Job Type: Regular Overview RAND Global and Emerging Risks (GER) brings together the worlds leading experts, scholars, strategists, and practitioners to help decisionmakers understand, anticipate, and prepare to navigate the national security and geopolitical implications of consequential challenges to civilization and global security, including the rapid advance of artificial intelligence, the biotechnology revolution, a transforming climate, and intensified strategic competition. Position Description RAND is seeking candidates for the role of Associate Director, Global and Emerging Risks. This position reports to the Vice President and Director, Global and Emerging Risks. The Associate Director plays a central role in formulating and overseeing the divisions strategic plan, research agenda, talent recruitment, strategic engagement, business development and fundraising efforts, and partnerships with RANDs other research divisions and operational units. Responsibilities, in collaboration with the division director, include: Oversee GERs research centers and initiatives, which include: Center for AI, Security, and Technology; Center for the Geopolitics of Artificial General Intelligence; China Research Center; Center for Analysis of U.S. Grand Strategy; Center for Climate and Energy Futures; RAND Forecasting Initiative; and RAND Frederick S. Pardee Center for Longer Range Global Policy and the Future Human Condition Oversee RAND international chairs and fellows, which include: Chair in China Policy Studies; Taiwan Policy Initiative; Korea Policy Chair; Israel Policy Chair; Russia & Eurasia Policy Chair; and Chair for Strategy and Diplomacy Uphold RAND standards of quality and objectivity in of the Divisions research endeavors and publications Support the development and execution of the divisions strategic plan, including revenue and hiring targets Collaborate with RANDs U.S. research division leadership teams to enhance their business development, increase the impact of their work, and ensure a coordinated approach to government engagement and development efforts Represent RAND to senior stakeholders in government and industry, in the U.S. and abroad Lead RAND Global and Emerging Risk advisory board programming, development, and stewardship Drive the adoption of cutting-edge technologies and methodologies This is a five-year term position, with an option to extend 1-2 years subject to management approval. Management responsibilities supporting RANDs Global and Emerging Risks research division will cover half the incumbents time. The other half of the incumbents time will go towards conducting and/or leading RAND research projects. Qualifications Exceptional executive management skills, including communication, leadership, interpersonal, and teamwork abilities, enabling effective interaction with a diverse range of individuals such as clients, employees, donors, government officials, and dignitaries Proven ability to build and lead high-performing, multidisciplinary teams and to coach and mentor senior leaders, researchers, and policy experts Recognized national security or technology policy expert with an established network of contacts in government, academia, and industry Education Requirements Master’s or PhD in a related field Experience Proven senior-level management experience in government, a non-profit research institute or university setting, or a for-profit entity that has significant policy and government relationships A minimum of 10 years of related experience Experience working directly with senior national security officials and industry leaders preferred Security Clearance Current possession of a U.S. security clearance, or the ability to obtain a U.S. security clearance, is required. Location We are actively hiring for this position in Washington, DC; Pittsburgh, PA; and Santa Monica, CA. This position is flex, which provides the opportunity for work from home and the office, with at least 50% of days worked on-site at one of the RAND offices required. Relocation assistance may be available. Salary Range: $167,300 – $262,500 Senior Researcher: $167,300 – $262,500 Hiring ranges for Economists, Management Scientists and Physician Researchers are slightly higher than the range shown. At RAND, the research program management role is a termed assignment that is performed by an experienced researcher, but the researcher role is not a termed position. The candidate selected for this role will be offered regular employment with RAND as a researcher. 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. Successful candidates will be offered employment as a Senior researcher in a specific title, as determined by the candidate’s education and experience. The salary range includes base pay plus RANDs sabbatic pay (which provides compensation above base pay when vacation is taken). This position may also be eligible for additional compensation. RAND provides strong benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, paid time-off, and more. Application review Application review will begin Monday, March 30th, 2026 Equal Opportunity Employer RAND is a research organization that develops solutions to public policy challenges to help make communities throughout the world safer and more secure, healthier and more prosperous. RANDs research and analysis address issues that impact people everywhere, including security, health, education, sustainability, growth, and development. RAND has approximately 1,750 people working in offices in the United States, Europe, and Australia, with annual revenues of $470 million. RAND is nonprofit, nonpartisan, and committed to the public interest. Our research is sponsored by government agencies, international organizations, and foundations. We rely on philanthropic support to pursue visionary ideas; address critical problems that are under-researched; and devise innovative approaches for solving acute, complex, or provocative policy challenges. RAND values objectivity and integrity in both its research processes and internal interactions. We emphasize a collegial environment that respects the contributions and dignity of all staff. RAND’s reputation is built on quality and objectivity. RAND provides an exciting intellectual environment and opportunities for career growth with challenging assignments. As collaboration in interdisciplinary teams is an essential operating principle at RAND, we hire highly qualified talent and empower our people to do their best work by fostering a culture in which different views, backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives are valued and respected, and staff have a sense of belonging with their colleagues, fair access to opportunities, and feel comfortable bringing their best selves to work each day. As part of our commitment to Equal Opportunity Employment, we welcome all applicants from a broad range of backgrounds and experiences to apply for this exciting opportunity. RAND is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, or in order to perform the essential functions of a position, please contact Human Resources at (310) 393-0411 or at jobs@rand.org and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.