Program Manager (GEO-TREES), IS-0340-13

Application Deadline: 25 September 2026

Department: Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Washington, DC

Reporting To: Director, SI Global Earth Observatory

Compensation: $121,785 / year

Description

• Pass Pre-employment Background Check and Subsequent Background Investigation for position designated.
• Complete a Probationary Period.
• Maintain a Bank Account for Direct Deposit/Electronic Transfer.
• The position is open to all candidates eligible to work in the United States.  Proof of eligibility to work in U.S. is not required to apply but will be required before a Final Offer Letter is issued. 
• Applicants must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement. 

OVERVIEW

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manages day-to-day operational and administrative management of the GEO-TREES technical program, including developing program work plans and implementation, planning field and data collection schedules, reviewing technical contracts and budgets, and development of new funding opportunities.
• Supports the coordination and oversight of scientific data collection activities conducted by international research partner institutions and private companies, including reviewing related contractual documents to ensure alignment with program objectives.
• Supports strategic planning and implementation; organizes and facilitates strategic planning meetings and contributes ideas in developing strategies for the GEO-TREES program.
• Drafts and edits GEO-TREES external communication and strategic planning documents in conjunction with GEO-TREES Executive Board.
• Facilitates program governance for the GEO-TREES program. Supports planning for governing bodies, including Executive Board, Science Advisory Board, and Technical Implementation Groups.
• Ensures information flow and objective accomplishments among these bodies.
• Drafts guiding documents to support setting program policies, including governance rules, terms of reference for working groups, codes of conduct for workshops, and related materials.
• Prepares GEO-TREES program progress and summary reports for multiple partners and stakeholders including annual financial reports.
• Summarizes scientific findings from the network to prepare various forms of communication, such as press releases and blog articles.
• Facilitates workshops and symposia for international participation in GEO-TREES science initiatives.
• Manage day-to-day operational and administrative management activities of GEO-TREES including planning events, developing new funding opportunities, managing budgets and providing technical support to contracts, tracking progress towards project objectives, preparing regular reports on program progress, and developing the program’s work plan and implementation.

• Facilitates development and maintenance of long-term partnerships with universities and research organizations around the world.
• Drafts agreements and memoranda of understanding with partner organizations.
• Organizes meetings with partner sites to review budget plans, work plans, and contract terms.
• Administers academic appointments through fellowships and internships.
• Assists in planning and executing recruitment activities.
• Collaborates with partners to identify shared priorities.
• Drafts position announcements, organizes and serves on search committees, and supports onboarding of postdoctoral fellows and interns.
• Interpret scientific findings from the network for the preparation of reports and proposals.
• Maintain long-term partnerships with site partners, universities, research organizations, and other scientific collaborators engaged in forest biomass and ecosystem monitoring initiatives around the world.

• Manages program financial resources including financial planning, budget formulation, and budget execution.
• Provides routine budget updates to the Director, network partners, and program stakeholders.
• Contributes to procurement activities through contract document review, requirement development support, and coordination with acquisition staff.
• Assists the Director in submitting proposals, monitoring progress, and reporting on grants.
• Ensures financial and grant resources are executed in accordance with Smithsonian policies and procedures.
• Uses ERP Financials and ERP Portal to track expenditures and create financial and narrative reports for the ForestGEO Director and Executive Board.
• Works with site partners to develop and review budgets for fieldwork and data collection.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Position requires incumbent to obtain and maintain COTR 2 Level Certification.
• Special events may require occasional national and/or international travel.
• The incumbent may need to work extended days and/or weekends.
• Position may require overtime work.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

• Mastery of program management principles and practices, along with a strong understanding of scientific research methods and data collection standards, to plan, coordinate, and evaluate complex program activities across multiple research sites and partner institutions.
• Expert knowledge of program planning, performance measurement, and evaluation techniques to develop long-range program goals, milestones, and criteria for assessing program accomplishments.
• Advanced skill in qualitative and quantitative analytical techniques to design, conduct, and interpret studies involving program operations, administrative systems, and organizational performance.
• Comprehensive knowledge of management and organizational principles to analyze and improve administrative processes, develop or revise work methods, and recommend changes affecting multiple organizational components.
• Basic knowledge of acquisition processes sufficient to review contract documentation for alignment with program objectives and coordinate program requirements with contracting officials.
• Skill in collaborating with international scientific programs and partner institutions to accomplish shared goals and strengthen the GEO-TREES program and global research capabilities.
• Skill in planning, organizing, and conducting workshops, meetings, and other activities that support the development and maintenance of long-term partnerships with universities and research organizations worldwide, including the management of budgets and work plans across partner organizations.
• Skill in analyzing financial and administrative data to manage program resources efficiently, including tracking expenses and developing and managing budgets for a program of international scope.
• Skill in communicating effectively and tactfully, both orally and in writing, with individuals from diverse cultural and national backgrounds.
• Skill in coordinating logistics for large workshops, training sessions, meetings, and other program events.
• Skill in using computer systems and software applications for financial management, tracking, monitoring, and financial oversight of large projects.
• Skill in fostering team motivation by building commitment, pride, and trust and encouraging collaboration to achieve shared goals.