Director- AI Gaming Center, Institute of National Security

About the Work

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.

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

• A Ph.D. 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.