Job Description Summary:
** Cover Letter Required **Policy and Global Affairs (PGA) mobilizes experts and networks in the United States and around the world to increase the use of evidence to advance local, national, and global policy and capacity. U.S. Science and Innovation Policy is one of four themes under PGA and it aims to strengthen the U.S. research and innovation enterprise to advance national goals. The Senior Program Officer will work in the Committee on Science, Technology, and Law (CSTL) in the US Science Policy and Innovation Theme. CSTL is one of the leading science, technology, and law committees in the Nation and engages with members of the judiciary, legal community, regulators and policymakers, and scientists, engineers, and medical professionals on a range of domestic and international issues associated with the laws and regulations that govern emerging technologies and with the courts consideration of scientific and technical evidence and information.
The Senior Program Officer is responsible for developing and managing highly complex programs or projects. 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. Independently supervises staff. Develops prospectuses and projects and negotiates funding with sponsors.
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.
Job Description:
ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES:
1. 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 a fellowship program.
2. Where applicable, assemble committees and engage those committees with the Fellowship Program Office and the fellowship cohorts. 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 committee members. Facilitates the flow of information among panel members, consultants, staff, and other applicable parties.
3. Conducts meetings. Develops agendas for committee meetings and for fellowship term, invites presenters and participants, oversees meeting logistics and multimedia presentations, and prepares written summaries. Identifies and engages with experts knowledgeable of agency biotechnology regulatory policies.
4. Where applicable, prepares background papers and technical summaries. Develops written products (e.g., proposals and reports). Drafts and edits materials for publication including program announcements and program FAQs. For studies and other applicable programs, synthesizes and edits research findings and technical data and determines the relevance of data for purposes of study.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. Extensive engagement with federal agencies, knowledge of regulatory policies at EPA, FDA, and/or USAg. 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.
10. Maintains ongoing relationships with major sponsors and develops new program areas. Conducts background research on topics for programs, or activities. Writes prospectuses and proposals for new and continuing funding. Ongoing identification of potential sponsors and strong sponsor stewardship skills. Raises funds for current and future projects. Negotiates funding with sponsors. Where applicable, manages funder/member/alumni relations.
NONESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES
Related duties and special projects as assigned.
JOB SPECIFICATIONS
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 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.
Minimum Education/Training Requirements: Master’s degree in a related field, or equivalent knowledge.
Minimum Experience: 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.
Preferred Education: Ph.D. in life sciences or bioengineering or J.D. or related field preferred.
Physical Capabilities: Ability to work at a computer for extended periods of time. Ability to travel.
Required Licenses, Certification or Registration: None.
Supervisory Responsibilities/Controls: Typically reports to board/program/division director. General direction is provided. Independently supervises project/program staff.
Compensation Range: 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 $101,130 - $158,015. Compensation offered to the selected candidate will be based on the candidate’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. This is a benefits-eligible position. 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. For more information, please click here.
Work Environment: Hybrid Office/Telecommute environment, expected onsite percentage 60%, with occasional travel between National Academies’ facilities and to off-site meeting/sponsor locations. Note: 80% onsite requirement during Fellowship term.
The National Academies’ Statement on Diversity and Inclusion:
We, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (the National Academies), value diversity among our staff, members, volunteers, partners, vendors, and audiences. We recognize that talent is broadly distributed in society and that many perspectives enhance the quality of our work and drive innovation and impact.
We pledge to cultivate a workplace culture and climate that promotes inclusion, belonging, accessibility, and anti-racism; upholds equity; and values the participation of all who are engaged in advancing our mission. By embracing the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion in our programs, institutional policies and practices, and products, we will be able to better advise the nation on the most complex issues facing society and the world.
Equal Opportunity Employer:
It is the policy of the National Academies to recruit, hire, transfer, compensate, and promote people in all job categories and to administer all other personnel actions, terms and conditions of employment in a manner that is consistent with equal employment, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, religion, disability, medical condition for which a person has been rehabilitated or cured, marital status, family responsibilities, genetic information, political affiliation, personal appearance, matriculation, unemployment status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws. It is also the institution's policy to recruit, hire, promote, and provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities and covered veterans who are otherwise qualified.
Any qualification to be considered equivalent, in lieu of stated minimum, requires the prior approval of the Office of Human Resources.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. Some functions in this description may be specific to a particular unit of the National Academies and not applicable to other units.
Job Family:
PROG