Senior Program Officer - Board on Environmental Change and Society Job Description Summary:
COVER LETTER REQUIRED
Are you interested in a job that advances scientific knowledge and public policy on complex challenges at the intersections of environmental change and society? We are seeking an experienced individual to engage in the exciting and challenging task of serving as the lead program staff on managing a National Academies consensus study. The ideal candidate will have a solid background in social and/or behavioral science with a strong environmental focus (e.g., environment and society; climate and society; human-environment interaction), environmental studies, or similar interdisciplinary expertise.

The Board on Environmental Change and Society (BECS), housed within The Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences and Education (DBASSE), is the National Academies' primary voice for advancing research on the interactions between human activities and the environment. BECS is seeking a candidate with a strong understanding of, and commitment to, the behavioral and social sciences and their applications to public policy, specifically focused on the dynamics of human-environment interactions.

You'll lead a team of smart, talented, mission-driven staff who care deeply about the work they do. With the strong engagement of leading experts, your work will help inform actions taken by government agencies, private industry, philanthropy, members of the broader community, and other key decision-makers.

This work is highly complex and often spans multiple scientific disciplines and diverse communities. With the guidance and supervision of the BECS board director, the Senior Program Officer will develop strategies, budgets, and staffing requirements to ensure the activity meets its stated objectives. The Senior Program Officer will serve as liaison between volunteer committee members; the National Academies, board, and division leadership; and other relevant parties; supervise staff; may develop prospectuses and projects; and may negotiate funding with sponsors.

The Senior Program Officer will leverage established organization and division processes and procedures to ensure the effective and efficient completion of tasks, while also providing innovative solutions to complex problems that impact the study's success. The successful candidate will be dedicated to advancing a culture of respect, diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging among the staff. The Senior Program Officer reports to the BECS Board Director.

Job Description: ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES:

Independently manages multiple and/or highly complex programs or projects. Develops program or project strategy and budget, staffing requirements and ensures stated objectives are met. Conducts program or project evaluations.
Assembles committees, with division leadership input, and guides those committees in the consensus building process. Leads convening activities such as forums or workshops. Communicates and coordinates with the chair and other members of the group. Identifies and gathers research materials. Solicits and contacts potential committee members. Facilitates the flow of information among committee members, consultants, staff, and other applicable parties.
Conducts workshops and/or meetings. Develops agendas, invites presenters and participants, oversees meeting logistics and multimedia presentations, and prepares written summaries.
Prepares background papers and technical summaries. Develops written products (e.g., reports, proceedings, white papers). Drafts and edits materials for publication. For studies and other applicable programs, synthesizes and edits research findings and technical data and determines the relevance of data for purposes of study.
Provides support to committee members in all aspects of work subject to organization and division policies and procedures. Assists in preparing draft report, including writing sections of report based on committee input and review and editing the report for format, consistency, and grammar. Manages the response to study report review, responds to comments and concerns of editors, and prepares the final manuscript for publication.
In coordination with communications staff, responsible for communications activities related to assigned programs or projects. Publicizes programs and other priorities. Develops complex and content rich materials and websites to provide interest groups with information generated from and for activities.
Manages dissemination of reports and other types of publications. Prepares dissemination plan and funding proposal. Manages report production activities. Identifies and engages external organizations in dissemination. Prepares dissemination materials. Conducts dissemination meetings and activities.
Independently supervises program or project staff and ensures staff are appropriately trained. Mentors staff and contributes to staff development plans. Contributes to staff performance reviews. May initiate personnel actions as needed. Interprets and ensures consistent application of staff-related organizational policies.
Responsible for financial management of assigned programs or projects, including overseeing budget and schedule and authorizing expenditures. As required, collaborates with financial staff to ensure compliance.
Collaborates with experts and sponsors from federal, state, and local government agencies, foundations, schools, and other organizations. Represents the unit and committee within and outside the National Academies.
Maintains and stewards ongoing relationships with major sponsors and develops new program areas. Conducts background research on topics for new studies, programs, or activities. Writes prospectuses and proposals for new and continuing funding; contributes to sponsor reports. Identifies and cultivates relationships with potential sponsors. May assist with raising funds for current and future projects.

Nonessential Job Duties:
Related duties and special projects as assigned.

Requirements:

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Exceptional judgment. Advanced knowledge of the scientific, technical, or policy issues in topical area or a related discipline. Strong personnel/program/project management and facilitation skills. Ability to understand and communicate technical/scientific issues with diverse audiences. Ability to solve problems using originality and ingenuity. Ability to serve as a resource to others in the resolution of complex problems and issues. Ability to operate using substantial latitude for independent judgment and action. Ability to work successfully in a team environment and to form and maintain effective teams. Ability to manage and supervise staff. 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 constituents. Experience with environmental justice and/or evidence-based community-engaged work a plus.

Minimum Education/Training Requirements: Master's degree in social or behavioral science, interdisciplinary environmental studies, a related field, or equivalent knowledge.

Minimum Experience: Six years of related professional experience, two of which were in a supervisory capacity. Demonstrated impact on the advancement of science or policy through the successful completion of National Academies' activities or equivalent outside activities. Demonstrated high level of proficiency in conveying scientific, technical, and/or policy information in verbal and written form.

Preferred Education: Ph.D. in social or behavioral science, interdisciplinary environmental studies, a related field, or equivalent knowledge.

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 the board director. General direction is provided. Independently supervises 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 $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.

Work Environment: Hybrid Office/Telecommute environment, expected onsite percentage currently 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 . click apply for full job details

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Senior Program Officer - Board on Environmental Change and Society