Director, China Research Center, Global and Emerging Risks Division

Job Type:

Position Description

RAND’s Global and Emerging Risks division develops new methods and delivers rigorous research on catastrophic risks to humanity. One such risk is that a lack of understanding China could lead to a plausible deterioration of the U.S.-China relationship that results in global catastrophe.

RAND is establishing a new China research center within the Global and Emerging Risks division to improve U.S., ally, and partner policymakers and their publics’ understanding of the People’s Republic of China.

The research conducted by the center will examine China’s leadership decision-making and politics, the strategic implications of China’s domestic challenges (e.g., economic, demographic, and environmental factors), and other non-military aspects of the U.S.-China competition.

RAND is accepting applications for the role of Director, China Research Center, reporting to the Vice President Global and Emerging Risks. Approximately 50% of this position will involve duties related to the management and oversight of the research center. The remaining 50% of the time will involve individual research pursuits. This is a five-year term position, with an option to extend subject to management approval.

The Director’s responsibilities include:

• lead and guide all aspects of the center’s work in a manner consistent with RAND’s mission to improve policy and decision-making through objective research and analysis;

• develop and execute the center’s strategic plan;

• define and oversee the center’s research agenda to inform current policy discussions;

• pursue and develop new research and funding opportunities with foundations and donors;

• ensure the quality of the center’s research products;

• initiate collaboration with other China research centers in the U.S. and abroad;

• enhance the profile and policy impact of the center;

• mentor China research staff at RAND;

• assist in recruitment and development of China researchers conducting research across all RAND’s research divisions; and,

• collaborate with leadership and staff across RAND’s research divisions to identify other ways in which the center can support RAND’s full-range of China-related research.

Qualifications

• All research positions at RAND require excellent analytic skills, the ability to communicate clearly and effectively in English, both orally and in writing; the ability to work effectively as a member of a multi-disciplinary team on projects that are designed for policy impact; and a strong commitment to RAND's core values of quality and objectivity.

• The Director must have an excellent track record in researching and publishing critical issues on China and providing insights and recommendations to senior leaders through experience in government, academia, think tank, or the private sector. The record should demonstrate strong research and analysis capabilities, deep knowledge of the China policy environment, excellent leadership and organizational management capabilities, successful management of a complex research portfolio, and the ability to develop a network for fundraising and research opportunities.

• The Director must have demonstrated leadership skills including commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion principles to include developing diverse teams and creating an inclusive work environment.

• The Director must have exceptional abilities in interpersonal relations, managing staff and client relationships, and in written and oral communications.

The Director must be a(n):

• Nationally recognized leading scholar or practitioner on an aspect of the U.S.-China relationship.

• Mentor able to attract and develop China research talent.

• Entrepreneur with the vision, passion, and drive necessary to successfully develop a new China research center.

Education Requirements

• Master’s degree in relevant field is required; a PhD is desirable. A background in the social sciences, quantitative methods and operational analysis is preferred.

Experience

• The position is open to external applicants as well as internal research staff from all disciplines at the level of senior research leader. Research experience of at least 8 years is required with 10+ years desired.

• Experience interacting with civilian and military leaders in a project leader or management role is required.

• Experience proposing and developing projects is desirable.

• Mandarin fluency and experience living in, or frequently visiting China are preferred.