Director – AI Gaming Center

Vanderbilt University Medical Center

Director for a world-class AI-augmented gaming Center at Vanderbilt University Institute of National Security. Develops vision, research agenda, partnerships, and ensures sustainability.

Posted 7/9/2026full-timeNashville • Tennessee • 🇺🇸 United StatesLeadWebsite

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 Center personnel, including research, operational, and program staff.
Advise Institute leadership on emerging national security, defense, cyber, and technology trends.
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.
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.
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.

Requirements

What you’ll need

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.
Existing professional network across the defense, technology,

Benefits

Comp & perks

Health insurance
Professional development opportunities

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

National Security AnalysisStrategic PlanningProgram LeadershipArtificial Intelligence ApplicationData AnalyticsModeling And SimulationWargaming MethodologiesResearch DevelopmentPerformance Metrics EstablishmentGovernance And Compliance

Soft Skills

Exceptional LeadershipEffective CommunicationRelationship BuildingCollaborationStrategic Thinking