Job Description Summary:
Policy and Global Affairs (PGA) mobilizes experts and networks in the United States and around the world to increase the use of evidence to advance local, national and global policy and capacity. The U.S. Science and Innovation Policy theme aims is to strengthen the U.S. research and innovation enterprise to advance national goals. The Program Officer will manage projects in the Board on Higher Education and Workforce (BHEW) in the U.S. Science and Innovation Policy Theme. BHEW provides policymakers, business executives, and academic leaders with insights and recommendations on critical higher education and science and engineering workforce issues facing the nation.
The Program Officer will also be responsible for developing and managing one or more of the organization’s programs or projects with minimal oversight by Director or Senior Program Officer. Develops program or project strategy and budget, supervises staff, and ensures program or project meets objectives. Assembles committees/panels and serves as staff liaison between committee/panel members and the National Academies. Develops prospectuses and raises funds for new projects.
Incumbent applies in-depth professional level knowledge to independently solve a full range of complex problems. The job’s primary focus may be either leading studies or convening activities or managing organization programs (e.g., research programs, art programs, etc.). The work is primarily intellectual or analytical in character, requiring advanced knowledge. Assignments are broadly defined and require judgment and creativity to complete. Incumbent has authority to take whatever action deemed advisable or necessary, and is often responsible for oversight or management of other staff. Typically reports to Senior Program Officer or Director.
Job Description:
Essential Job Duties:
- Designs and manages program(s) or project(s) of minimal or moderate complexity. In collaboration with supervisor, develops program or project strategy, manages budget, supervises staff, and ensures program or project meets objectives. Activities may include leading studies, research programs, grant programs, fellowship programs, etc.
- Where applicable and with director/senior program officer oversight, recruits potential committee/panel nominees and assembles appointment packages. Communicates and coordinates with the committee/panel chair and members. Identifies and gathers research materials for the committee. Facilitates the flow of information among committee/panel members, consultants, staff, and other applicable parties.
- Conducts large and small workshops and/or meetings. Develops agendas, invites presenters and participants, oversees meeting logistics and multimedia presentations, and prepares written summaries.
- 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 activity.
- Supports committee members, forum members, workshop participants, etc. in all aspects of work. For studies, assistance is provided in preparing the draft report, including writing sections of report based on committee input and review and editing the report for format, consistency, and grammar. Facilitates the response to review, responds to comments and concerns of editors, and prepares the final manuscript for publication.
- Where applicable, independently plans and implements extensive communications activities related to assigned programs or projects. Creates and maintains materials, web sites, and social media channels to provide interest groups with information generated from and for activities.
- Where applicable, manages dissemination of reports and other types of publications. Prepares dissemination plan and funding proposal. Assists in managing report production activities. Identifies and engages external organizations in dissemination. Prepares dissemination materials. Conducts dissemination meetings.
- Manages staff with minimal oversight by Director or Senior Program Officer. Assigns tasks and provides guidance and feedback to staff. Mentors staff and ensures required training is accomplished and participates in performance reviews. Interprets and ensures consistent application of organizational policies.
- Oversees project budget and schedule and authorizes expenditures. As required, collaborates with financial staff to ensure compliance.
- 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.
- With Director or Senior Program Officer oversight, 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. 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 scientific, technical, or policy issues in a related discipline. Strong program/project management skills. Ability to understand and share technical/scientific issues with diverse audiences. Ability to solve intellectual problems that are varied and complex using originality and ingenuity. Ability to operate using appreciable latitude for independent judgment and action. Ability to manage and develop projects. Ability to work successfully in a team environment and to form and maintain effective teams. 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:
Three years of related professional experience. Demonstrated basic proficiency in conveying scientific/technical/policy information in verbal and written form.
Preferred Education:
Ph.D. in related field 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 senior program officer or director. General direction is provided. Supervises project/program staff with minimal oversight by director/senior program officer.
Work Environment:
Office environment, with occasional travel between National Academies’ facilities and to off-site meeting/sponsor locations.
Any qualification to be considered equivalent, in lieu of stated minimum, requires the prior approval of the Office of Human Resources.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. Some functions in this description may be specific to a particular unit of the National Academies and not applicable to other units.
Employee Type:
Employee
Scheduled Weekly Hours:
37.5
City/State:
Washington, District of Columbia