Senior Program Officer - Policy and Global Affairs Division

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine value diversity in our members, volunteers, and staff and strive for a culture of inclusion in our workplace and activities. Convening a diverse community to exchange ideas and perspectives enhances the quality of our work and increases our relevance as advisers to the nation about the most complex issues facing the nation and the world.

Keck Center

National Academy of Sciences Engineering Medicine

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine provide independent, objective advice to inform policy with evidence, spark progress and innovation, and confront challenging issues for the benefit of society. We marshal knowledge and expertise across disciplines to study complex and sometimes contentious issues, reach consensus based on the evidence, and identify the best path forward. https://www.nationalacademies.org/

keywords: the division,the board,the opportunity,sponsor stewardship & program development/mgmt,project administration,support,oversee,collaboration,education,experience,knowledge, skills, and abilities,communication,collaboration,staff development and management

Full time

Overview: REQ: R0001313<br /><br />The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine is seeking a Senior Program Officer in the Policy and Global Affairs Division to develop and direct an initiative aiming to improve prioritization within the nation&rsquo;s generational investment of trillions of dollars in built infrastructure to meet the nation&rsquo;s future needs. These investments will affect every American and influence the shape of the economy for decades. The Academies are uniquely positioned to help decision makers at all levels make better decisions, and the SPO will play a key role in making that happen. <br /> <br />The SPO will work with a small team to initiate what is expected to grow into a substantial program to engage decision makers, experts, and affected communities, using science and engineering to improve equity, efficiency, resilience, and effectiveness. The SPO will plug in to infrastructure discussions in the White House, federal departments and agencies (especially DHS, DOT, DOE, HUD, DOI, DOD, USDA, DOC), and Congress, as well as in the private sector and NGO community to identify opportunities to provide assistance and to develop financial support for the initiative. The SPO will work with senior leadership to get the work underway, and will work with colleagues across the institution to benefit from their expertise and to build new cooperative work with their home units.<br /><br />The ideal candidate will have the experience, qualities, and abilities listed below.<br /> <ul> <li>Knowledge and experience working on infrastructure issues, addressing the policy and technical aspects of built infrastructure and investments in the same.</li> <li>Success at raising funding from federal sources.</li> <li>Strong project management skills.</li> <li>Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a proven ability to interact effectively with all levels of staff and constituents, and to engage diverse communities, high-level decision makers and policy makers, and industry.</li> <li>Ability to factor equity and other social values into socio-technical problems.</li> <li>Ability to solve varied and complex problems in the content and the conduct of work.</li> </ul> <br /><br />About the Group<br /><br />This is a dynamic unit that incubates new ideas and special opportunities into initiatives and programs. They work collaboratively with other units with diverse expertise. The Academies apply their unique status, their ability to obtain outstanding expert volunteers, excellent work, and access to high levels of government and other sectors to critical issues for the nation and the world. Requiring advanced knowledge, incumbent performs work primarily intellectual and/or analytical in character. The job's primary focus is either on leading studies or managing other types of programs. Establishes processes and procedures to ensure the effective and efficient operation of a complex function. Has authority to take whatever action deemed advisable or necessary, subject only to organizational and departmental policies and rules. Has full supervisory responsibilities, including hiring, training, and performance management for assigned staff. Provides innovative solutions to complex problems that impact program's or project's success. Typically reports directly to Board Director.
Responsibilities: <ul> <li>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.</li> <li>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.</li> <li>Conducts workshops and/or meetings. Develops agendas, invites presenters and participants, oversees meeting logistics and multimedia presentations, and prepares written summaries.</li> <li>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.</li> <li>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.</li> <li>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.</li> <li>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.</li> <li>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.</li> <li>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.</li> <li>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.</li> <li>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.</li> <li>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.</li> </ul> <br /><br />NONESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES<br /> <ul> <li>Related duties and special projects as assigned.</li> </ul>
Requirements: <p dir="LTR"><strong>Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:&nbsp;</strong>Advanced knowledge of the scientific, technical, or policy issues in a related discipline. 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.</p> <p dir="LTR"><strong>Minimum Education/Training Requirements:&nbsp;</strong>Master's degree in a related field, or equivalent knowledge.</p> <p dir="LTR"><strong>Minimum Experience:&nbsp;</strong>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.</p> <p dir="LTR"><strong>Preferred Education:&nbsp;</strong>Ph.D. in related field preferred.</p> <p dir="LTR"><strong>Physical Capabilities:&nbsp;</strong>Ability to work at a computer for extended periods of time. Ability to travel.</p> <p dir="LTR"><strong>Required Licenses, Certification or Registration:&nbsp;</strong>None.</p> <p dir="LTR"><strong>Supervisory <span class="WLM2">Responsibilities/Controls:&nbsp;</span></strong>Typically reports to <span class="WLM2">board/program/division</span> director. General direction is provided. Independently supervises project/program staff.</p> <p dir="LTR"><strong>Work Environment:&nbsp;</strong>Office environment, with occasional travel between National Academies' facilities and to off-site meeting/sponsor locations.</p>