National Academy of Sciences Hiring for Senior Program Officer – Societal Experts Action Network and DBASSE Executive Of at Washington, DC  Full Time

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine is seeking a Senior Program Officer to lead the Societal Experts Action Network (SEAN) and manage special projects in the Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences and Education (DBASSE) Executive Office. 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.

SEAN mobilizes social and behavioral science expertise and provides actionable guidance on the critical and complex issues facing decision makers, at state, local, and federal levels. SEAN provides guidance in the form of a rapid expert consultations (RECs), workshops, webinars, or other informal responses. It engages a large network of social and behavioral experts and skilled science communicators.

In addition to SEAN, the DBASSE Executive Office develops, stands-up, and leads other activities and projects of key strategic importance to the Division.

The Senior Program Officer (SPO) will be responsible for developing and managing fast-paced activities with minimal oversight, in collaboration with the DBASSE executive office. The SPO will develop project strategy and budget, supervise staff, and ensure project meets objectives. Assemble committees/panels and serve as staff liaison between committee/panel members and the National Academies. Develop prospectuses and raise funds for new activities. Draft and edit materials for publication and synthesize and edit research findings and technical data.

The SPO will apply in-depth, professional-level knowledge to independently carry out a full range of complex tasks. The job’s primary focus will be leading a network of volunteer experts and developing new convenings, research activities, and/or projects and strategy in close collaboration with the DBASSE Executive Office. The work is primarily intellectual and analytical in character. Assignments are broadly defined and require judgment and creativity to complete. Incumbent is often responsible for oversight or management of other staff. Reports to Executive Director or Associate Executive 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 studies, research programs, grant programs, fellowship programs, etc.

2. Where applicable, assembles committees and guides those committees in the consensus building process. 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 panel members. Facilitates the flow of information among panel members, consultants, staff, and other applicable parties.

3. Conducts workshops and/or meetings. Develops agendas, invites presenters and participants, oversees meeting logistics and multimedia presentations, and prepares written summaries.

4. Prepares background papers and technical summaries. Develops written products (e.g., reports, proceedings, white papers). Drafts and edits materials for publication. 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. Supports committee members, forum members, workshop participants, etc. in all aspects of work. For studies, assistance is provided in preparing draft report, including writing sections of report based on committee input and review and editing the report for format, consistency, and grammar. Manages the response to review, responds to comments and concerns of editors, and prepares the final manuscript for publication.

6. Where applicable, 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. For certain programs managing research or fellowship activities, conducts site visits and ensures current and new facilities meet established criteria. Visits sites where participants are located to evaluate assignment and ensure compliance.

11. 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.

12. Maintains ongoing relationships with major sponsors and develops new program areas. Conducts background research on topics for new studies, programs, or activities.

13. Collaborates with the DBASSE executive office on program strategy, including scope, direction, and goals.

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. Ability to take guidance and direction from supervisor. 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 including MPA and MBA, 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 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 Executive Director or Associate Executive Director. General direction is provided. Independently supervises project/program staff.

Work Environment:Hybrid Office/Telecommute environment, expected onsite percentage 40%, with occasional travel between National Academies’ facilities and to off-site meeting/sponsor locations and regular availability during standard business hours.

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 $97,240 – $151,935. 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.

The National Academies’ Statement on Diversity and Inclusion:

To promote diversity and inclusion in the sciences, engineering, and medicine, we are committed to increasing the diversity of the National Academies’ 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.

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

Employee Type:Employee

Scheduled Weekly Hours:37.5

City/State:Washington, District of Columbia
The National Academies are committed to providing equal and non-discriminatory employment opportunities for everyone it employs and serves. The National Academies take affirmative action to ensure that employees and applicants for employment receive fair and equal consideration and treatment, regardless of race, ancestry, creed, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition , marital status, family responsibilities, genetic information, political affiliation, personal appearance, citizenship status, matriculation, unemployment status, military status veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.