Senior Program Officer - Physical Sciences, Systems, and Infrastructure

Job Description Summary:

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine seek a Senior Program Officer (SPO) to develop and manage highly complex projects in the mathematical sciences. This position is in the National Academies’ Center for Advancing Science and Technology (CAST) which fuels innovation across physical sciences, engineering, education, and policy to advance the nation’s future prosperity and resilience. Our work prepares and supports the U.S. workforce to strengthen American competitiveness and security.

The Senior Program Officer will work in the Physical Sciences, Systems, and Infrastructure (PSSI) program area, which sets research priorities, highlights critical future directions, and develops policy innovations to advance mathematical and physical sciences, energy systems, engineering and manufacturing, infrastructure and facilities, and defense and intelligence.

The SPO will manage a variety of mathematical programs and project, including developing strategies and budgets, establishing staffing requirements, managing a small staff team, and meeting defined objectives. The SPO will also serve as liaison between committee members, the National Academies, project/program funders, and other stakeholders.

The SPO requires advanced knowledge in the mathematical sciences and will often require innovative solutions to complex problems that could impact a program's or project's success. Strong verbal and written communication skills are critical as the SPO will be engaging with technical and general audiences in a variety of capacities. The SPO will report to the PSSI Senior Program Director.

Job Description:

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES:

1. Independently designs and manages multiple and/or highly complex programs or projects. Develops program or project strategy and budget, staffing requirements and ensures stated objectives are met. Conducts program or project evaluations. Activities may include leading studies, research programs, grant programs, fellowship programs, etc.

2. Where applicable, assembles committees and guides those committees in the consensus building process. Leads convening activities such as forums or workshops. Communicates and coordinates with the chair and other members of the group. Identifies and gathers research materials. Solicits and contacts potential panel members. Facilitates the flow of information among panel members, consultants, staff, and other applicable parties.

3. Conducts workshops and/or meetings. Develops agendas, invites presenters and participants, oversees meeting logistics and multimedia presentations, and prepares written summaries.

4. Prepares background papers and technical summaries. Develops written products (e.g., reports, proceedings, white papers). Drafts and edits materials for publication. For studies and other applicable programs, synthesizes and edits research findings and technical data and determines the relevance of data for purposes of study.

5. Supports committee members, forum members, workshop participants, etc. in all aspects of work. For studies, assistance is provided in preparing draft report, including writing sections of report based on committee input and review and editing the report for format, consistency, and grammar. Manages the response to review, responds to comments and concerns of editors, and prepares the final manuscript for publication.

6. Where applicable, responsible for extensive communications activities related to assigned programs or projects. Publicizes programs and other priorities. Develops complex and content rich materials and websites to provide interest groups with information generated from and for activities.

7. Where applicable, manages dissemination of reports and other types of publications. Prepares dissemination plan and funding proposal. Manages report production activities. Identifies and engages external organizations in dissemination. Prepares dissemination materials. Conducts dissemination meetings.

8. Independently supervises program or project staff. Ensures staff are appropriately trained and plans for staff development. Mentors staff. Initiates personnel actions. Conducts performance reviews. Interprets and ensures consistent application of organizational policies.

9. Responsible for financial management of assigned programs or projects, including overseeing budget and schedule and authorizing expenditures. As required, collaborates with financial staff to ensure compliance.

10. For certain programs managing research or fellowship activities, conducts site visits and ensures current and new facilities meet established criteria. Visits sites where participants are located to evaluate assignment and ensure compliance.

11. Collaborates with experts and sponsors from federal, state, and local government agencies, foundations, schools, and other organizations. Represents the unit and committee within and outside the National Academies.

12. Maintains ongoing relationships with major sponsors and develops new program areas. Conducts background research on topics for new studies, programs, or activities. Writes prospectuses and proposals for new and continuing funding. Identifies potential sponsors. Raises funds for current and future projects. Negotiates funding with sponsors. Where applicable, manages funder/member/alumni relations.

NONESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES

Related duties and special projects as assigned.

JOB SPECIFICATIONS

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Advanced knowledge of the scientific, technical, or policy issues in the mathematical sciences. Strong program/project management and facilitation skills. Ability to understand and share technical/scientific issues with diverse audiences. Ability to solve problems using originality and ingenuity. Ability to serve as a resource to others in the resolution of complex problems and issues. Ability to operate using substantial latitude for independent judgment and action. Ability to independently develop and manage multiple and complex projects. Ability to work successfully in a team environment and to form and maintain effective teams. Ability to train and develop staff. Experience working in complex environments with a high degree of organizational effectiveness. Ability to develop relationships with co-workers, employees in other National Academies' departments, and external constituents through effective communication. Excellent communication skills with a proven ability to effectively interact with all levels of staff and constituents.

Minimum Education/Training Requirements: Master's degree in a related field, or equivalent knowledge.

Minimum Experience: Six years of related professional experience, two of which were in a supervisory capacity. Demonstrated impact on the advancement of science or policy through the successful completion of National Academies' activities or equivalent outside activities. Demonstrated high level of proficiency in conveying scientific, technical, and/or policy information in verbal and written form.

Preferred Education: Ph.D. in mathematics, statistics, engineering, or field related to the mathematical sciences is preferred.

Physical Capabilities: Ability to work at a computer for extended periods of time. Ability to travel.

Required Licenses, Certification or Registration: None.

Supervisory Responsibilities/Controls: Typically reports to board/program/division director. General direction is provided. Independently supervises project/program staff.

Compensation & Benefits: An estimated compensation range for this position is $105,230 - $164,420. Compensation offered to the selected candidate will be based on the candidate’s relevant knowledge, skills, and work experience, commensurate with compensation of current employees in comparable positions with similar knowledge, skills, and work experience, and subject to budget parameters. Note it is not typical for a candidate to be hired at the higher end of th