Job Description Summary:
** Cover Letter Required **The Gulf Research Program (GRP) is one of seven major divisions of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. The GRP’s mission is to develop, translate, and apply science, engineering, and medical knowledge to enhance offshore energy safety, environmental protection and stewardship, and human health and community resilience in the Gulf region in ways that empower its citizens. It supports innovative science, guides data design and monitoring, and builds and sustains networks that transform results to action.
The GRP seeks a Senior Program Officer to serve as the Grants Management and Evaluation Senior Manager, who will be responsible for developing, designing, implementing, and managing the programs and activities of the GRP Grants Evaluation and Management (GEM) Unit. The primary role of the incumbent is to work with the Deputy Executive Director and Executive Director to design and develop the unit’s work and mission so that it aligns with and fulfills the GRP strategic plan.
The incumbent will manage three enterprise functions within the GRP: grants management, program evaluation, and data management. The position requires a blend of data science, program evaluation, decision support, grants management, and management/leadership skills, as well as the ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders. This role is ideal for someone who is passionate about driving organizational success through cross-functional collaboration and thrives at influencing and aligning stakeholders at all levels of the organization. Successful candidates will have demonstrated the ability to translate data into useful information on program impact and communications pieces for broader audiences.
The GEM manager has supervisory responsibilities, including hiring, training, and performance management for assigned staff. The manager reports directly to the Deputy Executive Director.
Job Description:
ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES:
Grants Management and Evaluation
Designs and manages evaluation and grants management strategy and policy across GRP units. In collaboration with Program Directors and the Deputy Executive Director, implements evaluation strategies, policies, workplans, and contracts to meet stated objectives.
Leads annual cycles of collaborative GRP evaluation planning, program monitoring, and reporting with Program Directors.
Develops and manages solicitation and execution of contracted evaluation projects in coordination with program unit staff.
Interprets and ensures consistent application of best practice evaluation methodologies. Provides program staff with technical assistance to build evaluation capacity.
Data Management
Manages GRP’s internal data collection and storage, including research data from funded grants, programmatic information, and data related to GRP-affiliated experts, stakeholders, and grantees.
Oversees development of internal data tools, platforms, and integration.
Identifies and facilitates relevant data and analytics training of GRP staff and grantees.
Oversees data compliance with GRP data management policies for GRP-funded projects.
Collaborates with GRP units, GRP Communications, and grantees to effectively communicate their results in an accessible and compelling manner.
Management
Independently supervises program or project staff. Ensures staff are appropriately trained and plans for staff development. Mentors staff. Initiates personnel actions. Conducts performance reviews.
Leads complex projects from planning to execution, ensuring deliverables are met on time and within scope.
Develops project plans, setting clear objectives, milestones, and deadlines.
Manages risk by identifying potential challenges early and implementing mitigation strategies.
Leadership
Drives innovation and continuous improvement by encouraging new ideas, methodologies, and processes.
Leads cross-functional initiatives, collaborating with other GRP senior leaders to ensure organizational goals are met.
Drives adoption of new technologies, systems, or processes, supporting GRP program units through change and providing the necessary training and resources.
Represents the GRP within and outside the National Academies on topics related to grants management and evaluation.
NONESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES
Related duties and special projects as assigned.
JOB SPECIFICATIONS
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Advanced knowledge of program evaluation, data management, data visualization techniques, and impact analysis. Experience employing technology platforms that manage grants or program data. Skilled in analyzing complex problems, considering multiple perspectives, and developing innovative solutions that align with organizational priorities. Strong program/project management and facilitation skills. Excellent communication skills, with a proven ability to develop trust with key stakeholders across various functions. Ability to inspire and persuade others to work toward enterprise organizational goals. Ability to handle difficult situations and interpersonal conflicts with tact and professionalism, fostering a culture of respect and collaboration. Ability to lead by example, providing clear direction and motivation to teams, while also fostering a positive work culture. Ability to provide guidance, feedback, mentorship, and professional development opportunities to team members, fostering their professional growth and building a high-performing team.
Minimum Experience: Six years of related professional experience, with a minimum of two years in a supervisory capacity. Demonstrated high level of proficiency in conveying evaluation, technical, and/or policy information in verbal and written form.
Preferred Education: Ph.D. in related field preferred.
Physical Capabilities: Ability to work at a computer for extended periods of time. Ability to travel by air and ground transportation.
Required Licenses, Certification or Registration: None.
Supervisory Responsibilities/Controls: Typically reports to board/program/division 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. 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 20%, 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