JDG Associates Retained by the Institute for Defense Analyses to Lead VP of Corporate Operations Search
August 11, 2026 – Rockville, MD-based executive search firm JDG Associates has been tapped by the Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA) to lead its search for their vice president of corporate operations, based in Alexandria, VA. IDA seeks a seasoned operational and business transformation leader to modernize systems, processes, and service delivery across the organization. Serving as a corporate officer and member of IDA’s senior leadership team, the new VP will lead a total staff of 180 as well as directly supervise and provide policy guidance to the chief information officer, chief human resources officer, chief communications officer, and the head of corporate real estate. The role will reduce indirect costs, strengthen operational resilience, and position IDA for continued growth and mission success.
The next VP must be a change agent who can challenge legacy practices, lead complex enterprise-wide initiatives, and leverage emerging technology, including AI, while building a culture of continuous improvement and maintaining compliance, security, and operational excellence.
Success will require a leader who has personally led enterprise transformations and major IT implementations from design through execution, possesses strong business judgment to make difficult tradeoffs and drive accountability, and holds sufficient government compliance literacy to work fluently with cost accounting standards, audit requirements, and federal contracting frameworks.
An advanced degree is highly desirable, preferably in business, management, public administration, or a related field. Candidates should bring 15+ years of relevant experience in non-profit (including university), commercial, or government institutions, including 8+ years of increasing managerial responsibility. Familiarity with the research environment and demonstrated ability to work with technical, highly skilled research and operations staff in a collaborative, intellectually challenging setting; experience with an FFRDC is a strong plus. U.S. citizenship required and must be eligible to obtain a TS clearance. Compensation ranges from $375,000 to $425,000+ with a strong benefits package.
IDA is a non-profit corporation operating three Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs) on behalf of the U.S. government, providing objective, data-driven analysis on the most complex national security and science policy challenges facing the United States.
General Counsel Search
JDG Associates is also currently seeking a new general counsel for IDA. Reporting directly to the president and CEO, the general counsel serves as IDA’s chief legal officer and secretary of the corporation, with responsibility spanning legal counsel and risk management, compliance and corporate governance, and government relations and legislative affairs.
Related: The Forces Reshaping Executive Search
The general counsel directly supervises the associate general counsel and law clerk, oversees all engagements with outside counsel, and serves as chief compliance officer, leading the continuous improvement of IDA’s compliance program across all three FFRDCs and its corporate operations. The role also carries a meaningful legislative affairs portfolio, including engagement with congressional offices and executive branch officials on matters affecting IDA’s mission and FFRDC authorities.
The Select Guide to America’s Top 250 Executive Search Firms
Hunt Scanlon Media proudly presents the Select Guide to America’s Top 250 Executive Search Firms.
This comprehensive online directory is your definitive resource for finding the best executive search firms to serve your talent needs.
Our guide is meticulously curated to connect you with leading firms that specialize in various industries and functions, ensuring you find the perfect match for your executive recruitment needs.
JDG Associates has been providing executive recruitment services to Fortune 1000 corporations, associations and non-profits, federal, state, and local governments, research and consulting firms, and defense contractors since 1973. The firm’s research-intensive process and personal approach have resulted in more than 4,000 senior-level searches across a broad spectrum of industries and disciplines in the Washington, D.C. region and nationally.
Darren DeGioia serves as president of JDG. He conducts senior-level search assignments for research and consulting organizations as well as the public sector. His areas of expertise include information technology, accounting and finance, the quantitative sciences, operations/general management, marketing, and communications. Prior to joining JDG, Mr. DeGioia spent four years in the hospitality industry with the Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts and Sheraton Hotels.
Related: JDG Associates Tapped by Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute to Find New Leader
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief; Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
