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 Economics Program / Scholl Chair in International Business focuses on economic analysis of key issues impacting U.S. growth and security such as trade, technology, economic coercion, supply chain resilience, and capital markets. Key areas of focus include trade policy (to include tariffs, antidumping and countervailing duties, and export controls), supply chain resilience, investment policy (to include investment screening), international finance, responses to economic coercion, as well as export promotion and commercial diplomacy. A key priority is collaboration with other programs and the integration of the Economics program’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. The selected candidate will be self-motivated, entrepreneurial, and collaborative both with colleagues in EST and CSIS as well as program and department affiliates.

This position will be based out of our Washington DC headquarters and is expected to be in-office

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

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

Strategy and Research Leadership

• Develop and lead a research agenda on trade, investment, international finance, supply chain resilience, commercial diplomacy, and emerging economic alliances, with a focus on U.S. competitiveness and economic security.

• Position the Economics Program as a leading voice on trade policy, investment screening, export controls, economic coercion, supply chain resilience, and commercial diplomacy.

• Serve as a recognized thought leader in Washington, D.C., advancing policy discussions and shaping strategic dialogue in these areas.

• Contribute to and, where appropriate, lead EST Department-wide flagship initiatives, signature products, and major research efforts.

Outreach and External Engagement

• Identify opportunities for funding, thought partnership with the private sector and investment community, and more generally, broadening the base of support for the EST economics agenda.

• Cultivate an excellent professional network and liaise productively with other organizations.

• Promote the program’s research and insights with a diverse set of stakeholders, including government officials on the Hill and in the Administration, the media, the private sector, academia, as well as policymakers and researchers in partner countries.

Institutional Responsibilities

• Identify and secure funding opportunities through the development of high-quality research proposals aligned with EST and CSIS strategic priorities.

• Partner with the Deputy Director in leading program operations, strategic planning, and execution.

• Recruit, develop, and retain a high-performing team with strong economic and analytical expertise, fostering excellence in research and professional growth.

KNOWLEDGE, EDUCATION, AND EXPERIENCE:

• 12+ years of relevant experience and master’s degree or equivalent in a field related to economics or finance. A doctorate with a research track-record in a field related to economics or finance (with a focus on trade and technology) is preferred.

• A track-record of senior level experience on economic policy issues, including trade, investment, technology issues in Federal Government or industry.

• Demonstrated experience managing a policy research agenda. Previous experience fundraising for research projects is a plus but not a requirement.

• History of publishing in national and international media and in academic journals, preferred.

• A track record of building and maintaining relationships with contacts related to policy work, including in the U.S. and foreign governments.

• 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.