Effective October 11, 2021, all current and newly hired IDA employees must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 unless they have been granted a medical or religious exemption.  Individuals who accept employment with IDA will be required to provide proof that they are fully vaccinated or receive approval for a medical or religious accommodation prior to starting employment.  

Enjoy challenging work and make important contributions to the Nation

The Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA) is a not-for-profit corporation that operates three Federally-Funded Research Centers (FFRDCs): the Systems and Analyses Center sponsored by the Office of the Secretary of Defense; the Science and Technology Policy Institute serving the Office of Science and Technology Policy, the National Science Foundation, and other offices and councils within the executive branch of the federal government; and the Center for Communications and Computing serving the National Security Agency. IDA provides objective analyses of national security issues and related national challenges, particularly those requiring extraordinary scientific, technical, and analytic expertise.

The Operational Evaluation Division (OED), one of eight research divisions within the Alexandria, VA-based Systems and Analyses Center (SAC), provides deep technical, analytical, and subject-matter expertise to support quantitative evaluations—including operational testing and evaluation for the Department of Defense (DoD), assessment of anti-terrorism products and services for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and DoD program reviews. Our government sponsors depend on us to meet complex challenges with determination, creativity, and unparalleled insight. We support DoD and DHS to protect our warfighters, save taxpayer dollars, and defend our nation.

The OED Director will be responsible for managing a 170-staff year research program and for ensuring the quality of division research and analytic products.

Key priorities for the Director are as follows:

• Integrate and focus IDA analytical capabilities – in active collaboration with other IDA divisions – to meet complex research and analytical challenges. 
• Maintain deep knowledge and understanding of DoD’s test and evaluation processes, methods, and organizations.
• Develop and maintain close contact with key sponsors, senior stakeholders, and DoD leaders. Ensure they are aware of IDA contributions and relevant analyses.
• Recruit, retain, and grow diverse talent at all levels, and drive an inclusive and equitable culture that welcomes and supports diversity and belonging. Demonstrate strong commitment to the IDA Diversity, Equity and Inclusion strategy.
• Work with colleagues, staff, and IDA leadership to continuously refine Division vision and periodically communicate vision to staff. 
• Support IDA business modernization and process improvement initiatives.

We seek a senior level manager with extensive experience in the quantitative analysis and evaluation of defense systems; an established reputation in the national security field; an understanding of DoD’s decision-making processes, including the planning, programming, budgeting, and the acquisition process; strong demonstrated written and oral communication and collaboration skills; and the highest level of integrity. The selected individual must have a substantial defense-related evaluation and analysis experience (DoD) and strong familiarity with currently fielded DoD systems, as well as ongoing acquisition programs.  A graduate degree in science, engineering, applied science, applied engineering, or related field is required. The selected individual must be able to interact effectively with the senior leadership in sponsoring offices and work cooperatively with a diverse set of government organizations and advisory groups. 

IDA offers a competitive salary, an excellent benefits package and a superior professional working environment. To the right individual, IDA offers the opportunity to have a major impact on key national programs and plans.

The selected individual will be subject to a security investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information.  Ability to obtain and maintain  S/TS/SCI/SAP/SAR clearances is required. U. S. citizenship is required. Successful completion of a criminal background check is required. 

To learn more and to apply for this position, please visit our website at www.ida.org. The Institute for Defense Analyses is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

U.S. Citizenship is required

Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance is required

IDA is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing a fair recruiting process and working environment free from discrimination. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identify, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. Click here to learn more about IDA's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.