Program Officer - National Academy of Engineering

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

2d•$92,040 - $115,040•Hybrid

About The Position

The National Academy of Engineering (NAE) is launching a major new initiative to strengthen Engineering Communication as a core dimension of engineering practice. This multi-year program, supported by the National Science Foundation, will explore how engineers communicate complex ideas more effectively, engage across disciplines and sectors, and better connect their work with the people and institutions they serve. The NAE seeks a Program Officer to help build and shape this new effort from its early stages. The successful candidate will combine strong program management and communication skills, intellectual curiosity, and an ability to work with people across engineering, communication, public engagement, and related fields. The Program Officer does not need to be an expert in all of these areas but should be comfortable learning, making connections across fields, and translating ideas into effective programs and resources. This position offers a rare opportunity to help develop a national initiative, work with leading practitioners and partner organizations, and turn emerging ideas into activities and resources that can influence engineering practice and education. The Program Officer works with colleagues across the National Academies as well as with external partners and participants to coordinate activities, build productive relationships, and move the project forward. The role requires strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills, as well as the ability to manage multiple priorities, navigate complex or unexpected situations, and determine appropriate next steps when there is not a prescribed solution. Assignments are often broadly defined, giving the Program Officer room to exercise judgment, initiative, and creativity in determining how best to accomplish project goals.

Requirements

Advanced professional knowledge in a field relevant to the work of the program, which may include engineering, science or technical communication, public engagement, education, public policy, or a related field.
Ability to understand, synthesize, and communicate complex scientific or technical information and to work effectively with subject-matter experts.
Strong program and project management skills including the ability to develop and manage projects, coordinate multiple activities and participants, establish priorities, track progress, and meet project objectives.
Ability to exercise independent judgment, take initiative, and develop creative approaches to varied and complex problems.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences.
Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills and the ability to work collaboratively with colleagues across the National Academies, external experts, participants, and partner organizations.
Strong organizational skills and demonstrated effectiveness working in complex environments.
Ability to work successfully both independently and as part of a team.
Master's degree in a related field or equivalent knowledge and experience.
Three years of related professional experience including experience managing or coordinating programs or projects and conveying scientific, technical, policy, or other complex information in written and verbal formats.
Ability to work at a computer for extended periods of time.
Ability to travel.

Nice To Haves

Experience working at the intersection of two or more areas relevant to the initiative, such as engineering, science or technical communication, public engagement, education, or public policy.
Experience developing programs, activities, or resources for varied audiences and working collaboratively with experts and partner organizations.

Responsibilities

Designs and manages programs or projects of minimal to moderate complexity. In collaboration with the supervisor, develops and implements program or project strategy, tracks budgets, monitors progress, and ensures that activities support project objectives. Responsibilities may include coordinating the work of multiple groups, recruiting participants and partner organizations, building and maintaining relationships, and managing the day-to-day program activities.
Contributes to the development of program activities and resources. Works with staff, experts, and partners to translate research, ideas, and emerging practices into workshops, tools, resources, and other activities that advance program goals.
Plans and coordinates meetings, workshops, and training activities, of various sizes. Works with guidance from the supervisor to develop activities and agendas as appropriate; invites and communicates with participants, oversees logistics, and manages pre- and post-event communication and follow-up.
Plans and implements communications and outreach activities related for assigned programs or projects. Creates and maintains contact lists, drafts correspondence and other program communication, tracks participation and responses, and builds relationships with participants and partners. As appropriate, works with the supervisor to develop and implement outreach and dissemination plans, and create forms, applications, and other materials needed to support program activities.
Builds relationships with experts, practitioners, partners, and representatives from other organizations. Communicates and collaborates with external participants and partners and represents the project and the National Academies professionally in external interactions.
Conducts background research to support the development and growth of programs and projects. With supervisor guidance, researches potential topics, audiences, partners, and activities; synthesizes relevant information; and contributes to materials for prospective sponsors and other funding opportunities.