Director Research & Strategy

ASPI Director Research & StrategyJoin one of the world's top performing and most influential national security think tanksASPI is looking for an exceptional and dynamic senior leader to drive and oversee its analytical output, shape and support ASPI's major strategic activities, generate new ideas and support the strategic vision of the Executive DirectorThis role directly reports to the Executive Director, is a senior executive-level position and involves managing staff and projectsThe Director of Research role, also known in some think tanks as Director of Studies, works with the Executive Director to set the strategic research direction of the institute and across the institute to ensure the highest quality analysis and product.This role engages with senior stakeholders across Parliament, governments, business and civil societyJoin a progressive, supportive and diverse organisation with an engaging and vibrant organisational cultureAbout ASPIASPI is an independent, non-partisan think tank that produces expert and timely advice for strategic, defence and policy leaders and decision makers.

ASPI is one of the most authoritative and widely quoted contributors to public discussion of strategic policy issues in the Indo-Pacific region and a recognised Australian voice in international discussion on defence, strategic, national security, cyber, critical technology, climate and foreign interference issues.The key duties of the position include : About the RoleASPI is searching for an exceptional and dynamic senior leader to fill a crucial position which exists at all major think tanks globally - Director of Research (sometimes called Director of Studies).

A think tank's objective is to influence and impact domestic and international public policy making and this role is essential in overseeing ASPI's analytical output.

Currently, functions including contestability, analytical production and design, strategic communications & media and events sit within the small but high-performing team which reports to this role.This role, and the team more broadly, must drive new ideas and ways of doing things, embed quality control and contestability within all of ASPI's analytical output, help to encourage innovative tradecraft practices and ensure ASPI's output (from research to events to podcasts) is strategically communicated to target audiences.At ASPI, the Director of Research role also leads on 'Strategy' which means the role is also responsible for supporting the strategic vision of the Executive Director and shaping and supporting ASPI's key strategic initiatives.

Such initiatives include theSydney Dialogue,Raisina Down Underand supporting the development and build of ASPI's globally influential data-driven projects, examples of which include theCritical Technology Tracker,Chinese Defence Universities Trackerandother sites.

Like all senior roles at ASPI, the Director of Research and Strategy engages in fundraising and that includes working with other seniors to drive change and innovation in business models, creating value out of ASPI's intellectual property and enhancing global partnerships.The role provides a unique opportunity for a strategic and creative leader to help drive ASPI's strategic direction, support the continued development of ASPI's data-driven and policy relevant research, and help ASPI continue to build and leverage global networks across governments, industry and civil society.This is an exceptional opportunity for a talented senior leader to contribute to the work of one of the Indo-Pacific's top policy think-tanks.DutiesThe Director will : Report to the Executive Director (ED) and support or lead on agreed high level ASPI Executive priorities as directed and within capacity.

These could include supporting and strategising the development of a major initiative, project or conference; website and publication modernisation; strategic communications initiatives and generating new research ideas and revenue pathways for the institute.Focus on streamlining and strengthening the quality of ASPI research and analytical output.

This will involve working collaboratively across the organisation, especially with Directors, research seniors and the publications manager to implement greater quality control of ASPI's research product.

This will include, for example, examining ASPI's external research commissioning practices and updating and communicating ASPI's peer review processes and ensuring all research adheres to the institute's peer review process prior topublication.Lead on the drafting and delivery of ASPI's first gender and diversity strategy.

This will involve working collaboratively with Directors, corporate and staff.

It will build on previous work undertaken by corporate and will include inputs from staff (such as feedback already received through ongoing staff consultations and documents that have fed into the ASPI 2022 strategy process).Lead, foster and support the establishment of large, global, strategic initiatives that are within ASPI's interests and mandate.

Such strategic initiatives - like The Sydney Dialogue and the establishment of the Washington Office - boost ASPI's international reputation, provide the institute with new and unique platforms to influence global policymakers and tend to bring in new, large streams of funding for the organisation that support dedicated teams.

This will involve working closely and collaboratively with Directors and senior staff to develop, build and deliver such proposals.Continue working very closely with Director Cyber, technology & Security to support the delivery of high-quality research, staff management and fundraising.Lead and coordinate - across ASPI - on topics or initiatives as directed by, and agreed with, the Executive Director.

This could include, for example, coordinating ASPI's China output to encourage collaboration, apply a strategic and policy lens to that output and to avoid duplication across the organisation.Support ASPI's Washington Office to build a pipeline of deliverable, relevant and influential research that fits within ASPI's research priorities and commitments made when establishing the office.Support Director Defence Strategy and The Sydney Dialogue team as required.EligibilitySelection Criteria : Essential : High level conceptual and strategic thinking ability, including the ability to think and act ahead of global policymaking and to help the institute capitalise on emerging opportunities (whether in relation to policy challenges or commercial opportunities to take just two examples).A passion for both strategy and detail, with proven written and verbal communication skills and the ability to convey complex topics, and related ideas, to non-specialist audiences in Australia and globally.Excellent analytical skills and some combination of possessing a strong understanding of data collection and analysis, policy-relevant research and / or OSINT tradecraftExperience working on some of the topics covered by ASPIStrong, agile, leadership skills including : extensive experience in growing and managing diverse teamsthe demonstrated ability to lead multiple teams focused on different institute prioritiesthe ability to provide these teams with clear, strategic direction resulting in high quality outputStrong relevant domestic and global networks across government, industry, and civil society, coupled with political astuteness and sensitivity / awareness to government processes (domestic and foreign).The ability to contribute to raising funding from governments, industry and / or civil society sources (such as foundations) to support ASPI's ongoing workAn understanding and / or passion for better understanding how Artificial Intelligence is continuing to reshape OSINT tradecraft, data collection and analytical products more broadlySophisticated diplomatic skills that will enable dealings with senior representatives from domestic and international organisations.High levels of integrity with a commitment to maintaining ASPI's independence.Comfort working in a dynamic and fluid budgetary environment.Desired : Prior and relevant think-tank, government or business experience in the defence, national security and / or foreign affairs space is highly desirable.Experience authoring reports on some of the topics covered by ASPIDemonstrated ability to generate new, forward leaning ideas and the skills to develop those ideas into funded, effective projects that influence policy outcomes.Strong OSINT and research skillsStrategic communications experienceRemuneration will be competitive and commensurate with experience and relevant skillsets.ASPI has headquarters in Canberra, Australia and an office in Washington DC, USA.

This role is Canberra-based.

ASPI welcomes applications from APS employees and is open to secondment arrangements in line with agency approvals.NotesHow to ApplyPlease refer to the position

• Cover letter (addressing the selection criteria on the Position Description)Resume / CV including two current referee contact details.ASPI promotes a workplace that actively seeks to include, welcome and values unique contributions of all people.

The Institute strongly encourages women and people from diverse cultural backgrounds including applicants from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds to apply.The closing date for applications is midnight 7 July 2025– an early application is advised as we reserve the right to close the vacancy early if suitable applications are received.Discover excellent career opportunities with our 'top picks' - outstanding roles sourced from APSJobs, public sector job boards, and other sources, selected by The Mandarin team that are available now.

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