Job Abstract

The Carnegie Mellon Institute for Strategy and Technology (CMIST) was created to raise Carnegie Mellon University’s thought leadership and global profile in shaping how digital and new technologies are changing national and international security.  The Institute’s mission is to connect the remarkable security-related technological innovations underway throughout the university, with cross-cutting analyses of their political, economic, societal, and ethical impacts by social scientists.  Emphasizing diversity across all dimensions, the Institute takes an entrepreneurial policy-relevant approach to reducing the risks and maximizing the opportunities of emerging technologies in war and peace. 

Integrating security and technology to advance the influence of Carnegie Mellon University in Washington, DC, requires a grasp of national security strategy and policy making in the public interest.  This initiative focuses especially on developments in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, human gene-editing, biotechnology, climate change mitigation, energy policy, quantum computing, the evolution of robotics (“drones”) and other fast-moving areas of impact where the university leads the world. 

This position is for an experienced policymaker who will formulate and lead that effort at the CMIST Washington office.  Reporting to the CMIST Deputy Director for Security Policy Studies (DDSPS), the Director of Studies will play the leading role in shaping the research agenda and policy engagement for the Washington Office.  

The successful candidate will be a widely-respected policy practitioner in an area of new and emerging technologies where CMU excels.  The candidate will have a deep professional network in Washington.  He or she will be able to formulate a forward-looking research agenda that addresses crucial policy areas, is relevant to current challenges or opportunities, and promises beneficial policy impact. 

The Director of Studies, Washington Office will design and orchestrate substantive programs, help produce a variety of research products, and assist in establishing essential resources to develop and sustain a vibrant Washington Office.  This role will convene workshops with knowledgeable policymakers and CMU academics, conduct media interviews, write, and publish op-eds, and produce policy-relevant products that serve the public interest.  The Director will help spearhead efforts to finance studies and research activities for the Washington Office, and will be able to identify and draw upon a widening scope of associates or affiliates who can work on funded projects or speak in executive education training programs for policymakers.  The successful candidate must be an experienced leader with the ability to manage complex environments involving a wide range of both internal and external stakeholders.

While working in close coordination with the Director of CMIST and the DDSPS, the Director of Studies will have strategic oversight and management of three major areas for the Washington Office:  Research, Outreach, and Development.  These three leadership responsibilities are as follows: 

Research

• Design, execute, and produce a variety of research projects on relevant subjects that showcase CMIST and CMU as thought leaders in areas at the nexus of security and technology. 
• Develop and maintain close liaison with vital staff and policymakers across the executive and legislative branches of government.  These include but are not limited to the National Security Council, the Department of Defense, the State Department, the Department of Energy, government research and policy planning offices, and relevant Congressional committee Members and staff. 
• Remain abreast of research across a wide variety of national and international, governmental and academic, research institutions and analytical products.  He or she should periodically brief the Director and DDSPS on the evolving research agenda of the wider community.
• Write, conduct interviews, and engage in academic, policy, and media exchanges that elevate both his or her profile and the profile of CMIST.
• Working with the Director and the DDSPS, the Director of Studies will produce a leading-edge annual research agenda that considers pressing policy issues, CMU strengths and priorities, and relevant subjects where CMIST can make the greatest contributions.
• Help identify, seek, and gain the funding necessary for the conduct of studies in the Washington Office.
• Organize a program of workshops, speakers’ programs, and multi-media events for the Washington Office and at the heart of the mission to foster intellectual exchange between the policy and academic communities.  He or she will develop and maintain a regular calendar of research activities.
• Help identify speakers, members of research teams and task forces, and other practitioners and academics needed to produce outstanding studies.
• Ensure that all studies and research activities, to the extent practicable, are accessible or otherwise beneficial to CMIST students enrolled in the Washington Office.
• Working directly with the DDSPS, will build a firm understanding of CMIST and CMU faculty and staff to create the dialogue between Washington and the Pittsburgh campus essential to expanding the intellectual dialogue between the policy and academic worlds.
• Help propose and develop a variety of research products to enhance or catalyze policy debate, inform a broad public audience, and bolster the reputation of CMIST and CMU.

Outreach

• Working through the DDSPS, will help to facilitate outreach to other stakeholders on Carnegie Mellon University’s campus, including Dietrich College, the School of Engineering, the School of Computer Science, Engineering and Public Policy, Cy-Lab, the Heinz School, the Software Engineering Institute, the Army’s Artificial Intelligence Integration Center, and all other interested CMU collaborators.
• Expected to excel at reaching across relevant governmental and nongovernmental offices in Washington, as well as throughout research institutions nationally and globally. 
• Other outreach tasks center on creating an outreach strategy and identifying the means necessary to elevate CMIST and CMU’s thought leadership.
• Develop an overall strategy for ensuring successful outreach for Washington Office research and studies activities.  To achieve this, he or she will need to delve into successful models for outreach by other similar institutions seeking to inform and reach both policy and academic audiences.
• Help identify the resources and technologies needed to amplify the impact of CMIST research and studies.  He or she will need to be aware of current CMIST and general CMU outreach efforts.

Development

• Under the Director’s leadership, and through the DDSPS, will be responsible for strategic planning and implementation of development initiatives for the Washington Office research activities. 
• Seek and apply for relevant foundation grants and other funding opportunities as appropriate.
• Develop a development strategy for the Washington Office research program.
• All of these activities, and others that will arise, will support the CMIST Director and the organization’s mission. 

• Must have at least five years of relevant policy and think tank experience.
• A proven track record in producing studies and writing on strategy and technology issues. 
• An understanding of technology strategy in one or more critical areas is essential. 
• At least a master’s degree in political science, international relations, or public affairs. 
• Can demonstrate an understanding of international affairs, in particular salient challenges and opportunities regarding cutting-edge technologies. 
• Knowledge of the national security and diplomatic communities
• Strong subject matter expertise in diplomacy, national security, and international security
• Depth in digital technology strategy, cyber policy, or other crucial technological areas
• Excellent writing skills and interpersonal skills
• An experienced researcher
• Ability to create, lead and manage research teams and projects.

• Successful background check

• Note: This senior administrative position is not eligible for University Tenure
• Sponsorship: Applicants for this position must be currently legally authorized to work for CMU in the United States. CMU will not sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa for this opportunity.

Joining the CMU team opens the door to an array of exceptional benefits available to eligible employees.

Those employees who are benefits eligible have the opportunity to experience the full spectrum of advantages from comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance to an enticing retirement savings program offering a generous employer contribution. You can also unlock your potential with tuition benefits and take well-deserved breaks with ample paid time off and observed holidays. Finally, rest easy knowing you are covered by life and accidental death and disability insurance. 

Other perks include a free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass, our Family Concierge Team to help navigate childcare needs, fitness center access, and so much more!

For a comprehensive overview of the benefits that may be awaiting you, explore our Benefits page.

At Carnegie Mellon, we value the whole package when extending offers of employment. Beyond just credentials, we consider the role and responsibilities, your invaluable work experience, and the knowledge gained through education and training. We acknowledge and appreciate your unique skills and the diverse perspective you bring. Your journey with us is about more than just a job; it’s about finding the perfect fit for your professional growth and personal aspirations.

Are you interested in an exciting opportunity with an exceptional organization?! Apply today!

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