Program Officer - Board on Science Education

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 Academies of Sciences Engineering Medicine

<br /><br />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 opportunity,project management,committee management,staff management,research and writing,communication and dissemination,project development,education,experience,knowledge, skills, and abilities,collaboration,communication,leadership

Full time

Overview: <strong>Req. No.: R0001728</strong><br /><br />The Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences and Education (DBASSE) focuses the knowledge, analytical tools, and methods of the behavioral and social sciences on some of the nation's most pressing issues in efforts to understand them and to contribute to their solution. Our areas of expertise include (but are not limited to) anthropology, child development, demography, economics, education, history, law, gerontology, linguistics, political science, psychology, sociology, and statistics. DBASSE is seeking a Program Officer for the Board on Science Education (BOSE). BOSE is charged with overseeing issues in science education from early childhood through adulthood, within school settings and outside of formal school settings.<br /><br />The Program Officer is responsible for developing and managing one or more of the organization&rsquo;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.<br /><br />Incumbent applies in-depth professional level knowledge to independently solve a full range of complex problems. The job&rsquo;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.
Responsibilities: <p><strong>ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES:</strong></p> <p><strong>PROJECT MANAGEMENT</strong></p> <p>In collaboration with supervisor, develops program or project strategy, manages budget, supervises staff, and ensures forum meets objectives. Conducts large and small workshops and/or meetings. Develops agendas, invites presenters and participants, oversees meeting logistics and multimedia presentations, and prepares written summaries. Collaborates with experts and sponsors from federal, state, and local government agencies, foundations, schools, and other organizations. Represents the board and committee within and outside the National Academies.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>COMMITTEE MANAGEMENT</strong></p> <p>Where applicable and with senior staff oversight, recruits potential committee nominees and assembles appointment packages. Communicates and coordinates with the committee chair and members. Identifies and gathers research materials. Facilitates the flow of information among committee members, consultants, staff, and other applicable parties. Supports committee members, workshop participants, etc. in all aspects of work. Serves as staff liaison between committee members and the National Academies.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>STAFF MANAGEMENT</strong></p> <p>Manages staff with minimal oversight by senior staff. 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.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>RESEARCH AND WRITING</strong></p> <p>Prepares background papers and technical summaries. Provides assistance in preparing reports, workshop summaries, or other written products. Drafts and edits materials for publication. Assists with the response to review process, responds to comments and concerns of editors, and prepares the final manuscript for publication. Related duties and special projects as assigned.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>COMMUNICATION AND DISSEMINATION</strong></p> <p>Where applicable, plans and implements extensive communications activities related to the forum.&nbsp;Creates and maintains materials, web sites, and social media channels to provide interest groups with information generated from and for the forum. Where applicable, creates and implements dissemination plan that may include engaging external organizations, preparing dissemination materials, and conducting dissemination meetings. Assists in managing report production activities.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>PROJECT DEVELOPMENT</strong></p> <p>With senior staff 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.</p> <p><br /><strong>NONESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES</strong><br />Related duties and special projects as assigned.</p>
Requirements: <strong>Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: </strong>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&rsquo; departments, and external constituents through effective communication. Excellent communication skills with a proven ability to effectively interact with all levels of staff and constituents.<br /><br /><strong>Minimum Education/Training Requirements:</strong> Master&rsquo;s degree in a related field or equivalent knowledge.<br /><br /><strong>Minimum Experience: </strong>Three years of related professional experience. Demonstrated basic proficiency in conveying scientific/technical/policy information in verbal and written form.<br /><br /><strong>Preferred Education: </strong>Ph.D. in related field preferred.<br /><br /><strong>Physical Capabilities:</strong> Ability to work at a computer for extended periods of time. Ability to travel.<br /><br /><strong>Required Licenses, Certification or Registration: </strong>None.<br /><br /><strong>Supervisory Responsibilities/Controls: </strong>Typically reports to senior program officer or director. General direction is provided. Supervises project/program staff with minimal oversight by director/senior program officer.