Senior Program Officer - Science and Technology Policy and Law

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

2d•$101,130 - $158,015•Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior Program Officer in the Science and Technology Policy and Law program area develops and manages highly complex scientific and policy programs and projects, particularly those concerning emerging issues in physical sciences, engineering, computing, technology, and related fields. The role advances the National Academies' mission by convening experts, evaluating scientific and policy issues, and producing independent, evidence-based work to inform decision-making. The Senior Program Officer leads across the program and project lifecycle, including strategy development, financial and resource management, committee engagement, research, report development, and dissemination. The officer independently manages assigned programs and projects to meet objectives, schedules, budgets, institutional policies, and sponsor requirements; serves as a liaison among committee members, sponsors, National Academies staff, and other stakeholders; and contributes to program growth through sponsor engagement, proposal development, and funding negotiations. The position requires advanced scientific, technical, or policy knowledge and independent judgment in addressing complex programmatic and operational challenges. It establishes and improves processes to support effective execution and develops practical solutions to issues affecting program success. The officer has full supervisory responsibility for assigned staff, including hiring, training, performance management, and professional development. The role is based in a hybrid office/telecommute environment, with an expected onsite presence of 60% and occasional travel between National Academies facilities and to off-site meeting or sponsor locations. The position requires the ability to work at a computer for extended periods and to travel.

Requirements

Master's degree in a related field, or equivalent knowledge.
At least six years of related professional experience, including at least two years in a supervisory capacity.
Demonstrated impact on the advancement of science or policy through successful completion of National Academies activities or comparable work in another organization.
Demonstrated high-level proficiency in communicating scientific, technical, and/or policy information in written and verbal form.
Advanced knowledge of scientific, technical, or policy issues related to emerging developments in physical sciences, engineering, computing, technology, or other relevant CAST disciplines.
Strong program and project management skills, including independently managing multiple complex projects involving experts, sponsors, staff, budgets, schedules, and deliverables.
Ability to evaluate, synthesize, and clearly and accurately communicate complex scientific, technical, and policy information to diverse audiences.
Strong facilitation and consensus-building skills, including supporting productive deliberation among experts with differing perspectives while maintaining the independence and integrity of National Academies processes.
Ability to analyze complex scientific, policy, financial, and operational issues, exercise sound independent judgment, and develop practical, well-supported solutions.
Ability to prioritize, manage competing responsibilities, anticipate project risks, and adapt plans while maintaining quality, deadlines, and resource constraints.
Ability to build and maintain productive relationships with committee members, sponsors, colleagues, and external stakeholders across scientific and organizational disciplines.
Demonstrated ability to supervise, coach, and develop staff, establish performance expectations, and foster effective teamwork.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including proficiency in preparing scientific, technical, and policy materials and presenting complex information to diverse audiences.
Ability to develop program opportunities, prepare proposals, maintain sponsor relationships, and negotiate funding arrangements consistent with institutional requirements.
Ability to work at a computer for extended periods and travel.
Cover letter and resume must be submitted as a single, combined document.

Nice To Haves

Doctorate in a related field.

Responsibilities

Independently develop and manage multiple and/or highly complex programs and projects, including studies, research programs, grant programs, and fellowship programs.
Establish project strategies, budgets, staffing requirements, and schedules; evaluate performance and maintain compliance with institutional policies and sponsor requirements.
Provide scientific and operational leadership throughout the project lifecycle.
Oversee committee or panel formation where applicable, identify and engage experts, coordinate with committee chairs and members, and guide committees through the National Academies' consensus-building process.
Facilitate information sharing among committee members, consultants, staff, and other participants, and support deliberations with relevant research, expertise, and resources.
Plan and execute workshops, forums, committee meetings, and other convening activities; oversee agendas, presenters, participants, logistics, multimedia presentations, and written summaries.
Lead research and written products by identifying and evaluating information, synthesizing findings and technical data, and preparing or overseeing background papers, technical summaries, reports, proceedings, white papers, and publications.
Guide committee members and project staff through report development, review, revision, and publication; draft report sections, review materials for clarity and accuracy, manage reviewer responses, and coordinate final manuscripts.
Develop and implement communications and dissemination strategies, oversee substantive materials and websites, and coordinate report production, dissemination plans, proposals, external engagement, and dissemination meetings where applicable.
Supervise and lead assigned staff, including hiring, performance management, training, professional development, mentoring, feedback, and appropriate personnel actions.
Manage program and project finances, including budget development, expenditure authorization, schedule oversight, and resource allocation; monitor financial performance and ensure compliance.
Develop and maintain relationships with experts, sponsors, and stakeholders across government agencies, foundations, academic institutions, and other organizations; represent the program and its committees.
Identify emerging scientific and policy issues and new program areas; develop prospectuses and proposals, maintain sponsor relationships, and secure funding through sponsor engagement and negotiation.
Perform related duties and special projects as assigned.