Director - Board on Atmospheric Sciences and Climate and Polar Research Board

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: about the position,program,management,consulting,training,planning,teamwork,communication,experience,knowledge, skills, and abilities,education,work environment

Full time

$122,000 - $190,625 Annually

Overview: Req No.&nbsp;R0002015<br /><br />Are you a ready for job that can make a difference? We invite you to bring your expertise and passion to the nation&rsquo;s most trusted voice on complex issues in science and technology. The work we do not only advances scientific research and understanding but also informs actions taken by Congress, government agencies, industry, and other decision-makers to advance environmental policies, energy choices, land use and agricultural practices, public health policies, manufacturing decisions, and many other realms. <br /><br />We are seeking a proven, visionary leader with strong scientific, technical, and research credentials who also excels in building relationships with potential sponsors to help shape our work in meeting challenges facing leaders across the globe. You&rsquo;ll work closely with a group of scientific and other technical experts who volunteer their time to advise on the work of the Boards. You will also lead a team of smart, talented, mission-driven staff who care deeply about the work they do. <br /><br />The Director will lead two program areas (Boards) that have been at the forefront of the National Academies&rsquo; groundbreaking work in climate variability, weather, atmospheric chemistry, air pollution, and the polar regions for more than 80 years. This work, which includes convening experts, holding workshops, and delivering peer-reviewed studies, has advanced understanding and guided future actions on topics including:<br /> <ul> <li>Physical drivers of climate change and extreme weather</li> <li>Impacts of climate variability on human health, infrastructure, ecosystems, the economy, and national security.</li> <li>Strategies for reducing and sequestering greenhouse gas emissions</li> <li>The chemistry and transport of air pollution</li> <li>Research in the polar regions</li> </ul> <br /><br />The successful candidate will have a strong technical background in atmospheric, climate, and/or polar sciences; strong executive management skills; proven experience in stewarding and growing relationships with federal, state, and private sponsors; experience supervising staff and fostering their growth; and established networks within the scientific community. The successful candidate will be dedicated to advancing a culture or respect, diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging among the staff and in all activities conducted under the auspices of the two boards. The position reports to the Executive Director of the National Academies&rsquo; Division on Earth and Life Studies.<br /><br /><br />*COVER LETTER REQUIRED
Responsibilities: <ul> <li> <p>In consultation with division leadership, board staff, and volunteer board chair and members, develops and maintains an impactful, interdisciplinary portfolio of projects/programs. Establishes a vision and working strategy for studies and activities conducted within the program/board.</p> </li> <li> <p>Plans, conducts, and directs work on projects/programs. Oversees the management of numerous complex projects, assembles or oversees the boards, committees, and/or study panels and their staff and provides oversight and guidance to the conduct of their work.</p> </li> <li> <p>Provides leadership and mentors employees. Trains and develops employees to successfully perform current responsibilities and encourages development of staff for future roles. Forms effective teams and cultivates a work environment that fosters teamwork. Interprets and ensures consistent application of organizational policies. Initiates personnel actions, including performance and compensation reviews and disciplinary actions.</p> </li> <li> <p>Maintains communication and productive working relationships with program volunteers. Sets agenda and oversees meeting arrangements. Oversees quality assurance efforts.</p> </li> <li> <p>Oversees financial management of the unit. Participates in business planning, conducts status meetings, coordinates logistical issues, and implements planning, scheduling, and procedural changes.</p> </li> <li> <p>Responsible for program/project development. Maintains current and develops new relationships with prospective sponsors and other external contacts.</p> </li> <li> <p>Responds to requests for studies/projects, negotiating scope of work and budget, and independently develops high-impact programs/projects and negotiates funding with sponsors. Performs fundraising activities. Prepares proposals. Oversees management of contracts. Mentors staff at appropriate levels in program development activities.</p> </li> <li> <p>Oversees the report process during writing, reports review, and release, if applicable.</p> </li> <li> <p>Oversees outreach efforts, including dissemination. Conducts speaking engagements on behalf of the boards and the institution to raise the profile of the boards&rsquo; past, current, and future work and the mission of the institution, represents program/board at internal and external meetings, and maintains networks of professional relationships with relevant members of the science and policy enterprise.</p> </li> </ul>
Requirements: <p><strong>Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:&nbsp;</strong>Ability to solve intellectual problems that reflect substantial variety and complexity. Ability to serve as a resource to others in the resolution of complex problems and issues. Ability to operate with substantial latitude for independent judgment and action. Ability to negotiate funding. Ability to train and develop staff. 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 and employees in other National Academies&rsquo; departments through effective communication. Excellent communication skills with a proven ability to effectively interact with all levels of employees. Understanding of the National Academies&rsquo; mission and culture.</p> <p><strong>Minimum Education/Training Requirements:</strong>&nbsp;Masters or Ph.D. in a related field or equivalent knowledge.</p> <p><strong>Minimum Experience:</strong>&nbsp;Ten years of related professional experience, five of which were in a supervisory capacity. Demonstrated impact on the advancement of science or policy through the successful completion of National Academies&rsquo; activities or equivalent outside activities and through effective dissemination of these activities.<br /><br /></p> <p><strong>Physical Capabilities:&nbsp;</strong>Ability to work at a computer for extended periods of time. Ability to travel. Required Licenses, Certification or Registration: None.</p> <p><strong>Supervisory Responsibilities/Controls:</strong>&nbsp;Reports to Executive Director or Executive Officer. Independently establishes goals and objectives. Supervises board/program staff.</p> <p><strong>Work Environment:&nbsp;</strong>Hybrid Office/Telecommute environment, expected onsite percentage 40%, with occasional travel between National Academies&rsquo; facilities and to off-site meeting/sponsor locations.</p> <p><strong>Compensation: </strong>The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine support equity, fairness, and transparency in our compensation programs. An estimated compensation range for this position is $122,000 - $190,625. Compensation offered to the selected candidate will be based on the candidate&rsquo;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 the range.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>The National Academies&rsquo; Statement on Diversity and Inclusion:</strong></p> <p>To promote diversity and inclusion in the sciences, engineering, and medicine, we are committed to increasing the diversity of the National Academies&rsquo; staff, members, and volunteers to reflect the populations we serve. We pledge to cultivate an environment and culture that promotes inclusion and values respectful participation of all individuals who help advance the mission of the institution.</p>