Director, Strategy, Operations & Communications - Pardee RAND Graduate School

Job Type:

Director, Strategy, Operations & Communications - RAND Graduate School

RAND is a research organization that develops solutions to public policy challenges to help make communities throughout the world safer and more secure, healthier and more prosperous. RAND's research and analysis address issues that impact people everywhere, including security, health, education, sustainability, growth, and development. Headquartered in Santa Monica, California, RAND has approximately 1,775 people from approximately 55 countries working in offices in the U.S., Europe, and Australia, with annual revenues of about $356.2 million.

The RAND Graduate School is the nation's oldest public policy graduate program and offers both master's and doctorate degrees in policy analysis. It is also the only program based at an independent public policy research organization.

The RAND Corporation has an exciting opportunity for a Director, Strategy, Operations & Communications -

RAND Graduate School who will provide executive-level strategic and operational support to the Dean, RAND Graduate School. Three primary areas of responsibility, designed to ensure strategic alignment across the organization while fostering the collaborative culture necessary to achieve success, include:

• Strategic communication planning and implementation-including executive communications.
• Design, implementation and management of processes and structures to guide both day-to-day and longer-term operations in the Dean's office and in collaboration with RAND.
• Management and operationalization of the school's strategic plan to achieve objectives.

Duties can include:

• Serve as strategic communications advisor to Dean. Develop and execute RAND's strategic communications plan to foster a culture of transparency, accountability, and inclusivity.
• Serve as a senior advisor to the Dean.
• Coordinate of information flow and timing/preparation for key decisions and meetings, ensuring follow-up happens, actions are taken, and key strategic projects are on track.
• Manage and oversee relationships with external agencies as required; supervise the Programs and Compliance Analyst.
• Serve as lead on facilities and other operations requirements which require collaboration with RAND.
• Develop and implement accountability processes for strategic objectives.
• Ensure staff alignment, understanding and buy-in of responsibilities related to strategic plan.
• Connect effective execution of strategic objectives directly with workforce culture ensuring collaboration and teamwork are central to all activities.
• Ensure RAND's objectives are aligned with those of RAND.

Qualifications

• Superior knowledge of MAC or PC office tool suites.
• Knowledge of social media platform preferred.
• Superior written and verbal communications skills including executive communication, speech writing, and serving as spokesperson.
• Ability to effectively manage projects - keeping tasks on schedule while maintaining good relationships with all parties.
• Demonstrated ability to build effective and collaborative relationships with a wide set of constituencies.
• Creative problem-solver with critical thinking skills needed to identify problems, evaluate options, and execute solutions.
• Ability to absorb information rapidly, identify what is important and simplify complexity.
• Enthusiasm and passion; embracing change as a way of working.
• Flexible and adaptable regarding varying scope and workload with exceptional time management.
• Proven track record of collaborating on interdisciplinary teams in a fast-paced environment.
• Direct supervisory experience and inclusive leadership skills.
• Team player, with the confidence to take the lead and guide other departments directly or indirectly when necessary.
• Demonstrated commitment to the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion including working with people of diverse backgrounds and perspectives across all levels.

Education

• BS/BA in communications, business administration, org management, public policy or related field required.
• MS/MA in communications, business administration, org management, public policy, or related field preferred.

Experience

• 10 or more years of relevant experience required.
• Experience developing strategic and implementing strategic plans is preferred.
• Proven leadership experience in a non-profit research institute, university setting, or a for-profit entity that has a highly educated workforce is required.

Location

• This position may work from the RAND location in Santa Monica.
• This position offers a flex work arrangement with a mix of time in the office and working from home.
• While a flex work arrangement is preferred, fully remote work may be considered.

Salary Range: $177,500 - $284,300

RAND considers a variety of factors when formulating an offer, including but not limited to, the specific role and associated responsibilities; a candidate's work experience, education/training, skills, expertise; and internal equity.The salary range includes base pay plus RAND's sabbatic pay (which provides additional compensation above base pay when vacation is taken). In addition, RAND provides strong benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, paid time-off and more.

Equal Opportunity Employer: race/color/religion/sex/sexual orientation/gender identity/national origin/disability/vet