Director of Executive Operations

Director of Executive Operations

Applied Research Institute (ARI)

Indianapolis Area, Indiana Full-time On-site / Hybrid

About ARI

The Applied Research Institute is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit advancing national and economic security through applied research, partnership, and strategic engagement across government, industry, and academia. As ARI scales its mission and footprint, the CEO is seeking a high-capacity operator to serve as a force multiplier for executive priorities.

Position Summary

The Director of Executive Operations is a hybrid role blending the rigor of business operations with the responsiveness of executive support. The Director reports to the CEO and works as a business partner to manage the operational machinery around the executive office, anticipating needs before they arise, and working laterally across the organization to drive strategic execution.

The ideal candidate thinks like a business operator, executes like a seasoned chief of staff, and carries the discretion and polish required to represent the CEO in a sensitive, mission-driven environment.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Execution & Cross-Functional Coordination

Track strategic priorities and follow through on commitments, ensuring action items move to completion across the organization.
Work across all levels—from senior leadership to program staff—to align execution with the CEO’s intent.
Proactively identify issues, risks, and opportunities that warrant CEO engagement, and frame them with context and recommended paths forward.
Serve as a trusted liaison between the CEO and internal and external stakeholders.

Executive Operations & Scheduling

Own and optimize the CEO’s calendar, balancing competing priorities and protecting time for strategic work.
Coordinate complex scheduling across internal leaders, external partners, government officials, and board members.
Triage incoming requests, correspondence, and commitments—surfacing what requires the CEO’s direct attention and handling or routing the rest.

Meeting & Engagement Readiness

Anticipate the CEO’s needs for meetings, briefings, and public engagements.
Prepare and assemble supporting content—briefing materials, talking points, draft remarks for speeches and panels, and background research.
Ensure the CEO is fully prepared for each engagement with the right information at the right time.

Travel & Logistics

Plan and manage domestic (and occasional sensitive or secure) travel logistics end to end.
Anticipate on-the-ground needs and contingencies, coordinating itineraries that maximize efficiency and minimize friction.

Qualifications

Required

7+ years in operations, chief of staff, executive support, or a comparable role supporting a senior executive—ideally in a fast-paced or mission-driven environment.
Demonstrated ability to operate with a business operations mindset—prioritization, project management, and systems thinking—rather than purely administrative execution.
Exceptional judgment and discretion handling sensitive and confidential matters.
Strong written communication, including the ability to draft remarks, briefings, and executive correspondence.
Proven ability to influence and coordinate across an organization without direct authority.
Comfort with ambiguity, shifting priorities, and a high-tempo executive office.
Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance (current clearance a plus).

Preferred

Experience in government, national security, defense, nonprofit, or GovCon environments.
Familiarity with the rhythms of board governance and external stakeholder engagement.
Experience preparing executives for public-facing engagements, panels, and speaking events.

Attributes for Success

Anticipatory — sees around corners and acts before being asked.
Discreet — a trusted confidant who handles sensitive matters with integrity.
Adaptable — thrives amid changing priorities and competing demands.
Execution-oriented — turns intent into outcomes and closes loops reliably.
Relationship-savvy — builds trust quickly across all levels of the organization.

Salary:

$100,000.00-$115,000.00/yr depending on experience

Benefits:

401k (ARI provides 5% non-elective Employee Eligible Compensation, as well as providing an elective Safe Harbor match of up to 4% of Employee Contribution)
Health, Dental, and Vision insurance coverage. IN3 pays 90% of plan costs for individuals and 80% for families
Employer-provided short-term, long-term disability, and life insurance
4 weeks PTO to start, 5 weeks after 2 years consecutive employment; 10 sick days in addition to PTO
14 company holidays
Flexible schedule, including the possibility of a full-remote position for highly qualified candidates

To apply: Please email your resume to hr@theari.us and reference H26-006

Pay: $100,000.00 - $115,000.00 per year

Benefits: