Senior Program Manager - Airports

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

2d•$105,230 - $164,420•Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior Program Manager, Airports provides senior-level program management for a complex and diverse portfolio of airport research projects within the Transportation Research Board’s Cooperative Research Programs. The role combines portfolio-level accountability with hands-on management of complex, high-visibility research projects across airport operations and service delivery, infrastructure and asset management, and management and governance. It has no direct supervisory responsibilities and reports to the Program Director. The position leads and facilitates research with expert panels and engages with volunteers, sponsors, research agencies, administrative offices, and other stakeholders. It exercises substantial independent judgment in managing project portfolios, resolving complex issues, and ensuring research quality, operational effectiveness, and timely delivery in alignment with division priorities. Work includes panel support, proposal evaluation and agency selection, research planning, contract coordination and management, project monitoring and quality review, interpreting and disseminating findings, and supporting the annual ACRP research program. The position requires a relevant master’s degree, or a relevant bachelor’s degree with equivalent professional experience demonstrating advanced subject matter expertise and complex project or program management responsibilities, as well as six years of related professional experience. The work environment is hybrid, with an expected onsite percentage of 60%, and occasional travel to National Academies facilities and off-site meeting or sponsor locations. The position is benefits-eligible.

Requirements

Knowledge of cooperative or committee-driven research programs and familiarity with airport research or public-sector sponsor environments.
Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills, including the ability to manage complex portfolios and competing priorities.
Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills and the ability to engage stakeholders at all levels.
Ability to manage funding-related matters and high-risk or complex research initiatives.
Ability to operate independently with sound judgment and discretion in a complex organizational environment.
Ability to solve complex problems involving significant variety and serve as a resource to others in resolving issues.
Ability to work effectively in team-based settings and build and sustain collaborative relationships across departments and stakeholder groups.
Ability to perform effectively in complex, high-impact environments with multiple priorities and demands.
Master’s degree in a discipline relevant to transportation, airports, public policy, research management, or a closely related field; or a relevant bachelor’s degree with equivalent professional experience demonstrating advanced subject matter expertise, complex project or program management, and independent research, analysis, or policy development responsibilities.
Six years of related professional experience.
Demonstrated impact on the advancement of science, airport practice, or policy through successful National Academies activities or equivalent outside activities, and effective dissemination of those activities.
Significant experience managing applied research projects or programs.
Ability to be visible on camera for remote meetings.
Ability to use a computer and applicable hardware and software, including multiple technology collaboration platforms and tools such as Microsoft Teams and Asana.
Ability to focus and concentrate on tasks, multitask when needed, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to begin work at the required time according to the approved schedule.
Ability to lift and carry a laptop and other mobile devices between work and home.
Ability to commute to work and travel between National Academies facilities and off-site sponsor or partner locations.
Ability to work in different time zones when traveling outside the current location, including internationally.
Ability to perform work onsite where required and interact in person with individuals and large groups.
Required licenses, certification, or registration: none.

Responsibilities

Review panel nominations and coordinate the formation of project panels.
Facilitate project panel meetings, support panel chairs, and follow up with meeting notes and action items.
Prepare materials, schedules, and documentation for panel deliberations and project decisions.
Document panel input, decisions, and recommendations to support project implementation and follow-up.
Work with prospective proposers to resolve issues concerning acceptable proposal submissions.
Evaluate research proposals for technical merit and participate in selecting research agencies.
Support fair, objective, and well-documented proposal review and research agency selection.
Become familiar with selected research plans and work with research agencies and project panels to develop detailed working plans.
Work with administrative offices to provide information needed for contract negotiation and execution.
Clarify project objectives, technical expectations, schedules, deliverables, and performance requirements with research agencies and project panels.
Assemble and submit complete contract packages in accordance with CRP processes.
Manage contracts by establishing clear project objectives and technical approaches.
Visit research agencies as appropriate to learn about their organizations and facilities, monitor work, and assess progress against schedules.
Review monthly, quarterly, and other program progress reports.
Prepare compliance reports documenting project progress and assessing research agency performance and accomplishments.
Review project progress, recommend improvements, and conduct site visits as appropriate.
Review research reports for clarity, completeness, adherence to CRP format, and fulfillment of the approved research plan.
Recommend whether research products and deliverables are acceptable.
Interpret project findings for their applicability to airport practices and airport-sector decision-making.
Prepare research results digests, derivative products, and forewords for published reports.
Present research findings at technical meetings and professional forums.
Coordinate with agencies and subject-matter experts so projects benefit from available knowledge.
Provide staff support to the ACRP oversight committee in formulating the annual research program, including reviewing and evaluating research problem statements.
Work with sponsors, volunteers, research agencies, administrative offices, and colleagues to support timely, high-quality ACRP research delivery.
Maintain confidentiality and handle secure, privileged, sensitive, or confidential information in accordance with organizational policies and procedures.
Safeguard confidential information, access it only for work-related purposes, and ensure its secure storage, transmission, and disposal.
Provide ongoing training and guidance to team members on confidentiality practices.