JOB SUMMARY:
The Mitchell Institute Senior Research Fellow, Space Studies, is responsible for leading and developing areas of research specific to the aerospace strategy, operational concepts, tactics, and technologies, providing executive leadership on Mitchell Institute strategy, priorities, and events, and maintaining a high profile with external partners and stakeholders.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Oversee and assess research initiatives for the Mitchell Institute (approximately 65% of effort):
Provide executive input on strategy and assist in developing resources to support Mitchell Institute research priorities. Lead and manage the requisite research to facilitate bodies of work developed by Mitchell Institute.Draft reports, opinion pieces, and issue briefings regarding aerospace and national security topics; contribute to those written by colleagues in Mitchell Institute.Author and publish in relevant and prestigious journals, websites, and other mediums.Provide data to facilitate broader Mitchell Institute and Air Force Association strategic planning, event coordination, budget planning, communications efforts, and general enterprise cooperation.Business Development for Mitchell Institute programs (approximately 25% of effort):
Seek business opportunities for broader Mitchell Institute program portfolio.Develop and promote the profile and contacts of Mitchell Institute, AFA, and specific research bodies of work to further revenue and growth.Maintain necessary professional networks to facilitate issue expertise, subject matter currency, subject matter expert access, fundraising capability, and general mission execution. Share network access with Mitchell Institute staff to facilitate broader enterprise goals.Support Mitchell Institute program events (approximately 5% of effort):
Assist in developing event strategy and tactics; support individual event goals and overall standards of quality are met. Serve as a key point of contact during events to support speakers and attendees.Other Duties as assigned (approximately 5% of effort):
Other duties as assigned.WORKING CONDITIONS:
Works out of Air Force Association’s headquarters in Arlington, VA.Office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday to Friday, subject to modification based on the needs of each program or site.Operates in a professional office environment with travel to local offices, community partners, and events.Routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, copiers, filing cabinets and fax machines.Must be able to travel as needed (up to 5%).REQUIRED JOB QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Experience Required:
10 years minimum experience in national security community, with a focus on Aerospace strategy, operational concepts, tactics, and technologies. Experience building and marinating relationships at the highest levels of government, private industry, and relevant research and policy organizations.Must be able to travel (5%) and work overtime as required.Education and Experience Preferred:
Master’s degree in a related field preferred.Air Force veteran with relevant operational experience status preferred.Certifications & Licenses Required:
None.Department Core Competencies:
Technical Competencies (Research)Strategic PlanningDecision-MakingBusiness AcumenKnowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required:
Demonstrated knowledge of national defense, strategic deterrence, military space issues, and aerospace power.Experience developing and ability to grow an extensive professional network in the aerospace sector, national security community, and strategic deterrence cadre.Demonstrated ability to produce and publish written work in topic areas and formats appropriate to the role.Experience as, and continuing ability to convey a strong leadership presence in highly hierarchical organizations, including military and government.Experience with budget planning and execution.Strong written and oral communication skills.Strong adaptability to stressful situations.Proficiency with Microsoft Office with extra focus on Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.Ability to be consistently thorough and demonstrate attention to detail in completing tasks.Demonstrated ability to complete, organize, and appropriately document activities. Demonstrated ability to be honest and ethical in work. Read LessThe Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Senior Research Fellows are responsible for leading areas of research specific to the aerospace defense strategy, operational concepts, tactics, and technology, including planning strategic projects, presenting as a subject matter expert, and supporting AFA’s revenue.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Research, publish, and develop a body of work for Mitchell Institute (approximately 65% of effort):
Lead and manage the requisite research to facilitate a body of work.Draft reports, opinion pieces, and issue briefings regarding aerospace and national security topics as specified by Mitchell Institute leadership.Author and publish on aerospace topics connected to research focus areas in a cadence appropriate to strategy and goals in relevant and prestigious journals, websites, and other mediums.Supervise and coordinate research support resources, including staff and temporary resourcesProvide data to facilitate broader Mitchell Institute and Air Force Association strategic planning, event coordination, budget planning, communications efforts, and general enterprise cooperation.Business Development for Mitchell Institute programs (approximately 20% of effort):
Seek business opportunities for broader Mitchell Institute program portfolio.Develop and promote the profile and contacts of AFA, Mitchell Institute, and specific research bodies of work to further revenue and growth.Maintain necessary professional networks to facilitate issue expertise, subject matter currency, subject matter expert access, fundraising capability, and general mission execution. Share network access with Mitchell Institute staff to facilitate broader enterprise goals.Coordinate within Mitchell Institute and AFA to execute programmatic goals in a collaborative and organized approach.Support Mitchell Institute program events (approximately 10% of effort):
Partner with the Mitchell Institute Coordinator and the Senior Program Director and relevant Executive Office departments to facilitate event logistical arrangements (book event venue, catering arrangements, on-site coordination, media coordination, necessary speaker coordination, serve as official event host, etc.).Manage event strategy and ensure individual event goals and overall standards of quality are met. Serve as a key point of contact during events to support speakers and attendees.Other Duties as assigned (approximately 5% of effort):
Other duties as assigned.REQUIRED JOB QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Experience Required:
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience required.10 years minimum experience in national security community, with a focus on strategic deterrence issues.Education and Experience Preferred:
Master’s degree in a related field preferred.Air Force veteran with relevant operational experience status preferred.Certifications & Licenses Required:
None.Department Core Competencies:
Technical Competencies (Research)Strategic PlanningDecision-MakingBusiness AcumenKnowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required:
Demonstrated knowledge of national defense, strategic deterrence, military space issues, and aerospace power.Experience developing and ability to grow an extensive professional network in the aerospace sector, national security community, and strategic deterrence cadre.Ability to set strategy and goals for events, and deploy organizational, management, planning and presenting skills effectively.Experience with budget planning and execution.Strong written and oral communication skills.Strong adaptability to stressful situations.Proficiency with Microsoft Office with extra focus on Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.Ability to be consistently thorough and demonstrate attention to detail in completing tasks.Demonstrated ability to complete, organize, and appropriately document activities. Demonstrated ability to be honest and ethical in work.WORKING CONDITIONS:
Works out of Air & Space Forces Association’s headquarters in Arlington, VA.Office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday to Friday, subject to modification based on the needs of each program or site.Operates in a professional office environment with travel to local offices, community partners, and events.Routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, copiers, filing cabinets and fax machines.Must be able to travel (5%).