Program Director and Senior Fellow

The Center for a New American Security (CNAS) seeks to hire a program director and senior fellow for its Indo-Pacific Security Program. The selected candidate will assume responsibility for providing strategic leadership of the program; designing and executing rigorous research initiatives; convening and engaging a broad range of stakeholders; and contributing to and elevating national security policy discourse on matters pertaining to the Indo‑Pacific region.

The Indo‑Pacific Security Program has an ambitious research agenda that encompasses sharpening America’s edge in the strategic competition with China, managing the North Korean threat, examining the future of U.S.-Japan and U.S.-South Korea alliances, assessing the factors shaping peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, and advancing U.S. interests and partnerships across the region. The program’s projects and publications are informed by a range of research activities, from tabletop exercises and workshops to extensive fieldwork and desktop research. Drawing on the knowledge and real‑world experience of its core team and adjunct fellows, along with its network of public and private sector partners, the program provides policymakers in the United States, the Indo‑Pacific, and interested third regions with concrete analysis and recommendations on security issues, including those that originate in the Indo‑Pacific but have global implications.

Responsibilities

The following is an overview of primary responsibilities. Other tasks may be required, and responsibilities will vary over time.

PROGRAM LEADERSHIP

• Develop and implement a vision, strategy, and research agenda for the program.
• Advise and manage a team of senior researchers, research assistants, adjunct fellows, outside authors, and other CNAS and external contributors.
• Work with CNAS leadership to develop resourcing plans and manage program budgets.
• Raise funding for the program’s work, together with the Center’s development team.

RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS

• Conduct original research and analysis to advance understanding and improve public policy related to Indo‑Pacific security.
• Write and publish reports, policy memos, articles, op‑eds, and other written and multimedia products related to core program themes.
• Engage other experts to conduct research and analysis as part of the program’s mission.
• Collaborate with other CNAS research programs.

OUTREACH

• Serve as an expert commentator in the media and engage in public outreach through public speaking, press opportunities, and other outlets.
• Lead and participate in events, such as working groups, panel discussions, and roundtables.
• Conduct consultative meetings and outreach to senior government officials, thought leaders, and members of Congress, and their staffs.
• Engage foreign partners both in the United States and abroad.

INSTITUTIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Draft project proposals and liaise with prospective donors.
• Participate in the Center’s personnel processes.
• Attend internal meetings and represent CNAS at external events.
• Mentor colleagues.
• Staff CNAS events as needed.
• Participate in networking and outreach.

Qualifications

• Strong education, research, and policymaking background in the U.S.-India relationship and India’s role in the world.
• Demonstrated track record of policy-related publications.
• Established networks on both sides of the Pacific.
• Project management experience and an ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously.
• Commitment to CNAS’s mission of developing the next generation of national security leadership through training and mentoring junior staff.
• Demonstrated experience in fundraising from foundations, the private sector, and individual donors.
• Ability to communicate effectively with elected, appointed, and military officials, donors, and other colleagues.
• Demonstrated experience working with the media (print, television, radio, podcasts, and other multimedia) and familiarity/experience with social media.
• Legal right to work in the United States.
• Based in Washington, D.C. or willing to relocate upon job offer.

About CNAS

The Center for a New American Security develops bold, innovative, and bipartisan national security and defense policies that promote and protect American interests and values. Building on the deep expertise and broad experience of its staff and advisors, CNAS engages policymakers, experts, and the public with innovative fact‑based research, ideas, and analysis to shape and elevate the national security debate. As an independent 501(c)(3) non‑profit research organization, CNAS leads efforts to help inform and prepare the national security leaders of today and tomorrow. CNAS is located in Washington, D.C.

CNAS is a proud equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

• CNAS offers a complete and competitive benefits package for employees which includes medical, dental, vision, life and AD&D insurance, short- and long‑term disability insurance, flexible spending accounts, 403(b) retirement accounts, transportation subsidies, and an employee assistance program.