Director – AI Gaming Center

Vanderbilt University Medical Center

. Establish and execute the Center's strategic vision, priorities, and growth strategy .

Posted 9/23/2026full-timeNashville • Tennessee • United StatesLeadWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in establishing strategic visions and leading research initiatives in national security and defense, with a strong focus on AI-augmented wargaming and simulation methodologies. Proven ability to build partnerships, secure funding, and lead diverse teams while ensuring compliance and operational excellence.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Leadership Experience in National SecurityAI-Augmented Wargaming MethodologiesStrategic Decision-Making ProcessesResearch and Thought Leadership DevelopmentEligibility for U.S. Security Clearance

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Artificial IntelligenceMachine LearningData AnalyticsModeling and SimulationWargaming DesignStrategic PlanningOperational ResearchGovernance and CompliancePerformance MetricsBudget Management

Soft Skills

Exceptional LeadershipCommunication SkillsRelationship-BuildingCollaborationAdvisory Skills

Industry Keywords

National SecurityDefenseCybersecurityPublic PolicyMilitary StudiesEmerging TechnologiesResearch AgendaThought LeadershipStrategic PartnershipsFunding Acquisition

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

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 research, operational, and program staff
Advise Institute leadership on emerging national security, defense, cyber, and technology trends
Lead innovative AI-augmented wargaming methodologies and frameworks
Oversee strategic, operational, and analytical wargames addressing public and private sector challenges
Direct research on artificial intelligence, machine learning, simulation, and emerging technologies for decision-making and strategic analysis
Ensure rigorous analytical standards and actionable insights
Lead publication of research products, reports, and thought leadership content
Represent the Center with senior leaders across government, military, industry, and academia
Develop strategic partnerships and pursue collaborations, sponsorships, grants, and external funding
Convene workshops, conferences, and strategic dialogues
Develop long-term financial sustainability and growth strategies
Secure grants, contracts, philanthropic support, and other external funding
Oversee budgets, resource allocation, performance metrics, organizational impact, and compliance

Requirements

What you’ll need

Advanced training in national security studies, international relations, public policy, military studies, computer science, engineering, operations research, or a related field is required
Minimum of 10 years of leadership experience in national security, defense, government, academia, research, or technology organizations
Experience leading complex programs, organizations, or initiatives involving multiple stakeholders
Strong understanding of national security challenges and strategic decision-making processes
Exceptional leadership, communication, and relationship-building skills
Ability to work effectively with senior leaders across government, military, industry, and academia
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
Existing professional network across defense, technology, and national security communities is preferred
Senior executive experience is preferred

Benefits

Comp & perks

Equal-opportunity employment
Professional learning and growth opportunities
Hybrid work arrangement