Mission Area Executive, National Security Analysis

At the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (JHU APL), we don't just respond to today's threats - we anticipate tomorrow's. We're seeking an exceptional leader to serve as Mission Area Executive (MAE) for the National Security Analysis Mission Area (NSAMA) - someone ready to lead at the edge of innovation and national defense.

As the Mission Area Executive (MAE) for NSAMA, you will lead engagements with senior US government leaders to build a portfolio of sponsored work addressing critical national security challenges, and oversee high-impact programs and projects that leverage APL's deep technical expertise.

You will lead your team of Program Managers to help secure, shape, and manage that portfolio of high impact work, ensuring that analyses provide unbiased results that drive actionable recommendations for the Department of Defense, the Intelligence Community, and other government agencies.

You will also build next generation analytic techniques by shaping the National Security Analysis Department (NSAD) and NSAMA's significant internal research portfolio to deliver transformative approaches to complex national security challenges.

As the National Security Analysis Mission Area Executive, you will...

• Serve as the key engagement point with senior government leadership in the national security analytic community, ensuring that NSAMA and APL are addressing high priority challenges and securing a portfolio of impactful work.
• Lead, enable, and inspire a team of Program Mangers to help develop new areas of analysis for NSAMA and APL writ large by actively engaging with key sponsors across the national security community.
• Interface with other Mission Area Executives across the Lab to ensure that NSAMA is creating high leverage opportunities that complement, rather than duplicate other Lab activities.
• Help build and implement the vision and strategy of NSAD and NSAMA to build orthogonal approaches to national security problems, develop new analytic techniques, and make strategic investments in lab-wide analytic capabilities.
• Work with the Department Head, the Managing Executive, the Operations Executive, and the Chief Analyst to manage the NSAD and NSAMA internal research portfolio to develop new analytic tools and skill sets such as digital wargaming, technology forecasting, defense economic analysis, and AI-assisted analysis.
• Shape the department's role as a national leader in strategic foresight by challenging assumptions, anticipating emerging threats, and fostering constructive debate on future defense challenges.
• Ensure that NSAMA analytic products meet the rigorous quality standards of APL.
• As the line manager for all NSAMA program staff, provide regular feedback, strategic guidance, and mentorship. Set clear expectations, foster a culture of excellence and accountability, and serve as a coach and mentor to support both individual and team growth.
• As a member of NSAD's leadership team, encourage a collaborative environment by effectively working with NSAD leadership to posture the department for success and serve as a clear example of teamwork focused leader.
• Help inform the future directions and operations of APL as a member of the Executive Leadership Team and the Mission Area Executive Forum.

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...

• Have a Master's degree (or above) in the Physical Sciences, Mathematics, Operations Research, Engineering, Social Sciences, or another related discipline.
• Have at least fifteen years of relevant professional experience in the national security community.
• Have at least five years of managerial experience, leading technical teams of analysts, scientists, or engineers; For internal APL candidates, this should be at the Group Supervisor or Program Manager level or above.
• Have a strong network of contacts and an exceptional ability to interact with high-level executives of the Department of Defense, the Intelligence Community, and other government agencies.
• Possess outstanding oral and written communication skills, particularly in conveying complex analytic topics to senior decision makers.
• Have strong analytic capabilities and the ability to successfully steer and assess analytic products.
• Possess a demonstrated ability to build a culture of openness, teamwork, and unquestionable integrity.
• Have experience with change management.
• Are able to anticipate emerging national security priorities and quickly establish approaches to addressing those problems.

• Hold an active Secret security clearance and can ultimately obtain a TS/SCI level clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...

• Have a PhD in the Physical Sciences, Mathematics, Operations Research, Engineering, Social Sciences, or another related discipline.
• Have served in a senior leadership position in a government, corporate, or FFRDC/UARC analytic organization.
• Have demonstrated experience leading successfully in a matrixed organization.
• Have significant experience working on highly classified analytic products.
• Have direct experience in managing a budget for an analytic organization.
• Have a track record of applying analytic results to drive organizational change either internal or external to your organization.

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Why Work at APL?

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation's most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.

At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL's campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities athttp://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contactAccommodations@jhuapl.edu.

The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL's good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.