The Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences and Education – one of five divisions within the National Research Council – works to advance the frontiers of the behavioral and social sciences and their applications to public policy.
The Board on Behavioral, Cognitive, and Sensory Sciences monitors advances and developments in the behavioral, cognitive, and sensory sciences and serves as an intellectual resource for the National Research Council, as well as public policy makers, as to how these advances and developments are creating opportunities or potential problems for public policy.
Established in 2004, the Board on Science Education focuses on science learning and education for all, from early childhood to adulthood, in both schools and informal learning environments, such as science museums, aquariums, nature centers, and social networks.
The Senior Program Officer will be responsible for developing and managing highly complex programs or projects. Develops project strategies, staffing requirements and ensures the project meets its stated objectives. Serves as liaison between committee members, the National Academies, and other applicable parties. Independently supervises staff. Requiring advanced knowledge, incumbent performs work primarily of an intellectual and/or analytical nature. The primary focus is on leading and managing a standing committee. Has authority to take whatever action deemed advisable or necessary, subject only to organizational and departmental policies and rules. Has full supervisory responsibilities, including hiring, training, and performance management for assigned staff. Provides innovative solutions to complex problems that impact program's or project’s success. Reports directly to Board Director.
ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES:
1. Independently manages a newly-forming consensus committee related to behavioral science and education. Develops project strategy and budget, staffing requirements and ensures stated objectives are met. Conducts project evaluations. Activities may include leading studies, research programs, grant programs, fellowship programs, etc.
2. Where applicable, assembles committees and guides those committees to meet the needs of a contract. 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 panel members. Facilitates the flow of information among panel members, consultants, staff, and other applicable parties.
3. Conducts workshops and meetings. Develops agendas, invites presenters and participants, oversees meeting logistics and multimedia presentations, and prepares written summaries.
4. 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.
5. Supports committee members, forum members, workshop participants, etc. in all aspects of work. For studies, assistance is provided 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 review, responds to comments and concerns of editors, and prepares the final manuscript for publication.
6. Where applicable, responsible for extensive 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.
7. Where applicable, manages dissemination of reports and other types of publications or outreach activities. Prepares dissemination plan and funding proposal. Manages report production activities. Identifies and engages external organizations in dissemination. Prepares dissemination materials. Conducts dissemination meetings.
8. Independently supervises program or project staff. Ensures staff are appropriately trained and plans for staff development. Mentors staff. Initiates personnel actions. Conducts performance reviews. Interprets and ensures consistent application of organizational policies.
9. 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.
10. For certain programs managing research or fellowship activities, conducts site visits and ensures current and new facilities meet established criteria.
11. 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.
12. Maintains 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. Identifies potential sponsors. Raises funds for current and future projects. Negotiates funding with sponsors. Where applicable, manages funder/member/alumni relations.