Job Type:

Position Description

The Director of IS Operations is responsible for leading and managing all aspects of RAND Corporations computing infrastructure, systems administration, and IT service delivery. This includes the full life cycle of network and data center operations, server and endpoint management, helpdesk and deskside support, and service management. The Director ensures the planning, selection, testing, configuration, deployment, and continuous operation of these systems while maintaining high standards of quality assurance, regulatory compliance, and 24×7 operational support, alongside fostering ongoing staff training and development.

The Director of IS Operations establishes infrastructure standards and operational processes while contributing to the development and execution of RAND Corporations overall information technology architecture and strategy. The Director leads Technical Line Managers and Technical Professionals to ensure the effective implementation and management of the computing infrastructure, emphasizing high availability, reliability, and security across the environment. Additionally, the Director oversees the continual development of technically skilled staff and supplements internal resources with external technical experts when necessary.

The Director of IS Operations is responsible for delivering and maintaining the computing infrastructure necessary to support all aspects of RANDs work. This includes collaborating with the Application Delivery Director on the selection, design, and implementation of applications; working with the Chief Architect to design, develop, and integrate technical solutions; and partnering with the CSO and CISO to ensure robust information security operations. The Director oversees all components of the computing infrastructure, including servers, cloud services, data storage, networking, voice, and collaboration systems, as well as the operation of the internal IS helpdesk and endpoint support and provisioning services.

The Director leads the Infrastructure Operations organization, engaging and partnering with the other parts of the Information Services organization as well as the research divisions, functional departments, and end users. The Director must be service oriented and is expected to be a full team member in providing capabilities and enabling change in the business, developing and tracking metrics to monitor and improve service delivery. Possesses in-depth knowledge of RANDs business, continually helping to identify ways to improve RANDs effectiveness and efficiency. For equipment and service purchases, assembles the business cases and tracks value secured.

Recognized internally and externally as a subject matter expert in infrastructure operations and technical solutions, the Director of IS Operations ensures the delivery of high-quality, reliable services that support a wide range of business and research applications. The Director serves as a trusted technical advisor to business users, fostering strong partnerships with RANDs business staff and researchers to deliver innovative and effective solutions that meet their evolving needs.

Qualifications

Deep technical knowledge and experience across all facets of computing infrastructure, with a particular focus on servers, storage (including data processing), networking, encryption, voice, cloud operations, high performance computing and collaboration tools.

Demonstrated success delivering computing infrastructures to users who require high availability and reliability. Experience delivering the underlying infrastructure and services required to operate major cloud services.

Demonstrated success delivering computing infrastructures to support very technical researchers doing advanced research utilizing high performance computing and custom applications in state-of-the-art computing environments.

Proven experience implementing and maintaining a secure computing environment, working in close partnership with the Chief Security Officer and Chief Information Security Officer.

Proven experience planning for the future, architecting a powerful and robust computing infrastructure and staying ahead of the needs of the business.

Demonstrated ability to ensure the delivery of great customer service.

Deep knowledge of and demonstrated expertise with computing infrastructure. Technically adept and knowledgeable with established relationships with key vendors. Demonstrated ability to establish a rigorous computing infrastructure including integration with cloud IaaS, PaaS and SaaS solutions such as Microsoft Office 365 and Azure, Salesforce, Workday, Adobe, and Amazon Web Services.

Broad business and technical knowledge, flexibility to apply the appropriate solution for specific needs.

Demonstrated strong leadership and management skills and the ability to secure results through others.

Experience managing multiple, simultaneous, significant infrastructure projects alongside robust 24×7 operations.

Skilled at discovering, managing, and delivering on business requirements.

Experience with various government regulations governing unclassified and classified computing environments and rules related to CUI, export-controlled, PII, and PHI data.

Deep knowledge and application of quality assurance methodologies to infrastructure operations and experience meeting regulatory requirements of infrastructure implementations while achieving exceptional quality standards.

Excellent written and oral communication skills with the ability to effectively communicate with information technology professionals as well as researchers in various fields.

Experience supporting classified computing at all levels of classification.

Education Requirements

Minimum Bachelors degree in Computer Science, Information Technology or a related field. Exceptional related experience, abilities and knowledge may be considered in lieu of a degree.

Experience

Minimum 15 years of information technology experience, with 10 years or more years of relevant infrastructure operations experience.

Requires advanced to expert level knowledge and understanding of computing architecture, computing platforms, systems design, integration of systems, storage including backups, disaster recovery and business continuity planning, information security, voice and video solutions.

Minimum of six years leadership experience in managing multiple, large, geographically dispersed cross-functional teams, and influencing senior level management and key stakeholders.

Location

This position may be based in Santa Monica, CA, Arlington, VA, or Pittsburgh, PA. RAND has staff across multiple locations, and the Director of IS Operations may work in a hybrid capacity, requiring an average on-site presence of at least 50% at their primary location (approximately 2.5 days per week). The role requires travel to other RAND locations or to other locations for business needs, which could account for up to 25% of the Directors time.

Security Clearance

U.S. Citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance. This position requires a security clearance.

Salary Range : 205,700 328,900

RAND considers a variety of factors when formulating an offer, including but not limited to, the specific role and associated responsibilities; a candidates work experience, education/training, skills, expertise; and internal equity. The salary range includes base pay plus RANDs sabbatic pay (which provides additional compensation above base pay when vacation is taken). In addition, RAND provides strong benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, paid time-off and more.

Application Review Date

March 16th, 2026

Equal Opportunity Employer