Director of Research

Overview

Nakupuna Consulting is looking to hire a Director of Research to support a DoD client within the Office of the Secretary of Defense, in executing the research and analytical support requirements of a federal advisory committee. The Director of Research will support the client in leading studies on innovation within national security. Our team will work to design and present informative learning sessions on business practices related to innovation, according to relevant legislative and executive guidance. The role requires a proactive problem solver with excellent communication and collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

The following reflects management’s definition of essential functions for this job but does not restrict the tasks that may be assigned. Management may assign additional duties and responsibilities to this job at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons.

• Oversee research operations support for the office, by ensuring all work products meet high quality Government standards
• Collaborate with senior DoD and Government officials on research projects that may cover topics related to strategic management, organizational change, national security, emerging technologies, industry disruptors, and other strategic concepts
• Design and lead research studies. Leverage research and analysis to develop recommendations and draft professional reports and briefings
• Develop stakeholder engagement plans and analyses. Conduct interviews with technical SMEs, Government officials, and industry leaders to gather information for analysis
• Use statistical techniques, models, and methodologies
• Encourage and foster creativity and innovative thinking among the team to deliver novel tools and research concepts
• Monitor project execution and update leadership of any issues (e.g., technical problems, project delays) that may impact achievement of client requirements or that may exceed defined scope of work
• Supervise and track the team's progress to ensure cost, schedule, and performance requirements are met

Qualifications

Qualifications:

• Experience managing a robust team while supporting an environment of innovation, entrepreneurship, process improvement, and other leading edge team leadership practices.
• Experience designing and conducting research studies related to national security activities and high-level policy issues. Experience to include assessing research needs; conducting literature review; identifying appropriate areas of research; considering the research’s feasibility, priorities, methodologies, and procedures; gathering of information; developing assessment criteria; and identifying and analyzing issues.
• Ability to conduct statistical analysis and determine statistical accuracy. 
• Experience developing professional, senior-level reports, briefings, studies, and presentations. 
• Proven experience collaborating with senior officials and teams. 
• Ability to work under pressure and to adapt quickly in a changing environment.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills required.  
• Highly skilled in Microsoft Office Suite and SharePoint.

Education and Experience: This position requires ten years of relevant professional experience. Experience working in or directly for the Government is required. This position requires a master’s degree from an accredited university or college.

Work Location: Work is performed in the National Capital Region with the option for ad hoc telework.

Clearance:  This position requires a Secret security clearance. Must be a U.S. citizen.

Physical Requirements: The ideal candidate must at a minimum be able to meet the following physical requirements of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation: 

• Ability to perform repetitive motions with the hands, wrists, and fingers. 
• Ability to engage in and follow audible communications in emergency situations. 
• Ability to sit for prolonged periods at a desk and working on a computer.