Director Of Research & Strategy

Add expected salary to your profile for insights Join one of the world's top performing and most influential national security think tanks ASPI 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 Director This role directly reports to the Executive Director, is a senior executive-level position and involves managing staff and projects The 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 society Join a progressive, supportive and diverse organisation with an engaging and vibrant organisational culture About ASPI ASPI 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.

About the Role ASPI 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 the Sydney Dialogue , Raisina Down Under and supporting the development and build of ASPI's globally influential data-driven projects, examples of which include the Critical Technology Tracker , Chinese Defence Universities Tracker and other 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.

Selection Criteria : 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 tradecraft Experience working on some of the topics covered by ASPI Strong, agile, leadership skills including : o extensive experience in growing and managing diverse teams o the demonstrated ability to lead multiple teams focused on different institute priorities o the ability to provide these teams with clear, strategic direction resulting in high quality output Strong 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 work An understanding and / or passion for better understanding how Artificial Intelligence is continuing to reshape OSINT tradecraft, data collection and analytical products more broadly Sophisticated 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.

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 ASPI Demonstrated 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 skills Strategic communications experience Remuneration 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.

How to Apply Please refer to the position description.

All applications should be submitted to including the following documents :

• Cover letter (addressing the selection criteria on the Position Description) 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.

Unlock job insights Salary match Number of applicants Skills match Your application will include the following questions : Which of the following statements best describes your right to work in Australia?

How many years' experience do you have as a Research Director?

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