Vice President, RAND Project AIR FORCE

Job Type:

Overview

The RAND Corporation is a nonprofit institution that helps improve policy and decision-making through research and analysis. Headquartered in Santa Monica, California, RAND has approximately 2,000 people from more than 45 countries working in offices in North America and Europe, with annual revenue of roughly $500 million. RAND is widely respected for operating independently of political and commercial pressures as a nonpartisan organization. RAND values objectivity and integrity in both its research processes and internal interactions. We emphasize a collegial environment that respects the contributions and dignity of all staff. 

RAND Project AIR FORCE (PAF) is the Department of the Air Force (DAF)’s sole Federally Funded Research and Development Center for studies and analyses. PAF’s long-standing relationship with the DAF allows PAF to mount sustained analysis of long-term, enduring problems facing the United States Air Force and the United States Space Force and apply insights from past research to current and future needs. 

PAF projects draw on RAND research talent spanning a range of disciplines, including political science, engineering, economics, sociology, psychology, operations research, management, law, and statistics. PAF teams draw on the best available qualitative data, quantitative data, and methodological tools to deliver insights and actionable recommendations to policymakers. 

Position Description

The PAF Vice President oversees a broad portfolio of active analytical projects and generating annual revenue of approximately $30–40 million. As a member of RAND’s senior management team, the Vice President participates in corporate decision making and collaborates with leaders across the organization. The Vice President of RAND Project AIR FORCE reports to the Senior Vice President and Chief Research Officer.

This is a 5-year term position with the possibility of a 2-year renewal with management approval. Position responsibilities are expected to require 100% of the Vice President’s time.

Responsibilities:

• Provide executive leadership for all activities of the PAF division, including strategy, research quality, people, partnerships, and financial performance

• Develop close, day-to-day working relationships with senior officials across the DAF, including USAF and USSF leadership, the Office of the Secretary of the Air Force, and other key stakeholders

• Oversee PAF’s integrated research portfolio spanning force design, modernization, readiness, acquisition, nuclear-conventional integration, space, and emerging technology 

• Develop and execute the division’s strategic plan, including research priorities, revenue strategy, staffing plans, and talent development

• Ensure research excellence, methodological rigor, and alignment with RAND’s broader strategic objectives

• Collaborate with RAND’s research division leaders to strengthen business development, expand policy impact, and coordinate government engagement

• Collaborate with RAND’s research departments to inform hiring, research staff management, and research staff development

• Represent RAND to senior government officials and other stakeholders as a principal spokesperson on air, space, and defense policy

• Build and sustain strategic partnerships with government, industry, academia, and philanthropic organizations

Qualifications

• Exceptional executive management skills, including leadership, interpersonal communication, and team-building capabilities

• Demonstrated ability to lead large, multidisciplinary teams and to coach and mentor senior leaders and researchers

• Recognized expert in national security, with particular depth in air and/or space strategy, operations, or policy

• Demonstrated experience working directly with senior U.S. national security officials across the DAF or the broader defense enterprise

• Proven track record in business development, including sponsor engagement and revenue generation in a government research or consulting environment

• Strong network of contacts across the DAF, combatant commands, government, academia, and industry

• Excellent analytic skills, with the ability to oversee research quality, understand diverse methodologies, and articulate RAND’s analytical capabilities

• Proven enthusiasm for and judgment in adopting advanced analytic and AI-enabled research methods, with a track record of translating new tools into meaningful research value

• Demonstrated ability to attract and develop research talent 

• Ability to travel approximately 20% of the time

Education Requirements

A Master’s degree or equivalent in a relevant field is required; a Ph.D. is preferred.

Experience

Experience equivalent to RAND senior-level researcher, with a minimum of 10+ years required developing policy in the U.S. government or conducting policy analysis in a corporate or research environment, including experience managing complex teams in a client-oriented environment.

Security Clearance

Given the nature of research conducted in this program, a current background investigation and an active Secret clearance is required. Candidate must be eligible for a Top Secret/SCI clearance.  

Location

This position will be at the RAND Washington, DC office (Arlington, Virginia).

Application Review

Application review will begin September 14.

Salary Range: $300,000 - $383,250

Base Salary: $300,000 - $365,000

Full Salary: $315,000 - $383,250

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 full salary range includes base pay plus RAND’s sabbatic pay (which provides additional compensation above base pay when vacation is taken). This position may be eligible for additional compensation. In addition, RAND provides strong benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, paid time-off and more.

Equal Opportunity Employer