Associate Program Officer - Space Studies Board

Job Description Summary:

The mission of the Division on Engineering and Physical Sciences (DEPS) is to provide independent and authoritative science, technology, engineering, and related policy advice to the federal government and to the nation and to promote communications between the science and technology community, the federal government, and the interested public.

DEPS seeks to assess the role of science and technology in important public policy issues and to advance science and engineering, identifying needed research as well and improvements in data and research methods. In these ways, it fosters better science and technology and their use to support decisions on public policies and programs.

DEPS' work is organized around four broad areas:

• Unique government missions in defense, space, and aerospace

• National infrastructure challenges such as energy and environmental systems, information and telecommunications, manufacturing and engineering design, civil engineering, and the constructed environment

• Science and engineering disciplines such as physics, astronomy, computer science and engineering, materials science and engineering, and the mathematical sciences and their applications.

• Continuing assessments of federal government laboratories and research programs

The Space Studies Board (SSB) was established in 1958 to serve as the focus of the interests and responsibilities in space research for the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. The SSB provides an independent, authoritative forum for information and advice on all aspects of space science and applications, and it serves as the focal point within the Academies for activities on space research.

It oversees advisory studies and program assessments, facilitates international research coordination, and promotes communications on space science and science policy between the research community, the federal government, and the interested public. The SSB also serves as the U.S. National Committee for the International Council for Science Committee on Space Research (COSPAR).

• Coordinates one or more of the organization's programs or projects. Coordinates program/project activities, handling inquiries, organizing meetings, and developing materials.
  
  Conducts research and prepares research papers and/or summaries. Tracks relevant issues and compiles reports. Supervises or assists with the supervision of support staff.
  
  Ensures the program/project meets its stated objectives. Serves as liaison between the National Academies and related external customers and organizations. May assist senior staff in the development of programs/projects, including developing prospectuses and raising funds.

Job Description:

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES:

1.Coordinates program/project activities. Where applicable and with senior staff oversight, recruits potential committee/panel nominees.

Communicates with and facilitates the flow of information among committee chair, members, consultants, program/project sponsors, and staff. Prepares reports on program/project activities.

2.Identifies and gathers research materials.

Conducts background research.

Synthesizes and edits research findings and technical data. Determines relevance of data and prepares background papers and technical summaries.

3.Organizes meetings. Develops agendas, invites presenters and participants, oversees meeting logistics, and prepares written summaries.

4.Develops written materials and coordinates/oversees publication of materials. May edit reports, facilitate response to review, and participate in dissemination activities, including identification and engaging of external organizations, preparing dissemination materials, and conducting dissemination meetings.

5.Assists with supervising staff. Assigns tasks and provides guidance and feedback to staff.

Ensures required training is accomplished and participates in performance reviews. Serves as a mentor and resource to support staff.

6.Performs financial and administrative tasks related to assigned program/project. Creates, maintains, and updates records, databases, and files. Authorizes expenditures, tracks spending, monitors budget, and projects future spending plans.

7.Represents the program/project within and outside the National Academies. Collaborates with experts and sponsors from government agencies, foundations, schools, and other organizations.

8.May assist in raising funds for current and future projects by conducting research on topics for new studies, writing proposals, and identifying potential sponsors.

NONESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES

• Related duties as required.

• Special projects as assigned.

JOB SPECIFICATIONS

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Knowledge of issues in applicable discipline.

Ability to solve varied and complex problems using originality and ingenuity. Ability to operate using appreciable latitude for independent judgment and action. Ability to work successfully in a team environment.

Ability to develop relationships with co-workers and employees in other National Academies' departments through effective communication. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with a proven ability to interact effectively with all levels of employees. Ability to use standard IT programs, including project management tools.

Minimum Education/Training Requirements: Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent knowledge.

Minimum Experience: Three years of related professional experience.

Preferred Education and Experience: Ph.D. postdoc with 1-year experience post-degree.

Degree in the physical sciences or space sciences, including planetary science, Heliophysics, astrophysics, Earth sciences, and microgravity in space. The preferred candidate will have a desire to investigate areas where the federal agencies need external advice.

Physical Capabilities: Ability to work at a computer for extended periods of time. Ability to travel.

Required Licenses, Certification or Registration: None.

Supervisory Responsibilities/Controls: Reports to program officer or director.

Sets objectives with supervisor and receives input and advice as needed. Assists in the supervision of project/program staff

Compensation Range: The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine support equity, fairness, and transparency in our compensation programs.

An estimated compensation range for this position is $70,880 - $88,600. Compensation offered to the selected candidate will be based on the candidate's relevant knowledge, skills, and work experience, commensurate with compensation of current employees in comparable positions with similar knowledge, skills, and work experience, and subject to budget parameters. Note it is not typical for a candidate to be hired at the higher end of the range.

Work Environment: Hybrid Office/Telecommute environment, expected onsite percentage 40%, with occasional travel between National Academies' facilities and to off-site meeting/sponsor locations.

The National Academies' Statement on Diversity and Inclusion:

We, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (the National Academies), value diversity among our staff, members, volunteers, partners, vendors, and audiences. We recognize that talent is broadly distributed in society and that many perspectives enhance the quality of our work and drive innovation and impact.

We pledge to cultivate a workplace culture and climate that promotes inclusion, belonging, accessibility, and anti-racism; upholds equity; and values the participation of all who are engaged in advancing our mission. By embracing the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion in our programs, institutional policies and practices, and products, we will be able to better advise the nation on the most complex issues facing society and the world.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

It is the policy of the National Academies to recruit, hire, transfer, compensate, and promote people in all job categories and to administer all other personnel actions, terms and conditions of employment in a manner that is consistent with equal employment, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, religion, disability, medical condition for which a person has been rehabilitated or cured, marital status, family responsibilities, genetic information, political affiliation, personal appearance, matriculation, unemployment status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws. It is also the institution's policy to recruit, hire, promote, and provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities and covered veterans who are otherwise qualified.

Any qualification to be considered equivalent, in lieu of stated minimum, requires the prior approval of the Office of Human Resources.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. Some functions in this description may be specific to a particular unit of the National Academies and not applicable to other units.

Job Family:

PROG

Employee Type:

Employee

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

37.5

City/State:

Washington, District of Columbia