Associate Director of Operations, Meselson Center, Global and Emerging Risks (GER) - RAND

Job Type: Term (Fixed Term)

The Associate Director of Operations serves as the Chief of Staff of the Meselson Center, managing operational strategy and execution of the Center. This position develops and implements strategic operational policies and practices that align with the program’s overall strategies. It oversees resource allocation and budgeting, ensuring cost-efficiency and financial strength. It enhances operational systems and processes to develop and deploy emerging technologies that help create more resource-efficient businesses and reduce global-scale risks.

Duties will include but are not limited to:

• Works in close partnership with Program leadership on operational activities, strategy and execution
• Oversees Program operations, including budget management, resource allocation, and operational efficiency improvements
• Provides end-to-end responsibility over implementation of planning, monitoring, and learning processes for Program operations
• Represents the Program and its interests in engagements with a variety of internal and external stakeholders
• Collaborates with cross-functional teams to ensure alignment between Program vision, research staff, and institutional colleagues
• Directs the work of operations and oversees the work of administrative staff
• May provide contribution to research as the need arises

Qualifications

Required:

• Demonstrated experience in successfully founding and growing teams
• 5+ years of experience in team management, project management, program management, or operations roles, including management of teams of 10 employees or more.
• Strategic operation design capabilities and strong problem-solving skills
• Exceptional reliability and attention to detail in demanding environments
• Demonstrated ability to navigate complex organizational structures.
• 5+ years of project/program management experience in research organizations
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to engage effectively with a wide range of stakeholders
• Deep understanding of AI technology applications and infrastructure

Preferred:

• Founder or first-employee experience in rapidly growing organizations.
• Experience in government, think tanks, or industry-leading organizations.
• Experience in high intensity fast-paced environments.
• Experience with research on AI, biology, or information security.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business Admin, Public Policy, Political Science, or similar is required. Master’s degree preferred.

A bachelor’s degree in business administration, public policy, political science, or similar discipline and at least eight (8) years of progressively responsible experience to include more than five (5) years of project/program management experience in research organizations, or a combination of education and experience that demonstrates the desired knowledge, skills and abilities may be substituted for a BS/BA degree.

Security Clearance

Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government clearance is preferred but not required.

Location

We are actively hiring for this position in San Francisco, CA, as well as our RAND offices in Washington, DC; Santa Monica, CA; Pittsburgh, PA; and Boston, MA. We offer a hybrid work arrangement, combining work from home and on-site options.

Term

The Associate Director of Operations is a two-year term position with a possibility of renewal for up to 3 years, alongside options for longer term employment.

Salary Range

$102,800 - $156,500

RAND considers a variety of factors when formulating an offer, including but not limited to, the specific role and associated responsibilities; a candidate’s work experience, education/training, skills, expertise; and internal equity. The salary range includes base pay plus RAND’s 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.

Equal Opportunity Employer: race/color/religion/sex/sexual orientation/gender identity/national origin/disability/vet

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