Economic Security Financial Principal

Economic Security Financial Principal

The Economic Security Operations Unit (ESOU) within RAND's National Security Research Division is seeking mission-driven finance experts from the private sector to contribute to research and analysis at the intersection of economics, finance, and national security. Ensuring U.S. economic competitiveness in the future will require informed analyses to identify the investments that need to be made at home and abroad. Building on past RAND work, ESOU will conduct a series of analyses of economic infrastructure in various regions to identify investments that are both economically feasible and of strategic relevance to U.S. national security objectives.

The successful candidate will engage with an interdisciplinary research team on economic analyses that focus on maintaining U.S. competitiveness, developing public-private partnerships, and identifying key strategies to advance U.S. economic interests as well as global security.

This position is up to full-time for one-year, contingent on funding being received.

Work with a multi-disciplinary team of RAND researchers to develop and test a due diligence process for assessing and validating the economic viability and national security relevance of commercial economic infrastructure projects. Such projects could focus on ports, data centers, energy production, or other entities. Specific tasks likely will include developing valid quantitative approaches to analyzing relevant data, conducting financial analyses, drafting technical reports and presentations, managing budgets and sub-contractors, as well as coordinating work among project team members and ensuring that teams meet deadlines. This position will also include collaboration with policymakers, industry partners, and external researchers.

All research positions at RAND require excellent analytic skills; the ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing; the ability to work effectively as a member of a multi-disciplinary team; and a strong commitment to RAND's core values of quality and objectivity.

Required : Previous experience evaluating large-scale commercial economic infrastructure projects. Demonstrated knowledge of complex financing arrangements including knowledge of players within capital markets that allocate funds for such projects and experience working on such teams. Experience with U.S. government co-financing options for large-scale infrastructure projects. Strong analytic skills, with the ability to synthesize complex technical and policy issues into actionable recommendations. Superb organizational skills with experience managing research teams, budgets, contracts / subcontracts, and timelines. Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, tailored to technical and non-technical audiences. Demonstrated experience developing and facilitating partnerships with public and commercial entities.

Preferred : Familiarity with multiple sources of relevant economic and finance data. Proficiency in Python, Java, C / C++, or other relevant programming languages. U.S. government top secret security clearance, preference for DoD.

MA / MS / MBA or other complex finance discipline and 20 years of relevant work experience at an internationally recognized investment bank, hedge fund, private equity firm or similar financial institution required. Preferred degree fields include finance, economics, business, political science, international security, and related fields.

Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government clearance is required.

This position can be based out of our Washington, DC office or fully remote with frequent travel to Washington, DC.

Salary Range : $400,000-$460,000. 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