Senior Program Officer, Marine Transportation and Intermodal Freight, TRB Techni

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.<br /><br />To learn more about our benefits, click&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nationalacademies.org/cdn/materials/a10cac94-4299-477a-ab70-cb11d776d5be" target="_blank" title="2026 Benefits Guide" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a> https://www.nationalacademies.org/

keywords: position summary,position details,responsibilities overview,portfolio,about the marine board,the successful candidate,trb liaison,strategy,manage board membership,communication,manage technical committees,conduct workshops and meetings,prepare papers and summaries,financial management,field visits,required knowledge, skills, and abilities,teamwork and communication,education/training requirements,minimum experience,physical capabilities,work environment

Full time

Overview: Requisition Number: R0002729<br /> <br />** NOTE A COVER LETTER IS REQUIRED FOR CONSIDERATION **<br /><br />Responsible for developing and managing highly complex programs or projects in the Transportation Research Board (TRB) Technical Activities Division (TAD). Develops program or project strategy and budget, staffing requirements and ensures the program/project meets its stated objectives. Serves as liaison between committee members, the National Academies, and other applicable parties. May supervise staff. Develops prospectuses and projects and may negotiate funding with sponsors.<br /><br />Requiring advanced knowledge, incumbent performs work primarily intellectual and/or analytical in character. The job&rsquo;s primary focus is on managing a portfolio of technical activities carried out through the Marine Board, standing technical committees and other TAD volunteer groups. Portfolio of activities typically addresses a transportation mode, a broad disciplinary scope, or a strategic objective involving multiple modes and/or disciplines. Establishes processes and procedures consistent with TAD policies and standard procedures to ensure the effective and efficient operation of a complex function. Has authority to take whatever action deemed advisable or necessary, subject to organizational and departmental policies and rules. Provides technical direction and performance reviews for supervised staff. Provides innovative solutions to complex problems that impact program's or project&rsquo;s success. Reports directly to Technical Activities Division Director or Deputy Director.<br /><br />The incumbent is responsible for: keeping abreast of issues, research, and technological developments related to their portfolio; providing staff oversight and support for the Marine Board and the standing technical committees and other volunteer groups related to their portfolio and/or assigned by the TAD Director or Deputy Director; overseeing and assisting volunteers in planning technical content of conferences, meetings, and workshops; and coordinating logistical and other aspects of conferences, meetings, and workshops with appropriate TAD Operations Group staff; reviewing or overseeing review of papers and other publications according to NASEM and TAD Publishing Group policies and procedures; carrying out TAD&rsquo;s Field Visit Program; developing new sponsors and affiliates to support the Core Program financially and maintaining ongoing technical relations with current sponsors; establish and maintain liaison with relevant organizations related to incumbent&rsquo;s portfolio; and possibly supervising other staff.<br /><br />The portfolio of this Senior Program Officer position will consist primarily of Marine Transportation and Freight Systems subject matter under two program areas within the Technical Activities Division: The Marine Board, and the management of a number of standing technical committees situated in the Marine Group and Freight Systems Group.<br />The Marine Board is an internationally recognized source of expertise on maritime transportation, marine technology and offshore development. The purpose of the Marine Board is to identify research needs and provide a forum for exchange of information relating to new technologies, laws and regulations, economics, the environment, and issues affecting the marine transportation system, offshore industries, port operations, coastal engineering, and marine governance.<br /><br />The incumbent will be responsible for directing the program and activities of the 20-person Marine Board composed of high-level experts with backgrounds covering all aspects of marine transportation. <br /><br />The incumbent will also be responsible for handling a typical purview of: 6-8 standing technical committees with as many as 26 members each; a list of associated committee &ldquo;Friends&rdquo; for each; approximately 2 biennial conferences of 100-500 paying attendees; 26-30 Annual Meeting events per year; and 100-200 papers to be peer-reviewed and scheduled as part of the Annual Meeting. The exact numbers of these items differ among technical specialties and may vary from year to year.<br /><br />The successful candidate will have a broad range of knowledge and experience in marine transportation and freight systems, including but not limited to seaport and inland waterways infrastructure and operations; maritime risk, safety and human factors; ferry planning and operations; intermodal freight transportation and trucking; military transportation; supply chain dynamics; the broader context of marine transportation and freight systems regulatory frameworks and associated public agencies and military organizations; and the commercial industry aspects of marine transportation and freight systems.
