Project Director

AAAS•Washington, DC

6d•$125,000 - $150,000

About The Position

The AAAS Center for Scientific Responsibility and Justice (SRJ) is seeking an experienced Project Director to lead innovative projects that leverage technology and multimedia tools to connect courts with relevant, applicable scientific knowledge and expertise. Reporting to the SRJ Program Director, this Project Director will manage and contribute to grant deliverables, strategic planning, and program development at the intersections of science and law. This position involves a very high level of collaboration with partners in government, academia, nonprofits, and the private sector to accomplish project objectives. This is an exciting opportunity for a professional who has experience as a science communicator and educator in legal settings, commitment to professional responsibility and ethics, and enthusiasm for leveraging technology for innovative solutions. Help us ignite the next era of science.

Requirements

Graduate degree in science, engineering, education, or law and 10+ years of professional work experience OR comparable work experience.
Demonstrated experience communicating complex scientific concepts in legal contexts. This could include, for example, serving as a science educator for attorneys or judges, collaborating with legal professionals on research, or serving as an expert witness.
Familiarity with legal procedures and ethical standards regarding science in the courts.
Experience working alongside technologists to develop new approaches to science communication.
Experience in program development and implementation with responsibilities including budget management, assessment of program impact, and project management.
Comfortable in assuming risks, exercising discretion, problem-solving, and recommending courses of action.
Enthusiasm for stakeholder engagement, virtually and in person.
High-level strategic thinking with the ability to shape project direction.
Strong relationship-building skills with external funders and partners.
Ability to mentor junior staff and develop team capabilities.
Flexible, resourceful, and able to manage a variety of tasks simultaneously while setting priorities to meet deadlines under pressure.

Responsibilities

Lead the development and implementation of new tools, references, and resources that enable judges to access independent scientific information when they need it.
Support the conceptualization of project strategies that align with SRJ’s mission and goals.
Lead the design and management of complex, multi-year projects with national impact.
Collaborate with external consultants, contractors, and vendors to support project goals and enhance program reach and visibility.
Represent the organization at external forums to promote project goals and outcomes.
Draft and oversee proposal development in collaboration with senior leadership.
Support the development and implementation of evaluation frameworks to measure project impact.
Cultivate and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including judicial branch leaders, judges, lawyers, academic institutions, and industry partners, to support project goals and initiatives.
Organize and facilitate stakeholder events and dialogues to foster stakeholder engagement and collaboration.
Support communication strategy working with internal communications staff to disseminate project information, resources, and outcomes.
Oversee the creation and distribution of project-related content, including evidence-based resources, event materials, and technical documentation.
Respond to inquiries from stakeholders, providing timely and accurate information to enhance community engagement and project visibility.
Develop and manage project budgets including expense tracking, budget forecasting, ensuring grant compliance and alignment with project goals.
Optimize resource allocation to ensure operational efficiency and effectiveness.
Contribute to proposal writing and grant reporting preparation, submission, and management with senior leadership in accordance with AAAS policies and procedures.