Deputy Director and Program Manager of the Office of Science, Technology & Innovation

Commerce • Wake County, NC

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Deputy Director assists in the leadership of, and provides key support for, the executive functions of the OSTI. In cases where OSTI's Executive Director, a member of the Secretary's Executive Leadership Team, cannot exercise their role, as, for example, in the case of meeting conflicts, the Deputy Director represents the Executive Director and OSTI. Additionally, the Deputy Director position (i) manages and implements research projects, policy analyses and reports, and programmatic functions; (ii) develops, justifies, and evaluates legislative proposals; (iii) writes articles and drafts press releases related to OSTI activities and present and potential innovation opportunities; (iv) collaborates with multiple partners, internal and external to the Department, to organize, plan and execute special initiatives and events such as conferences, workshops, task force meetings and pursuit of grant funding opportunities from external sources; (v) staffs committees of, and manages the social media campaign for, the BSTI; and (vi) supervises the work of STEM Policy Fellows and Interns. The mission of the Office of Science, Technology & Innovation (OSTI) is to improve the economic well-being and quality of life of all North Carolinians through advancing science, technology & innovation. To achieve this mission, OSTI develops, administers, and evaluates policies and programs that enhance the state’s innovation ecosystem and accelerate the development of next-generation technology companies and the adoption of technology across existing industry. As staff to the 25-member statutorily authorized Board of Science, Technology & Innovation (BSTI), and working with organizations across the state, OSTI identifies and communicates emerging opportunities in science and technology and prepares and publishes analyses outlining the competitive position of North Carolina’s innovation ecosystem, businesses, and research institutions in these areas. OSTI also implements tactical programs, such as grant programs and workshops, strategic programs such as task forces and technology roadmaps, and publishes policy research & reports to advance economic growth in the state. The OSTI and the BSTI work with the North Carolina General Assembly and the Governor to put into place the infrastructure that keeps the state on the cutting edge of science, technology and innovation.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an appropriately accredited institution and three (3) years of program experience related to areas in technology, science, manufacturing, business, economic development, engineering or related area; including one year of supervisory program experience; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Skill in collecting and analyzing data and information.
• Skill in program analysis and evaluation, including understanding and knowledge of research and development protocols; program development, implementation, and funding; entrepreneurship; federal and state policies vis-à-vis research, development and innovation; and the technology development, commercialization, and transfer process.
• Skill in communicating with and in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with program stakeholders, including agency personnel, public and private officials, and the public.
• Demonstrated experience leading policy and programmatic initiatives with significant political and/or stakeholder impact.
• Demonstrated experience directing and executing multiple and multifaceted research projects and programs using strong research, analytical, and writing skills.

Nice To Haves

• Working knowledge of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) science, technology & Innovation priorities, protocols, practices, and personnel is particularly valuable.
• Experience conducting research and analysis, writing reports, and presenting findings and recommendations.
• Advanced computer skills, including high proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, and experience and facility with databases, online resources, spreadsheets, and statistical programs and analysis.

Responsibilities

• Manages and implements research projects, policy analyses and reports, and programmatic functions.
• Develops, justifies, and evaluates legislative proposals.
• Writes articles and drafts press releases related to OSTI activities and present and potential innovation opportunities.
• Collaborates with multiple partners, internal and external to the Department, to organize, plan and execute special initiatives and events such as conferences, workshops, task force meetings and pursuit of grant funding opportunities from external sources.
• Staffs committees of, and manages the social media campaign for, the BSTI.
• Supervises the work of STEM Policy Fellows and Interns.
• Represents the Executive Director and OSTI in cases where the Executive Director cannot exercise their role.

Benefits

• State Benefits
• health insurance
• retirement
• 12 Annual Paid Holidays
• monthly accrual of vacation and sick leave
• North Carolina State Health Plan administered by Aetna
• Supplemental Benefits including Flexible Spending Accounts, Accident Insurance, Cancer & Specified Disease, Critical Illness, Dental, and Vision
• NC State Retirement (TSERS), 401(k), and 457 savings plans
• WeSave Employee Discounts
• Eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager