Research Analyst

Job Description

Job Description

JOB SUMMARY:

The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies Sr. Research Analyst executes in-depth research and analysis to inform decision makers and the public at large about future trends in the realm of national security through the aerospace lens. This position focuses on supporting project leaders through research, analysis, graphics creation, and research source summaries.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Research (approximately 40% of effort):

• Complete subject matter investigation focused on aerospace strategy, operational concepts, tactics, and technology.

• Complete investigative source cultivation—primary source documentation, secondary source publications, media coverage, federal budget materials, and first-person experts.

• Analyze federal defense budget documents and Department of Defense hardware inventory listings.

• Perform quantitative data analysis.

Writing and production (approximately 30% of effort):

• Draft report sections as requested by project lead.

• Edit written materials drafted by project lead.

• Create resource citations—bibliographies, footnotes, etc.

• Partner with other members of the Mitchell Institute team to help execute overarching events and produce a range of written products.

Event support (approximately 25% of effort):

• Coordinate with team members to plan and execute workshops and tabletop exercises tied to research projects.

• Schedule first person subject matter expert research meetings for project leads.

• Help execute public engagement sessions in coordination with team members, including video webinar and podcast creation tied to Mitchell Institute focus areas.

Other Duties as assigned (approximately 5% of effort):

• Other duties as assigned.

• Must be able to travel (5%)..

REQUIRED JOB QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in security studies, history, political science, international relations or relevant field or relevant work experience.

• Master’s degree, with focus on security studies.

Education and Experience Preferred:

• Air Force veteran status preferred.

• Knowledge of the Air Force preferred.

Certifications and Licenses Required:

• None.

Certifications and Licenses Preferred:

• Cybersecurity certification is preferred.

Other Requirement(s):

• Must be able to travel up to 5% of time.

• Must be able and willing to work overtime as required.

Department Core Competencies:

• Technical Competencies (Research)

• Strategic Planning

• Decision-Making

• Business Acumen

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required:

• Excellent verbal and written communication and analytic skills, including adept presentation skills and the ability to speak in front of large groups and senior leaders.

• Strong ability to build and cultivate working relationships with a customer-service orientation.

• Strong time management skills and ability to independently prioritize work and meet deadlines.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office product suites (especially Excel and PowerPoint) and knowledge or ability to learn other computer-based systems.

• Background in information technology, management, organization and communications and cybersecurity.

• Demonstrated knowledge of the Federal policy and budget processes.

• Strong ability to build and cultivate working relationships via a customer-service orientation.

• Strong time management skills, ability to devise and execute effective strategic plans and prioritize independent work and the work of a high preforming team.

• Ability to be consistently thorough and demonstrate attention to detail in completing tasks.

• Ability to be consistently reliable, responsible, and dependable in completing assigned tasks and engaging in a collaborative, teamwork approach.

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.