Highlights
To reach the best solutions and solve the most challenging questions, CNA uses a merit-based process to bring together professionals from a wide array of academic disciplines, fields of study, technical specialties, and professional experiences. They will apply specialized expertise across a wide range of projects and provide advice to project directors on matters related to the specialized skill that is critical to project success.
Numbers & Facts
| Location | Arlington, VA |
| Industry | Other/Not Classified |
| Company Size | 100 to 499 employees |
| Year Founded | 1940 |
| Website | https://www.cna.org/ |
Description
PRIMARY PURPOSE
A Sr. Advisor at CNA is a recognized expert in a technical area or in an area of subject matter expertise. Staff at this level will lead and support projects related to CNA. They will apply specialized expertise across a wide range of projects and provide advice to project directors on matters related to the specialized skill that is critical to project success.
To reach the best solutions and solve the most challenging questions, CNA uses a merit-based process to bring together professionals from a wide array of academic disciplines, fields of study, technical specialties, and professional experiences. Our flexible and engaging work environment encourages open inquiry, robust and respectful debate, and collaborative execution through every stage of the problem-solving process. Our employees are committed to helping clients develop effective solutions to better manage their programs through scientific, data-driven approaches. We are looking for creative and innovative individuals to help carry out our mission.
JOB DESCRIPTION AND/OR DUTIES
Works independently under limited supervision to lead and manage multiple projects of medium to large size and/or complexity that address a subject of expertise.
Demonstrates an advanced and comprehensive knowledge of principles, theories, and concepts to conduct research and analysis in support of projects within a given subject of expertise.
Prepare project reports and briefings.
Provide advanced and comprehensive knowledge and expertise related to project development.
Identify and pursue business development opportunities related to a subject of expertise.
Develop and maintain professional contacts with decision makers and contract administrators at targeted agencies.
Actively support the development of proposals and marketing efforts in areas of expertise.
Advise management on planning, pursuit and success related to projects associated with proven areas of expertise.
Perform other duties as assigned.
JOB REQUIREMENTS
Education: Bachelors degree in related field required. Advanced degree preferred.
Experience: Minimum 10 years' experience in the field(s) of expertise.
Skills: Strong interpersonal skills and written and oral communication skills. Knowledge of best thinkers and policy practitioners in related fields. Good project management and computer skills.
Other: Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance
CNA offers competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package, which includes health, dental, and vision insurance, life and disability insurance, and a 403(b) retirement plan with employer matching. Additionally, we provide generous paid time off programs to promote a health work-life balance. Eligibility for these benefits varies based on employment classification.
CNA is committed to providing equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, age, disability, family medical history or genetic information, political affiliation, military service and protected veterans, or other non-merit based factors. In addition to federal legal requirements, CNA complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. These protections extend to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting and hiring practices, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training and career development programs. For more information about EEO protections, please view the EEO is the law poster here: "Know Your Rights". To be considered for hire, all individuals applying for positions with CNA are subject to a background investigation. For positions requiring access to classified information, U.S. citizenship is required. Individuals will also be subject to an additional government background investigation, and continued employment eligibility is contingent upon the ability to obtain and maintain an active security clearance.
About Company
CNA's approach to research is a modern iteration of the Newtonian principle that complex, dynamic processes are best understood through direct observation of events and people.
That was the methodology CNA analysts first applied in the 1940s when they pioneered the field of operations research by helping the Navy address the German U-boat threat. Not content to study the problem from afar, this small group of MIT scientists insisted on deploying with Navy forces in order to observe operations and collect the data needed for meaningful analyses. Their groundbreaking work, and the anti-submarine warfare equations it produced, set a standard for operations research methods that CNA has maintained for 75 years.
Today, with more than 500 professionals at our headquarters and 50 researchers in the field, CNA still takes a multi-disciplinary, real-world approach to our work. On-site analysts carefully observe all aspects of a process—people, decisions, actions, consequences—and then collaborate with a headquarters-based research team to assess data and arrive at findings.
CNA's objective, empirical research and analysis helps decision makers develop sound policies, make better-informed decisions, and manage programs more effectively. Our work, which in its early decades focused solely on defense-related matters, has grown to include investigation and analysis of a broad range of national security, defense, and public interest issues including education, homeland security and air traffic management. Through our Center for Naval Analyses and Institute for Public Research, we provide public-sector organizations with the tools they need to tackle the complex challenges of making government more efficient and keeping our country safe and strong.