Director, International Security
Reports to: Director of Research
Department: International Security
Salary Range: £80,000 - £90,000 depending on skills and experience.
Location: London Office
Contract: Permanent, Full Time
About RUSI
The Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) is the world’s oldest, and the UK’s leading, independent think tank engaged in cutting edge research in defence and security. Its mission is to inform, influence and enhance public debate on a safer and more stable world. RUSI is a research-led institute, producing independent, practical and innovative analysis to address today’s complex challenges.
About the team
RUSI’s International Security Research Group delivers policy-driven research and analysis on the leading developments in global geopolitics and international security, including the international impact of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the rise of China, the evolution of Euro-Atlantic relationships and conflict in the Middle East. Drawing on extensive regional expertise, experience, and language skills, the team comprises researchers drawn from government, diplomacy, academia, the military, and the private sector. They are supported by an international network of associates including former government ministers and senior civil servants, and distinguished academics.
The team’s expertise and advice are widely sought by governments, Parliament, civil society organisations and industry. Across all its regional programmes, projects and lines of work, the team produces new research and public and private analysis papers, briefs policymakers and parliamentarians, brings people together in high-level discussions, dialogues and networks, and contributes to public debate.
IS works closely with RUSI’s thematic research teams, covering Military Sciences, Terrorism and Conflict, Organised Crime and Policing, Cyber and Technology, Proliferation and Nuclear Policy and the Centre for Finance and Security.
About the role
We are seeking an inspiring leader with a strong background in geopolitics and international security to provide strategic direction to the IS team. The post holder will have three key responsibilities:
- The Director will drive the team business development: promoting the team’s work; managing relationships with key stakeholders in both the public and private sectors; managing the budget and maintaining and growing the level of financial support for the programme. This includes taking active steps to develop the team’s portfolio.
- The Director will maintain and deepen the team’s reputation for high quality and independent research, including through identifying key areas for cutting-edge research and opportunities for potential policy impact, ensuring the delivery of projects on time and on budget, and convening and providing rigorous quality control of all outputs.
- The Director will provide excellent leadership, mentoring and line management to the team of researchers and support staff and will represent IS at the Management Group level within RUSI.
Key tasks
The new Director will be responsible for:
- Providing strategic direction and leadership for RUSI’s IS programme.
- Business development, fundraising and budget management for the programme.
- Overseeing delivery of IS’s portfolio of regional programmes and other projects and maintaining and improving the standards of output.
- Relationship management with key individuals, organisations, and stakeholders in the UK and abroad. Identifying opportunities for collaboration, both internally and externally.
- Maintaining and enhancing the external and media profile of IS research, working closely with the RUSI Communications team;
- Contributing personally to published commentary and media engagement, thereby enhancing RUSI’s national and international profile and reputation;
- Providing excellent line management and mentoring and supporting the professional development of the IS team, currently consisting of seven full-time staff, together with the network of associates;
- Ensuring the IS team is a great place to work and that wellbeing, diversity, equality and inclusion remain a key consideration across the team’s work and activities.
The above list of duties is not exhaustive; the post-holder will be required to undertake such duties that may reasonably be expected within the scope and grade of the role.
Person Specification
Essential skills and experience:
- Proven expertise on global geopolitics and international security, including in-depth knowledge either of the multilateral system or at least one world region, and a strong understanding of the UK’s interests and role around the globe.
- Track record of successful fundraising and budget management.
- Leadership experience, including team and line management.
- A strong analytical and research background, with knowledge of techniques, methodologies and ethics.
- An understanding of the relevant stakeholders for international security research both in the UK and internationally; strong collaboration and interpersonal skills and a proven ability to develop and maintain a network of influential contacts.
- Experience in interacting with decision-makers and officials and of working internationally.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English, and a proven track record of communicating to RUSI’s key audiences, including policymakers and opinion formers.
- Desirable skills and experience:
- A postgraduate qualification in a field related to international security.
- A personal commitment to diversity, equality and inclusion.
- A track record of publications on international security issues.
- Experience working in international organisations.
- Media work and public speaking.
- Knowledge of leading international languages.
Our expectations
We expect all staff to abide by and promote our RUSI’s Vision and Values https://rusi.org/content/values and Equal Opportunities Statement
You should have the right to work in the United Kingdom. You should be willing to travel internationally, should your work demand it.
Benefits
- 25 days annual leave (rising with service)
- Generous pension contributions at 6% employer contribution,
- Access to 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme
- Access to free access to RUSI's world leading programme of events and conferences, research materials and library
- Discretionary closure days over Christmas
- Trained Mental Health First Aiders
- *Enhanced sick pay
- *Enhanced maternity and paternity leave
*Depending on length of service
Application Process
To apply, please click on the apply button and follow the instructions to submit:
- Your CV.
- Cover Letter, no longer than 1 page, explaining your interest in the role and any significant relevant skills and/or experience.
The closing date for applications is 22nd March 2026 at 23:59PM
Please DO NOT submit multiple applications for this vacancy. We no longer accept applications to our recruitment mailbox; applications received in our mailbox will not be processed.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and the closing date brought forward if needed. Early application is encouraged. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Equal Opportunity and Values
At RUSI you will be appreciated and valued. Our stakeholders, transactions, and projects are international and diverse, so we work hard to create inclusive teams that support our efforts and each other. We are committed in promoting equality and diversity in our workforce and make it as diverse as the communities we serve. Our recruitment data helps us monitor the effectiveness of our recruitment practices in order that we can continue to improve on creating a more diverse workforce.
We’re aware that the questionnaire may not capture the rich complexities of our backgrounds and identities, so we apologise if these are not best described. Please note that this data will be kept confidential and separated from your job application. If you are uncomfortable sharing, choose "Prefer not to say" or skip the questions entirely.
If you have any questions, please contact hr@rusi.org