RESEARCH ASSOCIATE

Full Job Description

The Perry Center supports the community of security and defense professionals in the Americas to pursue collaborative approaches to mutual opportunities and challenges.

Through academics, research, and outreach, including ministerial-level consulting, we advance sustainable institutional capacity, strengthen the rule of law and democracy, and promote greater understanding of U.S.

policy throughout the Western Hemisphere.

Qualifications: Earned master's degree or equivalent in an appropriate discipline such as international security (defense/war) studies, international relations/affairs, public policy, and/or public management.

Minimum of one year of relevant professional experience. Excellent written and communication skills in English and Spanish.

Demonstrated high-quality analytic research skills: Proven capacity to propose and conduct empirical research leading to practical policy advice and implementable programmatic recommendations.

Ability to conduct cross/multi-disciplinary analysis and synthesis. Proven capacity to write under strict professional standards.

o Ability to effectively organize and communicate findings to a policy or practitioner-oriented audience.

Rapid knowledge acquisition and learning from various methodologies, models, frameworks, or areas of inquiry.

Proven ability to work collaboratively, placing team mission and professional integrity before personal agenda. Ability to perform in a matrixed organization with multiple stakeholders and priorities.

Detail-oriented organizational skills. Self-management and performance in a changing, fast-paced work environment.

Professionalism and proficiency in international environments and among senior officials.

Volunteer Experience: Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social).

Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills, and can provide valuable training and experience that translates to paid employment.

You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Major Duties:

The William J Perry Center for Hemispheric Defense Studies (WJPC) is the Department of War's premier regional forum offering strategic level defense and security education, research assistance and dialog regarding the development of effective security policy within the Western Hemisphere.

The Center's civilian and military graduates and partner institutions comprise communities of influence that work toward a more cooperative and stable international security environment.

The Perry Center's mission is to support the community of security and defense professionals in the Americas to pursue collaborative approaches to mutual opportunities and challenges.

Through academics, research, and outreach, including ministerial-level consulting, we advance sustainable institutional capacity, strengthen the rule of law and democracy, and promote greater understanding of U.S.

policy throughout the Western Hemisphere.

MAJOR DUTIES: The incumbent operates under the general direction and administrative guidance of the Dean of Academic Affairs, who assigns program responsibilities, provides administrative direction, defines success criteria, and directs research priorities.

The role involves significant independence in supporting the WJPC mission.

All research associates are required to conduct directed and independent research and produce scholarly studies and strategic analyses involving security and defense topics in the Western Hemisphere.

Research associates are expected to support faculty in the production of high-quality analysis for U.S. government and partner government audiences. The articles can be scholarly or policy-oriented.

Research associates follow rigorous scholarly protocols based on sound research methodology, data collection, and evaluation to shape U.S. strategy and inform U.S. policy.

This effort includes promoting research products through short articles and opinion pieces/blog posts. Research associates keep abreast of strategic studies, U.S.

policy, and research activities in their area of expertise across the DoD, the Joint Staff, the Combatant Commands, the Services, other government agencies, industry, and academia.

As required, the Research associates travel to the region and domestically to attend meetings, conferences, and symposia to engage with DoD staff and agencies, Combatant Commands, government agencies, academic institutions, and businesses.

Research associates ensure all actions contribute professionally and positively to timely attainment of assigned group or team objectives.

Research associates may be required to interact with and present study and research results to senior DoD officials, other government agencies, foreign partners, civilian institutions and businesses.

Research associates deliver oral briefings, organize and participate in briefings, roundtables, workshops, or conferences (or their equivalent), and prepare and disseminate event and trip reports and other analytical products throughout DoD and other relevant government agencies.

Research associates are expected to comply with all administrative requirements in an effective and timely manner.

This standard includes completing conference, travel, and country clearance requests, travel vouchers, trip reports, training requirements, and other administrative forms and tasks as required.

They are also expected to work closely with Assessment, Monitoring, and Evaluation (AM&E), Outreach & Alumni Affairs, and Operations Staff to develop routine Center reporting to Office of the Secretary of War (OSW).

Research associates will be assigned a portfolio of academic related programs to manage. These programs are cross-cutting and affect WJPC academic activities (e.g. courses, seminars).

Independently plans, designs, and executes projects, studies, and activities within the assigned program job scope. Organizes and oversees programs to align with the mission and goals of WJPC.

Develops new programs as required to support the Center's strategic direction.

Provides advice and consultation to professors, the Dean, Associate Directors, and the Chief of Staff to identify and resolve issues related to their assigned portfolio.

Makes or recommends decisions on policies, operations, and administrative procedures. Drafts, implements, and maintains procedures and controls to ensure smooth and effective program operations.

Coordinates activities to prevent delays and enhance services. Identifies program resource needs and communicates them to management.

Prepares and analyzes program reports, directs the gathering of information, and evaluates processes.

Assists in developing and managing platforms and products, including databases, websites, and other knowledge-sharing repositories.

Coordinates with visiting professors and guest speakers, assisting with their administrative needs for WJPC activities. Performs other duties as assigned.