Department Manager for the Acquisition Studies & Analysis Department

MITRE Corporation - McLean, VA

Full-time - Senior

McLean, VA

Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

About the position

The MITRE Corporation is seeking a Department Manager for the Acquisition Studies & Analysis Department (N221) within the OSD Division (N220). This role is pivotal in leading a diverse team of mission engineers, defense acquisition experts, operations research/system analysts, cybersecurity professionals, and communication systems engineers. The Department Manager will be responsible for setting the technical direction of the department's work program portfolio, strategically shaping and executing work programs, and fostering a culture of connection and belonging among department staff. The selected candidate will work closely with senior leaders and decision-makers across the national security enterprise, providing high-quality technical and engineering support while establishing trusted advisor relationships with senior sponsors within the OUSD(A&S), OUSD(Policy), CAPE, and DTRA work programs. The Department Manager will implement a coordinated strategy for MITRE's support to Acquisition and Sustainment, guiding all aspects of project and department performance, including staff selection, technical quality, programmatic support, and budgetary development/execution. The role requires collaboration with Service Component and Intelligence DMs and/or MDs to integrate efforts across Joint & Services, Air Force, and Intelligence programs, aligning division and center priorities towards MNS Cross Cutting Outcomes and the OSD Work Program Strategy. The Department Manager will also be responsible for developing and nurturing relationships with senior leaders in sponsor organizations, ensuring the delivery of impactful outcomes and fostering an environment of inclusion and diversity within the department. In addition to leading the department, the candidate will be accountable to the N220 Managing Director for all aspects of sponsor-facing and internal department operations. This includes developing the next generation of leadership within the department, ensuring fair and transparent performance and compensation management activities, and exemplifying MITRE's cultural and behavioral attributes. The position requires a minimum of four days a week onsite, with a strong emphasis on collaboration and communication skills to support individual, team, and customer-related interactions.

Responsibilities

• Implement a coordinated strategy for MITRE support to Acquisition and Sustainment.
• Guide and be accountable for all aspects of project and department performance, including staff selection, technical quality, programmatic support, and budgetary development/execution.
• Establish goals and communicate clear expectations and guidance that contribute to highest priority sponsor outcomes.
• Deliver impact in terms of both division objectives and sponsor mission outcomes.
• Collaborate with Service Component and Intelligence DMs and/or MDs to integrate efforts across Joint & Services, Air Force, and Intelligence programs.
• Develop and nurture relationships with senior leaders in sponsor organizations to serve as a trusted advisor.
• Grow the department workforce talent to support the work program and cross-division needs.
• Foster an environment of connection and belonging, with a focus on inclusion and diversity.
• Ensure delivery of regular, constructive feedback and developmental support to Project Leaders, Group Leaders, and supporting staff members.
• Lead by example, modeling MITRE's Cultural / Behavioral Attributes.

Requirements

• A Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, or equivalent and 12+ years of related experience, or 10 years and a Master's Degree, or PhD with 7 years of experience, or equivalent combination of related education and work experience.
• Active Secret Clearance with the ability to maintain a DoD Top Secret clearance with access to Secure Compartmented Information (TS/SCI).
• Technical background in one or more disciplines relevant to A&S, CAPE, and DTRA sponsors; acquisition, enterprise systems engineering, C4I, cyber security, information technology, communications, sensors, and capability integration at the enterprise/DoD level.
• Proven experience engaging senior sponsors with successful impacts and outcomes, and establishing and maintaining strategic partnerships.
• Established track record in leading the delivery of data-driven technical products with the military warfighting domain, resulting in positive mission impact.
• Demonstrated ability to take risk and lead work with partial insights, and operate effectively autonomously.
• Demonstrated ability to build collaboration across organizational units.
• Experience in hiring and growing exceptional technical staff and teams.
• Experience managing large technically diverse teams.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and presentation skills.

Nice-to-haves

• An advanced degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, natural/applied sciences, cyber security, or data sciences.
• Current/Active TS/SCI Clearance.
• Previous Department Manager, Project Leader, or Group Leader experience.
• Demonstrated MITRE project and people leadership experience.
• Understanding of portfolio management principles or techniques.

Benefits

• Competitive benefits
• Exceptional professional development opportunities
• Culture of innovation that embraces diversity, inclusion, flexibility, collaboration, and career growth