Responsibilities: <p><strong><u>ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES RELATED TO MARINE BOARD PROGRAM DIRECTOR ROLE:</u></strong></p> <ul> <li> <p>Serves as TRB liaison with Marine Board sponsors, including the U.S. Coast Guard, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric&nbsp;Administration/National&nbsp;Ocean Service, the Office of Naval Research, the Supervisor of Savage and Diving of the Naval Sea Systems Command, the Maritime Administration, and any other agencies with stewardship missions related to marine transportation that may become future sponsors.</p> </li> <li> <p>Serves as liaison with numerous professional organizations involved in marine transportation and freight systems.</p> </li> <li> <p>Develops Marine Board program/project strategy and budget, staffing requirements and ensures the programs/projects meet stated objectives.</p> </li> <li> <p>Manages the rotation of Marine Board membership in accordance with the policies and procedures of the National Research Council and ensures the appropriate balance of experience and perspectives to cover the Marine Board&rsquo;s scope related to marine transportation and the offshore industries.</p> </li> <li> <p>Develops Marine Board project prospectuses in high impact areas and negotiates funding with Marine Board sponsor agencies and other organizations.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> </li> <li> <p>Facilitates communication among Marine Board members, sponsoring agencies, and project committees. Conducts large and small workshops/meetings for the Marine Board. Develops agendas, invites presenters and participants, oversees meeting logistics, and prepares written summaries.</p> </li> </ul> <p><strong><u>ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES RELATED TO STANDING TECHNICAL COMMITTEE ACTIVITIES:</u></strong></p> <ul> <li> <p>Independently manages a portfolio of standing technical committees and other volunteer groups in one or more modal, disciplinary, or broad objective areas. Is responsible for overseeing all activities of these committees and volunteers, ensuring that they conform to TAD policies and procedures and contribute to the mission of TRB, with particular focus on critical issues or other top priorities and emerging issues as they relate to research and innovation.&nbsp;</p> </li> <li> <p>Manages the rotation of assigned standing technical committees and other volunteer groups according to TAD policies and procedures. Ensures that committee membership is balanced with respect to relevant perspectives and potential biases. Supports chair in encouraging high levels of engagement of committee members and other volunteers. Leads convening activities such as meetings, forums or workshops.&nbsp;</p> </li> <li> <p>Conducts workshops and/or meetings. Develops agendas, invites presenters and participants, oversees multimedia presentations, coordinates with staff in TAD&rsquo;s Operations Group on meeting logistics, and prepares written summaries.</p> </li> <li> <p>Prepares background papers and technical summaries and syntheses. Develops written products (e.g., reports, proceedings, white papers, e-circulars). Reviews committee-produced products in coordination with TRB Report Review Officer. Drafts and edits materials for publication.</p> </li> <li> <p>In collaboration with committee chairs and members, guides the subject-matter content of activities such as the TRB Annual Meeting, specialty conferences, workshops, and meetings. Oversees the overall technical program of these activities to ensure relevance to TAD priorities, avoidance of unnecessary duplication with other committees&rsquo; work, appropriate balance of perspectives, and avoidance of conflicts of interest.</p> </li> <li> <p>Cooperates with other staff in the TAD Program Content Group, the TAD Operation Group, and the TAD Publishing Group in the planning and logistics of activities such as the TRB Annual Meeting, specialty conferences, and journal publication to ensure smooth functioning and consistent application of policies across all committees and activities.&nbsp;</p> </li> <li> <p>Responsible for communications among committees in incumbent&rsquo;s portfolio and between TAD and the committees and committee leadership. Responsible for communications activities related to assigned programs or projects.&nbsp;In coordination with TAD and TRB communications staff, publicizes programs and other&nbsp;priorities.&nbsp;</p> </li> <li> <p>Where applicable, manages dissemination of reports and other types of publications. Identifies and engages external organizations in dissemination. Works with TAD Publishing Group to prepare dissemination materials. Conducts dissemination meetings.&nbsp;</p> </li> <li> <p>May supervise technical or procedural work of other staff under the overall guidance of relevant TAD policies and authorities. Identifies staff training needs and facilitates acquisition of appropriate training.&nbsp;</p> </li> <li> <p>Responsible for financial management of assigned programs or projects, including overseeing budget and schedule. Collaborates with financial staff to ensure compliance.</p> </li> <li> <p>Conducts field visits to state departments of transportation and other transportation agencies, universities, and organizations to gather information about research and innovation, exchange knowledge, and provide information about TRB activities and services and how to get involved as a sponsor, affiliate, or TAD volunteer.&nbsp;</p> </li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p>
Requirements: <p><strong>Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:</strong>&nbsp;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 within policies and processes that apply across unit. 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&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. Ability to exercise leadership with volunteers to achieve institutional goals and adhere to institutional policies, while respecting volunteer expertise and independence.</p> <p><strong>Minimum Education/Training Requirements:</strong>&nbsp;Master&rsquo;s degree in a related field, or equivalent knowledge.</p> <p><strong>Minimum Experience:</strong>&nbsp;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&rsquo; 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><strong>Preferred Education:</strong>&nbsp;Ph.D. in related field preferred.</p> <p><strong>Physical Capabilities:</strong>&nbsp;Ability to work at a computer for extended periods of time. Ability to travel.</p> <p><strong>Required Licenses, Certification or Registration:</strong>&nbsp;None.</p> <p><strong>Supervisory Responsibilities/Controls:</strong>&nbsp;Reports to Technical Activities Division Director, Deputy Director, or Manager. General direction is provided. Supervises project/program staff.</p> <p><strong>Work Environment: </strong>Hybrid Office/Telecommute environment, expected onsite percentage 60%, with occasional travel between National Academies&rsquo; facilities and to off-site meeting/sponsor locations.</p>