Associate Program Officer - Physical Sciences, Systems, and Infrastructure

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine•Town of Johnstown, NY

8d•$73,760 - $92,190•Hybrid

About The Position

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine is seeking an Associate Program Officer (APO) to lead projects within various technical domains, 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 role is part of the Center for Advancing Science and Technology (CAST), which focuses on innovation in physical sciences, engineering, education, and policy to enhance national prosperity and resilience. The APO will specifically work within the Physical Sciences, Systems, and Infrastructure (PSSI) program area, which sets research priorities, identifies future directions, and develops policy innovations in areas such as mathematical and physical sciences, energy systems, engineering and manufacturing, infrastructure, and defense. The APO will report to a senior staff member in PSSI and will lead projects under general supervision, developing project strategies, budgets, and schedules while ensuring objectives are met. This position requires independent judgment on routine matters and collaboration with experts and staff to produce written publications. Responsibilities include identifying and recruiting experts, coordinating meetings, conducting research, and potentially overseeing support staff.

Requirements

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’ 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.
Bachelor’s degree in a mathematical science, engineering, physical science, or field related to defense and energy policy, or equivalent knowledge.
Three years of related professional experience.
Ability to work at a computer for extended periods of time.
Ability to travel.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree in a related field.
Hold or be eligible and willing to pursue a Secret or Top Secret security clearance.

Responsibilities

Lead assigned projects, including helping to develop strategies, budgets, schedules, and staffing plans; ensure stated objectives are achieved.
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.
Establish and follow processes and procedures that support the effective and efficient operation of assigned projects.
With senior staff oversight, identify and recruit committee and panel nominees; support expert groups and the development of their products.
Organize workshops and other convenings; develop agendas, invite presenters and participants, oversee logistics and multimedia presentations, and prepare summaries.
Coordinate with committee chairs, members, consultants, sponsors, staff, and other participants and facilitate the timely flow of information.
Support committee and roundtable members, authors, workshop participants, and other experts throughout all aspects of their work.
Identify and gather research materials; conduct background research; synthesize and edit technical data, research, and other evidence; and manage reference checking.
Develop written materials and coordinate or oversee their publication; write and edit background papers, technical summaries, reports, proceedings, and other expert products.
As assigned, edit reports, facilitate response to review, respond to comments and concerns from reviewers and editors, and help prepare final manuscripts for publication.
Contribute to communications activities for assigned projects and help publicize projects, activities, and organizational priorities.
Participate in report dissemination, including coordinating production and preparing supporting materials.
Help identify and engage external organizations and partners in dissemination efforts and support dissemination meetings and related activities.
Assist with supervising staff; assign tasks and provide guidance and feedback.
Support staff training, performance reviews, and effective teamwork.
Collaborate with experts and sponsors from federal, state, and local government agencies, foundations, universities, research institutions, and other organizations.
Represent assigned projects within and outside the National Academies.
Develop and support collaborative activities with other National Academies units.
Support productive relationships with existing sponsors and assist in managing relationships with sponsors, members, and alumni.
Conduct background research on topics for potential studies and other activities.
Assist senior staff in developing prospectuses and proposals for new and continuing funding.
Help identify potential sponsors and support fundraising for current and future projects.
Participate in managing funder, member, and alumni relations, as applicable.