Program Officer - Computer Research, Technologies, and Systems

Job Description Summary:

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine seek a Program Officer to develop and manage AI, computing, cybersecurity, and related activities of the National Academies’ Computing Research, Technologies, and Systems (CRTS) program area.

The CRTS program area convenes the nation’s foremost experts to explore the technical foundations and policy dimensions of computing technologies and systems, with a focus on increasing U.S. resilience and security. Its work spans computer science and engineering, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, quantum information science, and human-technology systems. CRTS is part of the Academies’ Center for Advancing Science and Technology (CAST), which fuels innovation across physical sciences, engineering, education, and policy to advance the nation’s future prosperity and resilience.

The Center for Advancing Science and Technology (CAST) fuels innovation across physical sciences, engineering, education, and policy to advance the nation’s future prosperity and resilience. Its work prepares and supports the U.S. workforce to strengthen American competitiveness and security.

The Program Officer, CRTS, develops and manages one or more programs or projects of moderate complexity with minimal oversight from the CRTS Senior Program Director. In collaboration with the Senior Program Director, develops program and project strategies and budgets, supervises staff, and ensures activities achieve their objectives. Drawing on in-depth professional knowledge of computing, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, public policy, and related fields, independently addresses a full range of complex problems requiring sound judgment and creativity.

Communicates clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing, with technical and general audiences. Collaborates with committee members, external experts, and National Academies staff to develop and prepare written products for publication. With oversight from the CRTS Senior Program Director, identifies and recruits experts, assembles committees and other authoring groups, develops concepts and detailed prospectuses, and raises funds for new and continuing projects. Oversees the work of other staff. Reports to the Senior Program Director, CRTS.

Job Description:

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES:

Program and Project Management

• Design and manage one or more programs or projects of moderate complexity. In collaboration with the CRTS Senior Program Director, develop strategies, budgets, schedules, and staffing plans and ensure stated objectives are achieved.

• Oversee project finances, authorize expenditures, and collaborate with financial staff to ensure compliance with institutional requirements.

• Interpret and ensure the consistent application of organizational policies across assigned programs and projects.

Expert Committee and Convening Leadership

• With oversight from the CRTS Senior Program Director, recruit potential committee and expert-group nominees and assemble appointment packages. Communicate and coordinate with committee chairs and members, identify and gather research materials, and facilitate the flow of information among committee members, consultants, staff, and other applicable parties.

• Conduct large and small roundtables, workshops, and other convening activities, including developing agendas, identifying and inviting presenters and participants, overseeing logistics and multimedia presentations, and preparing written summaries.

• Serve as staff liaison among committee members, the National Academies, and other applicable parties and provide timely coordination and support throughout each activity.

Writing, Research, Review, and Editorial Management

• Support committee and roundtable members, authors, workshop participants, and other experts throughout all aspects of their work.

• Synthesize technical data, research findings, and other evidence; assess the relevance of information to expert deliberations and written products.

• Write, edit, and support the development of publications based on expert input; review reports for accuracy, consistency, clarity, and effective exposition.

• Facilitate the response to review, respond to comments and concerns from reviewers and editors, and prepare final manuscripts for publication.

Communications and Dissemination

• Where applicable, independently plan and implement extensive communications activities for assigned programs and projects and publicize programs, activities, and organizational priorities.

• Create and maintain materials, websites, and social media channels that communicate information generated by and for program activities to relevant audiences and interest groups.

• Develop and execute dissemination plans for reports and other publications; assist in managing production activities and prepare supporting dissemination materials.

• Identify and engage external organizations and partners in dissemination efforts; organize and conduct dissemination meetings and related activities.

Staff Leadership and Development

• Manage project staff with minimal oversight from the CRTS Senior Program Director. Assign tasks and provide guidance and feedback to staff; mentor staff and ensure required training is completed.

• Foster effective teamwork, participate in performance reviews, and ensure staff consistently follow organizational policies and practices.

• Supervise project or program staff as assigned.

Collaboration and Internal and External Representation

• Collaborate with experts and sponsors from federal, state, and local government agencies, foundations, universities, research institutions, and other organizations.

• Represent the unit and its expert bodies within and outside the National Academies.

• Develop and support collaborative activities with other National Academies units.

Sponsor Relations and Program Development

• With oversight from the CRTS Senior Program Director, maintain productive sponsor relationships and identify potential sponsors for new and continuing activities.

• Conduct background research on topics for potential studies, programs, and other activities.

• With oversight from the CRTS Senior Program Director, develop prospectuses and proposals and raise funds for current, future, and continuing projects.

• Support the CRTS Senior Program Director in developing funding opportunities and sponsor relationships.

• Where applicable, assist with sponsor, member, and alumni relations.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Advanced knowledge of the scientific, technical, or policy issues in cybersecurity, computer science, computer engineering, information science, or a related discipline. Strong program and project management and facilitation skills. Ability to understand and share technical and scientific issues with multiple audiences. Ability to solve intellectual problems that are varied and complex using originality and ingenuity. Ability to operate using appreciable latitude for independent judgment and action. Ability to manage and develop projects. Ability to work successfully in a team environment and to form and maintain effective teams both internally and externally. Experience working in complex environments with a high degree of organizational effectiveness. Ability to develop relationships with co-workers, employees in other National Academies' departments, and external constituents through effective communication. Excellent communication skills with a proven ability to effectively interact with all levels of staff and stakeholders.

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

Minimum Experience: Three years of related professional experience. Demonstrated basic proficiency in conveying scientific, technical, and/or policy information in oral and written form.

Preferred Education: Ph.D. in a related field is preferred.

Preferred Qualification: Preference may be given to candidates who hold or are eligible and willing to pursue a Secret or Top Secret security clearance.

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

Supervisory Responsibilities/Controls: Reports to the CRTS Senior Program Director. General direction is provided. Supervises project or program staff with minimal oversight from the Senior Program Director.

Work Environment: Hybrid Office/Telecommute environment, expected onsite percentage 60%, with occasional travel between National Academies’ facilities and to off-site meeting/sponsor locations.

Compensation & Benefits: An estimated compensation range for this position is $92,040 - $115,040. 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.

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