Director - ​Renewing American Innovation​

The Director of the Renewing American Innovation (RAI) program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) Economic Security and Technology (EST) Department will report directly to the EST President and work closely with the EST Vice President and other program directors. The program aims to strengthen the policies, incentives, and capabilities needed for the United States to accelerate innovation, with a focus on revitalizing the American innovation system amid shifts in geopolitics, markets, and technology disruption, including the AI revolution.

Responsibilities

Lead high-quality research, written and multi-media publications (commentaries, briefs, reports, podcasts, videos), and engagement with stakeholders including U.S. and foreign policy makers and the media; Leverage the EST/CSIS platform and convening power to elevate emerging policy issues, foster the exchange of ideas, and facilitate informed dialogue among policymakers, industry leaders, academics, and other stakeholders; Track the program's contribution to policy discussions, thought leadership, and stakeholder engagement; Develop a strategic plan for the continued evolution and growth of the program; Provide direction and inspiration to ensure team, programming, and organizational success; Build a thoughtful communication and outreach plan to reach target audiences; Grow the base of donor support to fund program costs, including building an annual program fundraising strategy, developing concepts and writing proposals, maintaining relationships with current donors, and fostering new partnerships; Ensure sound financial stewardship of the program including budgeting and accounting; Lead a talented team to execute the work of RAI, including supervision and active mentoring of staff and research interns; Collaborate with other CSIS programs on research, publications, and events

Requirements

Minimum 12-15 years of experience and a graduate degree in an area related to RAI core competencies (the role of IP and standards; strategic capital and reindustrialization; regional innovation; and the role of basic and applied science); A track record of senior-level experience, including in the private or non-profit sectors in 1 or more policy areas noted above; Publication track record in national and international media and/or in academic journals on RAI topics; Demonstrated experience building a high performing team of policy professionals; Entrepreneurial mindset with a proactive approach to identifying challenges, setting priorities, and implementing policy-relevant solutions; Excellent verbal, written, and communication skills, with an ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from stakeholders and media; Ability to work well with colleagues across CSIS to cultivate productive, interdisciplinary engagement

Nice to have

Private sector or investment experience; Previous experience raising funds for research projects