Director - ​Renewing American Innovation​

A key pillar of CSIS, the Economic Security and Technology (EST) Department was established in 2024 with the goal of helping the United States and allies promote the economic dynamism and technology advantages essential to growth, security, and resilience. The EST department comprises seven research programs, 50+ resident staff, and 100+ non-resident experts dedicated to generating strategic insights and policy impact at the intersection of economic, technology, and national security policy. Its strategic research priorities are 1) defining economic security and statecraft tools, 2) assessing U.S.-China technology competition, 3) identifying drivers of U.S. competitiveness, and 4) shaping the future of economic and technology alliances. 

As one of seven programs within the EST Department, the Renewing American Innovation (RAI) program aims to strengthen the policies, incentives, and capabilities needed for the United States to accelerate innovation. Since its founding, RAI has made progress in identifying good practice in the development of regional innovation ecosystems with an initial focus on semiconductors and quantum technologies, and in strengthening intellectual property protection and reinforcing a stronger American participation in global standards-setting.  

In its next phase, the program will focus on revitalizing the American innovation system amid seismic shifts in geopolitics, markets, and technology disruption, including the AI revolution. The goal is to build core competencies that include (1) the role of IP and standards; (2) strategic capital and reindustrialization; (3) regional innovation; and (4) the role of basic and applied science. Key priorities are collaboration and the integration of RAI’s capabilities with the broader EST department through signature products such as the Tech Edge series and Country Economic Security and Technology Assessments, and key convenings with government, the private sector, and investment community. 

The Director would report directly to the EST President and work closely with the EST Vice President and other program directors. As the voice for RAI, the selected candidate will be self-motivated, entrepreneurial, and collaborative both with colleagues in EST and CSIS as well as program and department affiliates.  

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Essential functions may include, but are not limited to the following: 

Research and Thought Leadership:  

• Lead high-quality research, written and multi-media publications (commentaries, briefs, reports, podcasts, videos), and engagement with stakeholders including U.S. and foreign policy makers and the media. 
• Leverage the EST/CSIS platform and convening power to elevate emerging policy issues, foster the exchange of ideas, and facilitate informed dialogue among policymakers, industry leaders, academics, and other stakeholders. Track the program's contribution to policy discussions, thought leadership, and stakeholder engagement. 

Strategy and Vision for Impact:  

• Develop a strategic plan for the continued evolution and growth of the program that advances high-priority policy research and analysis, identifying areas where the program's expertise, EST strategic priorities, and supporter interests intersect to create meaningful research, convening, and engagement opportunities.
• Provide direction and inspiration to ensure team, programming, and organizational success.  
• Build a thoughtful communication and outreach plan to reach target audiences. 

Financial Stewardship, Fundraising, and Donor Management:  

• Grow the base of donor support to fund program costs including personnel, overhead, travel, and other costs. This includes building an annual program fundraising strategy, developing concepts and writing proposals for new opportunities, maintaining relationships with current donors, and fostering new partnerships.
• Ensure sounding financial stewardship of the program including budgeting and accounting. 

Team Leadership:  

• Lead a talented team to execute the work of RAI. Provide supervision and active mentoring of staff, including research interns.  
• Collaborate with other CSIS programs on research, publications, and events, and contribute to the overall success of CSIS. 

KNOWLEDGE, EDUCATION, AND EXPERIENCE: 

• Minimum 12-15 years of experience and a graduate degree in an area related to RAI core competencies (i.e., the role of IP and standards; strategic capital and reindustrialization; regional innovation; and the role of basic and applied science). 
• A track record of senior-level experience, including in the private or non-profit sectors in 1 or more policy areas noted above. Private sector or investment experience is a plus.
• Publication track record in national and international media and/or in academic journals on RAI topics.
• Previous experience raising funds for research projects is a plus but not a requirement. 
• Demonstrated experience building a high performing team of policy professionals.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with a proactive approach to identifying challenges, setting priorities, and implementing policy-relevant solutions. 
• Excellent verbal, written, and communication skills, with an ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from stakeholders and media. 
• Ability to work well with colleagues across CSIS to cultivate productive, interdisciplinary engagement.