Senior Program Officer

Accountabilities

• • Serve as project leader for approximately three to five country-focused research studies across the Indo-Pacific region.
  • Design and oversee nationwide public opinion surveys, including developing research objectives, methodologies, sampling approaches, and project plans.
  • Develop innovative methodologies for conducting public opinion research in diverse Indo-Pacific markets and identify opportunities to improve research quality and effectiveness.
  • Lead project planning and execution for key countries and coordinate research activities across multiple workstreams.
  • Travel internationally when required to supervise quantitative and qualitative research projects in person and ensure research firms follow appropriate methodological and professional best practices.
  • Analyze survey findings, acquired research, and qualitative data to produce clear, concise assessments and interpretive opinion analyses for senior U.S. government and foreign policy audiences.
  • Brief research findings and key insights to stakeholders, including personnel at U.S. embassies, national security organizations, and defense leadership.
  • Integrate public opinion findings into broader intelligence assessments and strategic analyses.
  • Monitor political, social, economic, and regional developments across the Indo-Pacific to provide informed context for research findings.
  • Develop and maintain subject-matter expertise on countries and issues of particular interest to policymakers.
  • Produce a range of written research and intelligence products tailored to different government audiences.
  • Identify and conduct cross-national analyses of emerging and cross-cutting issues within the Indo-Pacific and, where appropriate, connect regional findings with developments in other parts of the world.
  • Provide data analysis guidance and research support to defense stakeholders as needed.
  • Collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams, research partners, and government stakeholders throughout the research lifecycle.

  Requirements

  • Undergraduate or graduate degree in a social science discipline or a closely related field.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret / SCI security clearance and applicable Department of State credentials.
  • Experience designing, conducting, or analyzing public opinion research, survey research, social science studies, or related analytical programs is highly relevant.
  • Knowledge of statistical and research software packages such as SPSS, R, and Stata.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Access.
  • Strong analytical and research capabilities, with the ability to interpret quantitative and qualitative information and translate findings into concise, decision-useful assessments.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, particularly the ability to brief complex research findings to senior-level audiences.
  • Ability to work effectively with diverse teams, government stakeholders, research organizations, and international partners.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects, establish research priorities, meet deadlines, and work independently in a complex environment.
  • Familiarity with applicable government manuals, circulars, instructions, directives, and related procedures.
  • Regional expertise in the Indo-Pacific is encouraged but not required.
  • An active Top Secret / SCI clearance is preferred.
  • Prior experience working with the U.S. Department of State is highly desirable, particularly familiarity with its culture, processes, and operating environment.
  • Willingness and ability to travel internationally when required.

  Benefits

  • Annual salary range of $135,000–$145,000, depending on qualifications and experience.
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
  • 401(k) retirement plan with company matching.
  • Tax-deferred savings options.
  • Supplemental benefits.
  • Paid time off.
  • Professional development and career growth opportunities.
  • Opportunity to contribute to high-impact public opinion research and intelligence initiatives supporting U.S. government decision-making.
  • Exposure to complex international research projects and collaboration across diplomatic, intelligence, and defense communities.