Program Director - Research Fellowships

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

2d•$132,010 - $206,265•Hybrid

About The Position

The Program Director's primary responsibilities will be in the development, implementation, ongoing management and evaluation, and growth of the federally-funded research fellowships administered by OFELL, including the NRC Research Associateship Program, Air Force Science and Technology Fellowship Program and Army Research Laboratory Distinguished Postdoctoral Fellowship. The Program Director will also serve as a senior member of OFELL’s leadership team, contributing to strategic planning, the development of shared practices, and operational improvement; advising the Senior Program Director; and leading office-wide initiatives as needed. The Program Director is responsible for financial management and resource allocation, staff planning and management, and is fully accountable for the performance and results of the assigned programs, ensuring that each program meets its stated objectives and fulfills contractual obligations to the sponsors. The Program Director has the authority to formulate, affect, interpret, or implement management policies or operating practices and deals with important or controversial issues that require effective persuasion, negotiation, and compromise skills. Reports to the Senior Program Director, Office of Fellowships. Manages a mid-size team, including direct management of one Senior Program Officer and two Program Officers.

Requirements

Advanced knowledge of scientific, technical, or policy issues in a related discipline.
Strong program/project management skills.
Ability to solve intellectual problems that reflect substantial variety and complexity.
Ability to serve as a resource to others in the resolution of complex problems and issues.
Ability to operate with substantial latitude for independent judgment and action.
Ability to negotiate funding.
Ability to train and develop staff.
Ability to work successfully in a team environment and to form and maintain effective teams.
Experience working in complex environments with a high degree of organizational effectiveness.
Ability to develop relationships with co-workers and employees in other National Academies’ departments through effective communication.
Excellent communication skills with a proven ability to effectively interact with all levels of employees.
Understanding of the National Academies’ mission and culture.
Ability to be visible on camera for meetings when remote.
Ability to use a computer and applicable hardware/software to perform responsibilities.
Ability to use multiple technology collaboration platforms, including collaboration tools. Examples: Microsoft Teams, Asana.
Ability to Focus/concentrate on tasks and multi-task, when needed
Begin work at the required time, per approved schedule.
Ability to lift/carry laptop and other mobile devices between work and home.
Ability to commute to work.
Ability to travel between National Academies’ facilities and offsite sponsor/partner locations.
Ability to work in different time zones, when travel is outside of current location, e.g., when traveling internationally.
Ability to perform work responsibilities onsite, where required.
Ability to interact in-person with multiple people and large groups.
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and meet deadlines.

Responsibilities

In consultation with Senior Program Director, develops and maintains a balanced, high-quality portfolio of research fellowships. Establishes a vision and working strategy for activities conducted within the program and future program growth.
Plans, conducts, and directs work on programs. Oversees the management of programs, oversees the assembling of selection committees and provides oversight and guidance to the conduct of their work. Proactively identifies opportunities to innovate, improve efficiency, and expand program impact.
Provides leadership and mentors employees. Trains and develops employees to successfully perform current responsibilities and encourages development of staff for future roles. Forms effective teams and cultivates a work environment that fosters teamwork and empowers staff. Initiates personnel actions, including performance and compensation reviews and disciplinary actions.
Serves as a senior resource for complex programmatic issues. Interprets and ensures consistent application of organizational policies and procedures to provide guidance to staff and effectively lead issue resolution.
Oversees financial management of the programs. Participates in business planning, conducts status meetings, coordinates logistical issues, and implements planning, scheduling, and procedural changes.
Responsible for program development and sponsor stewardship. Maintains current and develops new relationships with prospective sponsors and other external contacts.
Responds to requests for proposals, negotiating scope of work and budget, and independently develops high-impact programs and negotiates funding with sponsors. Performs fundraising activities. Prepares proposals. Oversees management of contracts, including regular reporting requirements.
Oversees the program’s outreach efforts, including to prospective applicants and current alumni. Represents program at internal and external meetings. Provides oversight and direction of the program’s annual marketing strategy and budget.