Program Officer - GRP Environmental Protection and Stewardship

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

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Program Officer (PO) for the Gulf Research Program’s (GRP) Environmental Protection and Stewardship unit (GEPS) develops and manages one or more applied research programs or projects aligned with GRP’s mission, Strategic Plan, and settlement agreement. The incumbent develops program or project strategy and budget, supervises staff, and ensures programs or projects meet objectives, timelines, and budget. Working in a collaborative environment with internal staff and external experts, the PO designs and implements programmatic activities and serves as staff liaison to committees or panels. Responsibilities include assembling and managing committees, facilitating engagement among members, and supporting the development of research, analysis, and technical products. The role requires strong project management, staff supervision, applied research, analytical, technical writing, public speaking, and meeting facilitation skills, along with the ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences. The incumbent oversees GEPS’ Riverine and Gulf Coast workstreams, managing and enhancing existing programs while working closely with the Program Director to identify, scope, and develop new programming. Areas of focus include understanding the physical dynamics of a changing Gulf environment, coastal processes such as sea level rise, and ecosystem functions, particularly in the Mississippi Delta, the Mobile-Tensaw Delta, and communities most at risk from flooding and storm surge. The incumbent applies in-depth professional knowledge and program management experience to address a range of moderately complex to complex problems. Assignments are broadly defined and require independence, sound judgment, and creativity in scoping work and translating insights into actionable outcomes. The PO carries out responsibilities with minimal oversight from the Program Director. ABOUT THE GULF RESEARCH PROGRAM (GRP): In 2013, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine established the Gulf Research Program (GRP) to enhance offshore energy safety and protect human health and the environment in the five Gulf states—Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida—as well as other U.S. outer continental shelf areas. The Program seeks to improve understanding of the region’s human, environmental, and energy systems and to foster application of these insights to benefit communities and ecosystems in the Gulf and other regions with offshore hydrocarbon production.

Requirements

Advanced knowledge in hydrology, fluvial geomorphology, environmental science and policy.
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, and ability to work in or form successful team environments.
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.
Excellent communication skills with a proven ability to effectively interact with many levels of staff and constituents.
Master's degree in a related field or equivalent knowledge
Three years of related professional experience.
Demonstrated basic proficiency in conveying scientific/technical/policy information in verbal and written form.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of the Gulf region and the institutions, agencies, and communities based there is a plus.
Ph.D. in related field.

Responsibilities

Manages the Mississippi River Delta Transition Initiative (MissDelta), a multi-year, large-scale project focused on environmental change, sea level rise, and subsidence in the lower Mississippi River Delta; works with committees and principal investigators to track milestones, ensure deliverables, and enhance project impact.
Leads multiple efforts related to the Gulf Coast workstream, including development of flood-related programming that builds on existing initiatives.
Supports and enhances coalition-based activities related to Mississippi River100.
Works with the Program Director to design, implement, and manage complex programs or projects; develops strategy, manages budget, supervises staff, and ensures objectives are met.
Collaborates with experts and sponsors from federal, state, and local governments, foundations, academia, and other organizations.
Represents the unit, GRP, and the National Academies internally and externally.
Supports committee members, workshop participants, and other stakeholders in fulfillment of project statements of work.
Recruits potential committee or panel nominees and assembles appointment packages.
Communicates and coordinates with committee or panel chairs and members.
Identifies and gathers research materials and facilitates the flow of information among committee members, consultants, staff, and other stakeholders.
Conducts background research on topics for new studies, programs, or activities.
Prepares background papers, technical summaries, and written products (e.g., reports, proceedings, white papers).
Drafts and edits materials for publication; synthesizes research findings and technical data and determines relevance for program activities.
Organizes and executes meetings, workshops, and events; develops agendas, defines objectives, invites participants, oversees logistics and multimedia presentations, and prepares summaries.
Independently plans and implements communications activities; collaborates with communications staff to create and maintain materials, websites, and social media channels.
Manages and leads staff with minimal oversight; assigns tasks, provides guidance and feedback, mentors staff, ensures training, and participates in performance reviews.
Interprets and ensures consistent application of organizational policies.
Ensures projects proceed on schedule and within budget in alignment with statements of work and project design.
Collaborates with financial staff to ensure compliance.
Related duties and special projects, as assigned.