Director - Operational Evaluation Division; OED

The Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA) is a not-for-profit corporation that operates three Federally-Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs): the Systems and Analyses Center sponsored by the Office of the Secretary of War; the Science and Technology Policy Institute serving the Office of Science and Technology Policy, the National Science Foundation, and other offices and councils within the executive branch of the federal government;

and the Center for Communications and Computing serving the National Security Agency. IDA provides objective analyses of national security issues and related national challenges, particularly those requiring extraordinary scientific, technical, and analytic expertise.

The Operational Evaluation Division (OED), one of seven research divisions within the Alexandria, VA-based Systems and Analyses Center (SAC), primarily provides deep technical, analytical, and subject-matter expertise to support Department of War (DoW) Operational Test and Evaluation and Live Fire Test and Evaluation. OED conducts analyses to evaluate whether defense systems enable warfighter missions under operationally realistic conditions. Our government sponsors depend on us to meet complex challenges with determination, creativity, and insight.

We support the DoW to protect our warfighters, save taxpayer dollars, and defend our nation.

The OED Director will be responsible for managing a 120-staff year research program and for ensuring the quality of division research and analytic products. Key priorities for the Director are as follows:

• Integrate and focus IDA analytical capabilities – in active collaboration with other IDA divisions – to meet complex research and analytical challenges.
• Maintain deep knowledge and understanding of DoW’s Test and Evaluation processes, methods, and organizations.
• Develop and maintain close relationships with key sponsors, senior stakeholders, and DoW leaders. Ensure they are aware of IDA contributions and relevant analyses.
• Develop and implement a coordinated research strategy across OED portfolios that supports sponsor priorities, ensures objectivity and rigor, advances methodologies, and drives innovation.
• Oversee the quality management process for OED research products to ensure they meet IDA Standards, chairing technical reviews, and ensuring products meet sponsor mission needs and timelines.
• Partner with the OED Deputy Director, Assistant Directors, and Staff to develop and implement the division’s research program and strategy.
• Recruit, retain, and grow talent at all levels, and drive an inclusive culture that welcomes diverse points of view.
• Work with colleagues, staff, and IDA leadership to continuously refine Division vision and continuously communicate vision to staff.
• Oversee the research division budget, managing both direct and indirect costs to ensure efficient use of resources and deliver products within budget.
• Advise and support IDA business modernization, process improvement, and other corporate initiatives.

We seek a senior level manager with extensive experience in the quantitative analysis and evaluation of defense systems; an established reputation in the national security field; an understanding of DoW decision-making processes, including the planning, programming, budgeting, and acquisition processes; strong demonstrated written and oral communication and collaboration skills; and the highest level of integrity. The selected individual must have substantial defense-related test and analysis experience and strong familiarity with currently fielded DoW systems, as well as ongoing acquisition programs.

A PhD in science, engineering, applied science, applied engineering, or related field is highly preferred. The selected individual must be able to interact effectively with the senior leadership in sponsoring offices and work cooperatively with a diverse set of government organizations and advisory groups.

IDA offers a competitive salary, an excellent benefits package and a superior professional working environment. To the right individual, IDA offers the opportunity to have a major impact on key national programs and plans.

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