Manager, Programs

Institute for Defense Analyses • Alexandria, VA

2d • $133,615 - $213,784

About The Position

In support of the Executive Vice President (EVP), SAC/STPI, provides assistance related to financial planning and analysis, contracting, customer relations, and special projects, including information architectures and the streamlining of business processes. Works independently to coordinate the tracking and summary reporting on program and project development activities at IDA’s Systems and Analyses Center (SAC) and Science and Technology Policy Institute (STPI), two Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs). Provides guidance to research divisions regarding developing, coordinating and finalizing contract actions, and coordinates with government offices involved in the program development and contracting processes. Serves as the primary corporate interface with the Contracting Officer’s Representative and a frequent corporate interface with the Contracting Officer for the SAC contract. Interfaces with research Division Directors, Division Business Managers, and government sponsors on all matters related to project development and contract-related issues. Assists the EVP, SAC/STPI in other ways, as directed.

Requirements

• BS/BA degree in Business Administration or related field, Master’s degree preferred, with coursework in accounting, business management or information technology.
• At least twelve years of business administration and/or program management analysis experience, preferably in a government contract environment.
• Demonstrated proficiency with PC applications including Word, Excel, Access and SharePoint.
• Experience in analyzing data, extracting trends or conclusions, and communicating results.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Ability to communicate and collaborate effectively with senior management, as well as all levels of staff within an organization, and government contracting officials and sponsors.
• Excellent interpersonal skills; able to exercise tact, diplomacy and good judgment in handling sensitive information and in dealing with challenging individuals.
• Able to persuasively represent IDA’s perspectives to government officials.
• General familiarity with financial management and government contracting.
• Must have initiative and drive, and be able to work independently.
• Ability to obtain and maintain necessary security clearance.

Nice To Haves

• Experience at a Federally Funded Research and Development Center, or other non-profit organization providing analyses or technical products preferred.
• Experience in a national security-related area preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assists, coordinates and provides guidance to IDA Division Business Managers on matters relating to the submission, modification and administration of new and existing project descriptions.
• Works closely with IDA’s Finance Directorate on contract modifications and other issues.
• Serves as the face of IDA to SAC’s Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) and is the principal interface with the COR and Contracting Officer (CO) on project descriptions, notices to proceed, and period-of-performance extensions.
• Is a primary interface with the COR and CO on matters related to the implementation of changes in government processes affecting IDA’s contract and program development activities.
• Reviews statements of work, funding levels, and periods of performance in project descriptions, helping research Division management and Project Leaders scope projects that can be executed with the funds provided and time allowed.
• Interacts with senior IDA management and senior government officials in accomplishing these tasks.
• Monitors progress toward meeting annual goals for the size and composition of IDA’s research program, including helping assess periodic Division program plans and developing monthly reports on project development activities.
• Tracks and reports on contract funding activities for SAC and STPI.
• Coordinates access to project descriptions at various stages of development, consistent with the needs of research Divisions and operations Directorates.
• Develops metrics and trends to monitor the status of IDA’s research program – e.g., sponsors, new and continuing research areas, publications, and sponsor performance evaluations.
• Assists in preparing reports for internal and external audiences.
• Interacts with senior IDA management in accomplishing these tasks.
• Has a deep understanding of IDA’s mission and the role of FFRDCs in providing high-quality analytic and technical services to the government.
• Can readily explain the details of both – IDA’s mission and FFRDCs’ role – to government sponsors and others.
• Serves as a primary interface with research sponsors across government, helping them understand the processes involved in contracting with FFRDCs.
• Interacts with senior government officials in accomplishing these tasks.
• Assists in the development and implementation of special projects, especially those aimed at streamlining IDA’s business processes.
• Works closely with the Information Technology (IT) Directorate to develop technology solutions – typically involving special purpose, online computer systems – that improve the efficiency and effectiveness of research Division processes.
• Improves and modernizes IT solutions for IDA’s program management system to streamline tracking, data reporting and analyses.
• Conducts data analyses to support trend analysis and strategic planning, and produces decision-quality presentations of those analyses for EVP and President consumption.
• Understands AI and its uses to streamline workflows, edit and curate documents and enhance productivity.
• Assists in the development and implementation of initiatives aimed at improving the understanding of FFRDCs and IDA to external audiences.
• Assists the EVP, SAC/STPI with other matters as assigned.

Benefits

• Individual salary within this range will be commensurate with the incumbent’s experience, unique skills and qualifications, and other relevant factors.

What This Job Offers

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