Senior Program Officer - Science and Technology Policy and Law

Job Description Summary:

THE PROGRAM
The Center for Advancing Science and Technology (CAST) advances innovation across the physical sciences, engineering, computing, education, and policy to strengthen the nation's prosperity, competitiveness, security, and resilience. Its work supports scientific and technological advancement and prepares the U.S. workforce to address emerging challenges.
CAST comprises five program areas (nationalacademies.org/cast). The Science and Technology Policy and Law (STPL) program area examines issues affecting the scientific enterprise and the health and vitality of the scientific ecosystem. Its work addresses research integrity, legal and governance frameworks, emerging science and technology policy developments, and evidence-based decision-making to inform national priorities.

THE OPPORTUNITY
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, with particular emphasis on emerging issues in physical sciences, engineering, computing, technology, and related fields. The position advances the National Academies' mission by bringing together experts, evaluating scientific and policy issues, and producing independent, evidence-based work that informs decision-making.
The Senior Program Officer provides leadership throughout the program and project lifecycle, including strategy development, financial and resource management, committee engagement, research, report development, and dissemination. Independently manages assigned programs and projects to ensure objectives, schedules, budgets, and institutional requirements are met. 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 the ability to exercise independent judgment in addressing complex programmatic and operational challenges. Establishes and improves processes to support effective project execution and develops practical solutions to issues affecting program success. Has full supervisory responsibility for assigned staff, including hiring, training, performance management, and professional development. =

Job Description:

***COVER LETTER REQUIRED: Please submit your cover letter and resume as a single, combined document.***

 

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES

Program and Project Management

Independently develops and manages multiple and/or highly complex programs and projects, including studies, research programs, grant programs, fellowship programs, and other activities. Establishes project strategies, budgets, staffing requirements, and schedules and evaluates performance to ensure objectives are achieved. Provides scientific and operational leadership throughout the project lifecycle while maintaining compliance with institutional policies and sponsor requirements.

Committee Management and Expert Engagement

Where applicable, oversees committee or panel formation and guides committees through the National Academies' consensus-building process. Identifies and engages prospective committee members and subject-matter experts, coordinates with committee chairs and members, and facilitates information sharing among committees, consultants, staff, and other participants. Supports committee deliberations by ensuring access to relevant research, technical expertise, and project resources.

Meetings and Workshops

Manages the planning and execution of workshops, forums, committee meetings, and other convening activities that support project objectives and informed scientific and policy discussions. Oversees agenda development, presenter and participant engagement, meeting logistics, multimedia presentations, and preparation of written summaries to ensure productive engagement and appropriate documentation of project activities.

Research, Analysis, and Written Products

Provides scientific and technical leadership for research and written products supporting assigned programs and projects. Identifies and evaluates relevant information, synthesizes scientific findings and technical data, and prepares or oversees background papers, technical summaries, reports, proceedings, white papers, and other publications. Ensures written materials accurately reflect the evidence and support the objectives of the study or project.

Report Development and Review

Guides committee members and project staff through report development, review, revision, and publication. Supports preparation of draft reports, including writing sections based on committee input and reviewing materials for clarity, consistency, and accuracy. Manages the response-to-review process, coordinates resolution of reviewer and editorial comments, and oversees preparation of final manuscripts in accordance with institutional requirements.

Communications and Dissemination

Develops and implements communications and dissemination strategies to increase awareness, accessibility, and use of program and project products. Oversees development of substantive materials, websites, and other communications that inform relevant audiences about project activities and findings. Where applicable, manages report production, prepares dissemination plans and funding proposals, engages external organizations, and coordinates dissemination meetings and related activities.

Staff Management

Provides independent supervision and leadership to assigned program and project staff, including hiring, performance management, training, and professional development. Establishes clear expectations, provides guidance and feedback, mentors employees, and initiates personnel actions as appropriate. Builds effective teams and ensures consistent application of organizational policies and procedures.

Financial Management

Maintains accountability for the financial management of assigned programs and projects, including budget development, expenditure authorization, schedule oversight, and resource allocation. Monitors financial performance and collaborates with financial staff to ensure compliance with institutional policies, sponsor requirements, and approved budgets.

Sponsor and External Relationships

Develops and maintains productive relationships with experts, sponsors, and stakeholders from federal, state, and local government agencies, foundations, academic institutions, and other organizations. Represents the program and its committees within and outside the National Academies, supporting effective collaboration, communication, and achievement of program objectives.

Program Development

Contributes to the growth and sustainability of the program by identifying emerging scientific and policy issues, developing new program areas, and maintaining relationships with current and prospective sponsors. Conducts background research, develops prospectuses and proposals, and secures funding for new and continuing activities through sponsor engagement and negotiation. Where applicable, manages relationships with funders, members, alumni, and other external partners.

 

NONESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES

Performs related duties and special projects as assigned.

 

JOB SPECIFICATIONS

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Advanced knowledge of scientific, technical, or policy issues related to emerging developments in physical sciences, engineering, computing, technology, and other relevant CAST disciplines.
• Strong program and project management skills, including the ability to independently develop and manage multiple complex projects involving scientific experts, sponsors, staff, budgets, schedules, and deliverables.
• Ability to evaluate, synthesize, and communicate complex scientific, technical, and policy information clearly and accurately to diverse audiences.
• Strong facilitation and consensus-building skills, including the ability to support productive deliberation among experts with differing perspectives while maintaining the independence and integrity of the 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 establish priorities, manage competing responsibilities, anticipate project risks, and adapt plans while maintaining attention to quality, deadlines, and resource constraints.
• Ability to build and maintain productive working 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 demonstrated proficiency in preparing scientific, technical, and policy materials and presenting complex information to diverse audiences.
• Ability to develop new program opportunities, prepare proposals, maintain sponsor relationships, and negotiate funding arrangements consistent with institutional requirements.

 

Minimum Education/Training Requirements

Master's degree in a related field, or equivalent knowledge.

Minimum Experience

Six years of related professional experience, including 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.

Preferred Education

Doctorate in a related field preferred

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

Typically reports to a Board, Program, or Division Director. General direction is provided. Independently supervises assigned project or program staff, including performance management and professional development.

Compensation & Benefits

An estimated compensation range for this position is $101,130 - $158,015. 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.  This is a benefits-eligible position.   Our Benefits Plan offers competitive and comprehensive benefit options, including medical, dental and vision insurance, life insurance, disability coverage, retirement and savings benefits, leave benefits such as paid holidays and paid personal leave, transportation subsidies, and education assistance.  For more information, please click​ here.

Work Environment

Hybrid office/telecommute environment, expected onsite percentage 60%, with occasional travel between National Academies facilities and to off-site meeting or sponsor locations.

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 does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, disability, 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