Associate Program Officer - Physical Sciences, Systems, and Infrastructure

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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: about cast,position summary,about pssi,position details,program and project management,expert committee and convening leadership,writing, research, review & editorial management,communications and dissemination,staff leadership and development,collaboration and internal/external representation,sponsor relations and program development,required knowledge, skills, and abilities,teamwork and communications,education/training requirements,experience,preferred qualification,physical capabilities,compensation,benefits,work environment

Full time

$73,760 - $92,190

Overview: Requisition Number: R0002796<br /> <br />National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine seek an Associate Program Officer (APO) to lead assigned projects in various technical areas, including mathematics, statistics, chemistry, materials science, nuclear and radiation sciences, physics, engineering and manufacturing, energy technology and policy, defense capabilities and policies, federal infrastructure, and construction. This position is in the National Academies&rsquo; Center for Advancing Science and Technology (CAST) which fuels innovation across physical sciences, engineering, education, and policy to advance the nation&rsquo;s future prosperity and resilience. Our work prepares and supports the U.S. workforce to strengthen American competitiveness and security. The Associate Program Officer will work in the Physical Sciences, Systems, and Infrastructure (PSSI) program area.<br /><br />The PSSI program area sets research priorities, highlights critical future directions, and develops policy innovations to advance mathematical and physical sciences, energy systems, engineering and manufacturing, infrastructure and facilities, and defense and intelligence. <br /><br />The APO will lead one or more projects under general supervision from the PSSI Senior Program Director; help develop project strategies, budgets, and schedules; and ensure activities achieve their objectives. Drawing on professional knowledge of one or more areas of the mathematical and physical sciences, engineering, defense and energy policy, physical infrastructure, and related fields, the APO will address varied and moderately complex problems, exercising independent judgment on routine matters and seeking guidance on more complex issues.<br /><br />The APO will communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing, with technical and general audiences, and collaborate with committee members, external experts, and National Academies staff to develop and prepare written products for publication. With senior staff oversight, the APO will identify and recruit experts and help assemble committees and other authoring groups. The APO will conduct background research, coordinate meetings and convenings, and may assist with concepts, prospectuses, and proposals for new projects. The APO may also oversee assigned work and assist with the supervision of support staff and will report to a senior staff member in PSSI.
Responsibilities: <p><strong>Program and Project Management</strong></p> <ul> <li>Lead assigned projects, including helping to develop strategies, budgets, schedules, and staffing plans; ensure stated objectives are achieved.</li> <li>Perform financial and administrative tasks for assigned projects; authorize expenditures, track spending, monitor budgets, and collaborate with financial staff to project future spending and ensure compliance with institutional requirements.</li> <li>Establish and follow processes and procedures that support the effective and efficient operation of assigned projects.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Expert Committee and Convening Leadership</strong></p> <ul> <li>With senior staff oversight, identify and recruit committee and panel nominees; support expert groups and the development of their products.</li> <li>Organize workshops and other convenings; develop agendas, invite presenters and participants, oversee logistics and multimedia presentations, and prepare summaries.</li> <li>Coordinate with committee chairs, members, consultants, sponsors, staff, and other participants and facilitate the timely flow of information.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Writing, Research, Review, and Editorial Management</strong></p> <ul> <li>Support committee and roundtable members, authors, workshop participants, and other experts throughout all aspects of their work.</li> <li>Identify and gather research materials; conduct background research; synthesize and edit technical data, research, and other evidence; and manage reference checking.</li> <li>Develop written materials and coordinate or oversee their publication; write and edit background papers, technical summaries, reports, proceedings, and other expert products.</li> <li>As assigned, edit reports, facilitate response to review, respond to comments and concerns from reviewers and editors, and help prepare final manuscripts for publication.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Communications and Dissemination</strong></p> <ul> <li>Contribute to communications activities for assigned projects and help publicize projects, activities, and organizational priorities.</li> <li>Participate in report dissemination, including coordinating production and preparing supporting materials.</li> <li>Help identify and engage external organizations and partners in dissemination efforts and support dissemination meetings and related activities.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Staff Leadership and Development</strong></p> <ul> <li>Assist with supervising staff; assign tasks and provide guidance and feedback.</li> <li>Support staff training, performance reviews, and effective teamwork.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Collaboration and Internal and External Representation</strong></p> <ul> <li>Collaborate with experts and sponsors from federal, state, and local government agencies, foundations, universities, research institutions, and other organizations.</li> <li>Represent assigned projects within and outside the National Academies.</li> <li>Develop and support collaborative activities with other National Academies units.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Sponsor Relations and Program Development</strong></p> <ul> <li>Support productive relationships with existing sponsors and assist in managing relationships with sponsors, members, and alumni.</li> <li>Conduct background research on topics for potential studies and other activities.</li> <li>Assist senior staff in developing prospectuses and proposals for new and continuing funding.</li> <li>Help identify potential sponsors and support fundraising for current and future projects.</li> <li>Participate in managing funder, member, and alumni relations, as applicable.</li> </ul>
Requirements: <p><strong>Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: </strong>Knowledge of scientific, technical, or policy issues in one or more areas of mathematical and physical sciences, engineering, energy, defense, infrastructure, or related fields. Ability to solve varied and complex problems using originality and ingenuity. Ability to operate using appreciable latitude for independent judgment and action. Ability to conduct research, synthesize technical information, and communicate scientific, technical, and policy issues to multiple audiences. Ability to lead assigned projects and work successfully in a team environment. Ability to develop relationships with co-workers, employees in other National Academies&rsquo; departments, and external constituents through effective communication. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with a proven ability to effectively interact with all levels of staff and stakeholders.</p> <p><strong>Minimum Education/Training Requirements:</strong> Bachelor&rsquo;s degree in a mathematical science, engineering, physical science, or field related to defense and energy policy, or equivalent knowledge.</p> <p><strong>Minimum Experience: </strong>Three years of related professional experience.</p> <p><strong>Preferred Education and Experience:</strong> Advanced degree in a related field.</p> <p><strong>Preferred Qualification:</strong> Preference may be given to candidates who hold or are eligible and willing to pursue a Secret or Top Secret security clearance.</p> <p><strong>Physical Capabilities: </strong>Ability to work at a computer for extended periods of time. Ability to travel.</p> <p><strong>Supervisory Responsibilities/Controls</strong>: Reports to a PSSI senior staff member. Sets objectives with supervisor and receives input and advice as needed. Assists in the supervision of project or program staff.</p> <p><strong>Compensation &amp; Benefits: </strong>An estimated compensation range for this position is $73,760 - $92,190. 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; This is a benefits-eligible position.&nbsp; Our Benefits Plan offers competitive and comprehensive benefit options, including medical, dental and vision insurance, life insurance, disability coverage, retirement and savings benefits, leave benefits such as paid holidays and paid personal leave, transportation subsidies, and education assistance.&nbsp; For more information, please click&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nationalacademies.org/cdn/materials/a10cac94-4299-477a-ab70-cb11d776d5be" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here.</a><br /><br /><strong>Work Environment:&nbsp;</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>