The Atlantic Council seeks a dynamic, policy-oriented, and operationally savvy intellectual entrepreneur to serve as Director of the Indo-Pacific Security Initiative in the Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security.

The Director will manage the Atlantic Council’s key body of work on Indo-Pacific strategy and security and the transpacific relationship, in close coordination with our 16 other programs and centers. The Director will lead and develop a program that will have direct and sustained impact on US and allied government strategies and policies in the Indo-Pacific. The Director will work with internal stakeholders to integrate cross-program efforts on the Indo-Pacific, America’s alliances in the region, and transpacific relations. Specifically, the Director will work with Council programs focused on key issues on the transpacific agenda, including with a particular focus on strategy, security, alliances, and defense, but also working with other Council Centers on energy, economics, technology, and other major issue areas.

The ideal candidate will leverage the Atlantic Council’s reputation, brand, and impact throughout the Indo-Pacific to deepen the Initiative’s presence in Washington and capitals around the world through policy impact and thought leadership, innovativeprogramming, business development, and stakeholder engagement.

The Director will bring at least 10 years of high-level public- and private-sector experience covering US and Indo-Pacific policy issues, along with a global network of governmental, civil society, business, and media contacts to achieve results. The candidate will have robust experience in project and talent management with a strong and entrepreneurial background in business development and policymaking.

The Director will oversee the Indo-Pacific Security Initiative’s day-to-day operations and be responsible for the Initiative’s long-term strategy and fundraising efforts, while working alongside the Scowcroft Center’s leadership team, the Center’s network of distinguished and senior fellows, and the Initiative’s program staff to direct the Initiative’s robust programming and logistics.

Experience living and working in the Indo-Pacific and knowledge of at least one Indo-Pacific language is strongly preferred. The position is located in Washington, DC and requires occasional to frequent international travel.

Job Responsibilities

The Director will be specifically responsible for:

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  Intellectual Leadership. Play a leading role in developing the intellectual framework for advancing the Initiative’s mission through both strategic planning and programming to support that mission. Possess a proven track record of intellectual leadership and policy impact on issues of the Indo-Pacific and its relations with the United States. Represent the Initiative, the Scowcroft Center, and the Council in external policy debates through publications, speaking and media engagements, and thought leadership.

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  Development/Business development. Working with the Center’s and the Council’s leadership and Development team, build the Initiative’s financial base by pursuing opportunities with foundations, corporations, individuals, government agencies, and international organizations; integrate and execute programming and business development strategies; and develop concept notes and proposals.

• Programmatic Development and Oversight. Develop programming and new projects to shape policy and the public discourse about the future of the Indo-Pacific, including its relations with the United States and our global allies. Manage multiple projects simultaneously, often involving senior experts and policy leaders in government, the private sector, and civil society.

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  Relationship Management. Build sustainable, effective relationships with high-level officials, corporate executives, board members, donors, experts, and other Council senior staff.

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  Management. Recruit, manage, develop, and retain top talent, including resident and nonresident senior fellows, staff, and interns. Integrate relevant board members and external stakeholders into the Initiative’s programming while leveraging the expertise of the Center’s and Council’s other programs. Manage a multi-million dollar budget, a global team, and multiple competing projects. Oversee expenses and revenues, management of budgets and anticipated fundraising, and ensure program long-term solvency. Help develop the next generation of national security leaders by mentoring staff.

• A minimum of 10 years relevant work experience in Indo-Pacific affairs and business, transpacific relations and/or other relevant areas within government service, the private sector, non-governmental organizations, and/or academia.

• Master’s degree or doctorate in a relevant field is required.

• A strong and current bipartisan and international network in Washington DC and in the Indo-Pacific among government, business, and civil society.

• Significant experience in project management and business development, preferably in an entrepreneurial environment.

• Superior writing and communication skills and a willingness to experiment in outreach methods.

• Excellent organizational and management skills; must be able to juggle multiple tasks and prioritize appropriately.

• Excellent people skills; must be able to manage fellows, staff, and interns, and work well with colleagues, senior Council staff, and external officials and partners.

• Demonstrated track record in budget management, grant solicitations, and fundraising to include solicitation from high net worth individuals, foundations, and corporate sources.

• A proven ability to build networks and initiate effective partnerships among expert analysts, government leaders, and non-governmental organizations, international institutions, and business executives.