilities

• Collaborates closely with the Director of Research to design and execute a strategic plan for expanding the Clements Center's policy research portfolio, which includes 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 as well as state and federal government, including through private briefings and public engagement activities.
• Oversees a highly selective student fellow program, including the recruitment, selection, mentorship, project supervision, and professional development of undergraduate and graduate fellows. The assistant director will also serve as the point of contact for all Clements Center research fellows 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 and with the Clements Center's events team, leads planning, resourcing, and execution of all public and private events which originate with research activity.
• Works closely with the Clements Center's events, communications, and student programs teams to synchronize schedules and efforts.

Required Qualifications

• 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.

Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

Preferred Qualifications

• 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, public, and private sectors.
• Experience planning and executing public and private events, conferences, or policy forums.

Salary Range

$100,000 + depending on qualifications

Working Conditions

• This position is based in Austin, TX on the UT Main Campus
• This position is not eligible for remote work.
• May work around standard office conditions.
• Repetitive use of a keyboard at a workstation.
• Occasional early morning, night and weekend work is expected/required.

Required Materials

• Resume/CV
• 3 work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor
• Letter of interest

Importantfor applicants who are NOT current university employees or contingent workers: You will be prompted to submit your resume the first time you apply, then you will be provided an option to upload a new Resume for subsequent applications. Any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) will be uploaded in the Application Questions section; you will be able to multi-select additional files. Before submitting your online job application, ensure that ALL Required Materials have been uploaded. Once your job application has been submitted, you cannot make changes.

Important for Current university employees and contingent workers: As a current university employee or contingent worker, you MUST apply within Workday by searching for Find UT Jobs. If you are a current University employee, log-in to Workday, navigate to your Worker Profile, click the Career link in the left hand navigation menu and then update the sections in your Professional Profile before you apply. This information will be pulled in to your application. The application is one page and you will be prompted to upload your resume. In addition, you must respond to the application questions presented to upload any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) that were noted above.

Employment Eligibility:
Regular staff who have been employed in their current position for the last six continuous months are eligible for openings being recruited for through University-Wide or Open Recruiting, to include both promotional opportunities and lateral transfers. Staff who are promotion/transfer eligible may apply for positions without supervisor approval.

Retirement Plan Eligibility:
The retirement plan for this position is Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length.

Background Checks:

A criminal history background check will be required for finalist(s) under consideration for this position.

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