Senior Research Fellow, Defense Policy

Title:                                     Senior Research Fellow, Defense Policy

Reports to:                        Director, Allison Center for National Security

Job Summary:                   The Senior Research Fellow engages in advanced research, publication, education programs, and other work on national security matters, with emphasis on (1) issues involving defense funding and related capabilities, threats, and operating environments, and (2) assisting in production of the Heritage annual Index of U.S. Military Strength. This position collaborates with other staff and departments to develop policy papers, studies, and reports, refining proposals into affirmative public policy positions. The Senior Research Fellow is responsible for creating a high-profile and national reputation for The Heritage Foundation in the Defense Policy field. The Senior Research Fellow must be of the highest professional caliber, conducting ground-breaking research and analysis that advances Heritage’s agenda and acts as a spokesperson for Heritage in public events.  

Job Duties:

• Develop policy recommendations and proposals related to defense funding and operating environments.
• Conduct advanced policy analysis and scholarly research; write high quality papers, reports, and books.
• Support the production of the Index of U.S. Military Strength, a flagship Heritage publication.
• Speak at major public functions and professional conferences.
• Fully engage and participate in debates over defense policy with relevant audiences.
• Play an active role with the media and in the public policy community.
• Represent Heritage in major professional forums and settings, including conferences, congressional hearings, and public speaking.
• Organize and participate in internal and external events and meetings.

Qualifications:
Education:                   PhD or the acquisition of equivalent level of technical and research skills
Experience:                 15+ years of substantial professional and leadership experience on national                                          security issues
Communication:         Accomplished writer and influential public speaker; able to articulate policy                                        positions in multiple media
Technology:                Microsoft Suite

Other Requirements:           

• Understand and support the Heritage mission and vision for America, and the department’s goals and objectives.
• Promote policies consistent with Heritage’s priorities; speak with one voice.
• Perform top-quality research, analysis, writing, and publication, with emphasis on accuracy, insightfulness, and timeliness, relating to Heritage long-term policy objectives.
• Engage in effective oral and written communication and advocacy, in a variety of settings, including public speaking and mass media appearances.
• Exercise initiative, within mission and established policies, to achieve assigned objectives.

Benefits and Salary:

The Heritage Foundation offers a highly competitive benefits package that includes, but is not limited to, best-in-class health care, vision, and dental insurance, employer-sponsored retirement funding, “take what you need” PTO and sick leave, 14 weeks of paid leave for new moms and 6 weeks of paid leave for new dads, among other programs.

The salary range for this role is $160,000 - $180,000 annually. This range is a good-faith estimate, and the final salary offered to a selected candidate depends on a variety of factors including, but not limited to, the candidate’s experience, education, and other qualifications; internal and external market pay for comparable jobs; and level of hire based on aforementioned qualifications.