Director Science Jobs in Silver Spring, MD (NOW HIRING)

The Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA) is a not-for-profit corporation that operates three Federally-Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs): the Systems and Analyses Center sponsored by the Office of the Secretary of War; the Science and Technology Policy Institute serving the Office of Science and Technology Policy, the National Science Foundation, and other offices and councils within the executive branch of the federal government; and the Center for Communications and Computing serving the National Security Agency. IDA provides objective analyses of national security issues and related national challenges, particularly those requiring extraordinary scientific, technical, and analytic expertise.

The Science, Systems and Sustainment Division (S3D), one of seven research divisions within the Alexandria, VA-based Systems and Analyses Center (SAC), primarily provides deep technical, analytical, and subject-matter expertise to support Department of War (DoW). S3D assesses the effectiveness of emerging technologies, military weapon systems and concepts of operation, analyzes mission needs, develops system architectures, investigates new operational concepts, and assesses the risksthat accompany technological integration. S3D also examines system performance and evaluates technical challenges with new systems during their development, experimentation and testing, and conducts data-driven analyses to improve weapon-system readiness and availability. These analyses help IDA's government sponsors make defensible investment decisions, shape the development of new systems, choose among competing programs, set force or inventory levels, identify suitable concepts for employing systems in realistic operational environments, and improve acquisition outcomes. Our government sponsors depend on us to meet complex challenges with determination, creativity, and insight. We support the DoW to protect our warfighters, save taxpayer dollars, and defend our nation.

We seek a senior level manager with extensive experience in the quantitative analysis and evaluation of technologies and DoW weapon systems; an established reputation in the national security field; an understanding of DoW decision-making processes, including the planning, programming, budgeting, and acquisition processes; experience overseeing and conducting data-intensive and simulation-based analyses; strong demonstrated written and oral communication and collaboration skills; and the highest level of integrity. It is preferred that the selected individual have a PhD in science, engineering, applied science, applied engineering, or related field. The selected individual must be able to interact effectively with the senior leadership in sponsoring offices and work cooperatively with a variety of government organizations and advisory groups.

The S3D Director will be responsible for managing a 140-staff-year research program, overseeing over 40 unique projects, as well as ensuring the quality of division research and analytical products. Key priorities for the Director are as follows:

• Integrate and focus IDA analytical capabilities - in active collaboration with other IDA divisions - to meet complex research and analytical challenges.
• Develop and maintain close relationships with key sponsors, senior stakeholders, and DoW leaders. Ensure they are aware of IDA contributions and relevant analyses; promote Division capabilities and negotiate future lines of effort with sponsors.
• Develop and implement a coordinated research strategy across S3D portfolios that supports sponsor priorities, ensures objectivity and rigor, advances methodologies, and drives innovation.
• Oversee the quality management and development processes for S3D research products to ensure they meet IDA Standards, chairing technical reviews, and ensuring products meet sponsor mission needs and timelines.
• Partner with the S3D Deputy Director, Assistant Directors, and Staff to develop and implement the division's research program and strategy.
• Recruit, retain, and grow talent at all levels, and drive an inclusive culture that welcomes all points of view.
• Work with colleagues, staff, and IDA leadership to continuously refine S3D's vision and continuously communicate that vision to staff.
• Oversee the research division budget, managing both direct and indirect costs to ensure efficient use of resources and deliver products within budget.
• Advise and support IDA corporate initiatives in cooperation with the Executive Vice President.

IDA offers a competitive salary, an excellent benefits package and a superior professional working environment. To the right individual, IDA offers the opportunity to have a major impact on key national programs and plans.

We support transparency, equity, and fairness in our compensation program and provide a reasonable estimate of the salary range based on data-driven market analysis for each position. While it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range, a reasonable estimate of the salary range for this role is $223,358-$390,877. Individual salary within this range will be commensurate with the incumbent's experience, unique skills and qualifications, and other relevant factors

The selected individual will be subject to a security investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Ability to obtain and maintain TS/SCI/SAP/SAR clearances is required. U. S. citizenship is required. Successful completion of a criminal background check is required.