Director

The Vanderbilt University Institute of National Security is seeking a Director, to establish and lead a world-class AI-augmented gaming Center for the Institute of National Security at Vanderbilt University. The Director will be responsible for developing the Center’s vision, research agenda, partnerships, and long-term sustainability while positioning the Institute as a recognized leader in AI-enabled gaming and strategic decision-making.

The Center's mission is to build a globally respected gaming capability that advances strategic thinking, simulation, and decision-making through innovative exercises, technology integration, and cross-sector collaboration. The Center will apply AI-augmented wargaming to complex national security challenges, support education and professional development through experiential learning, and advance research across defense, cyber, emerging technologies, and strategic competition.

The Director will serve as the principal architect of the Center's intellectual and operational framework. Working with senior leaders across government, defense, academia, and industry, the Director will develop innovative approaches to AI-enabled wargaming, establish strategic partnerships, secure external funding, and oversee a multidisciplinary team supporting the Center's mission.

About the Work Unit:

The Vanderbilt University Institute of National Security is an academic proving ground for future national security leaders and a hub for innovation. The Institute offers the national security community access to top student talent and fresh thinking from a university rooted in open debate, radical collaboration, and real-world impact. The Institute also provides a trusted space to convene leaders, experts, and students for conversations about the pressing challenges facing our nation and the world.

Core Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership and Center Development

• Establish and execute the Center's strategic vision, priorities, and growth strategy.

• Build a world-class Center of Excellence with AI-augmented wargaming capability.

• Develop the Center's research agenda and thought leadership initiatives.

• Establish governance, operating models, methodologies, and standards for AI-enabled wargaming and simulation.

• Recruit, develop, and lead Center personnel, including research, operational, and program staff.

• Advise Institute leadership on emerging national security, defense, cyber, and technology trends.

Wargaming Innovation and Research Leadership

• Lead the development of innovative AI-augmented wargaming methodologies and frameworks.

• Oversee the design and execution of strategic, operational, and analytical wargames addressing critical public and private sector challenges.

• Direct research initiatives exploring the application of artificial intelligence, machine learning, simulation, and emerging technologies to decision-making and strategic analysis.

• Ensure rigorous analytical standards and the production of actionable insights from Center activities.

• Lead publication of research products, reports, and thought leadership content.

External Engagement and Partnership Development

• Serve as the Center's representative with senior leaders across government, military, industry, and academia.

• Develop and maintain strategic partnerships that enhance the Center's capabilities and influence.

• Identify and pursue opportunities for collaboration, sponsorship, grants, and external funding.

• Convene senior-level workshops, conferences, and strategic dialogues on AI, national security, and wargaming.

• Represent the Center at national and international forums.

Resource Development and Organizational Sustainability

• Develop and execute a strategy for long-term financial sustainability and growth.

• Secure grants, contracts, philanthropic support, and other external funding opportunities.

• Oversee Center budgets and resource allocation.

• Establish performance metrics and assess organizational impact.

• Ensure compliance with university policies and sponsor requirements.

Supervisory Relationships:

This position does have supervisory responsibility over Center personnel, including research, operational and program staff. This position reports administratively to the Founding and Executive Directors of the Institute. 

Qualifications

• Advanced training in national security studies, international relations, public policy, military studies, computer science, engineering, operations research, or a related field is required.

• A minimum of 10 years of leadership experience in national security, defense, government, academia, research, or technology organizations is required.

• Demonstrated experience leading complex programs, organizations, or initiatives involving multiple stakeholders is required.

• Strong understanding of national security challenges and strategic decision-making processes is required.

• Exceptional leadership, communication, and relationship-building skills are required.

• An ability to work effectively with senior leaders across government, military, industry, and academia is required.

• Eligibility for a U.S. security clearance is strongly preferred.

• Experience designing, leading, or sponsoring wargames, simulations, exercises, or strategic planning efforts is preferred.

• Experience applying artificial intelligence, data analytics, modeling and simulation, or emerging technologies to complex organizational challenges is preferred.

• Military service, government service, or experience working closely with national security organizations is preferred.

• Existing professional network across the defense, technology, and national security communities is preferred.

• Senior executive experience is preferred.

At Vanderbilt University , our work - regardless of title or role - is in service to an important and noble mission in which every member of our community serves in advancing knowledge and transforming lives on a daily basis. Located in Nashville, Tennessee, on a 330+ acre campus and arboretum dating back to 1873, Vanderbilt is proud to have been named as one of “America’s Best Large Employers” as well as a top employer in Tennessee and the Nashville metropolitan area by Forbes for several years running. We welcome those who are interested in learning and growing professionally with an employer that strives to create, foster and sustain opportunities as an employer of choice.

We understand you have a choice when choosing where to work and pursue a career. We understand you are unique and have a story. We want to hear it. We encourage you to apply today so that you might become a part of our story.

Vanderbilt University is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.