Program Manager, Standards

National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA); Arlington (VA); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health/dental insurance

Commuter subsidies

Flexible hours

Paid holidays

Personal time

401(k) plan

Job summary

The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) in Arlington, VA, is seeking a Program Manager, Standards for a hybrid work schedule. You will serve as the primary staff liaison for assigned committees, helping members advance standards and industry initiatives across sectors.

Responsibilities include leading committee operations, managing standards development, and coordinating with external stakeholders to advance industry priorities.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5-7 years experience including program management or engineering leadership.
• Undergraduate degree required; engineering degree a plus.
• Exceptional organizational and project management skills.
• Experience facilitating committees or similar groups.
• Commitment to NEMA values of respect, integrity, leadership, teamwork, agility.
• Strong written and verbal communication; collaborative mindset.
• Knowledge of standardization procedures (ANSI) is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead technical committee operations across product groups and sectors.
• Plan meetings, prepare materials, and manage action items and records.
• Develop annual work plans and budgets aligned with strategy.
• Coordinate with staff and departments on cross‑sector issues.

Skills

Program management

Engineering leadership

Organizational skills

Meeting facilitation

Communication

Customer service

Microsoft Office

SharePoint

Independent work

Education

Undergraduate degree

Engineering degree preferred

Tools

SharePoint

Job description

The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) represents over 300 electrical equipment manufacturers that make safe, reliable, and efficient products and technologies that power, connect, and light our world. Together, our members contribute a full 1% of U.S. GDP and directly provide over 590,000 American jobs, adding more than$375 billion to the U.S. economy. Learn more at makeitelectric.org

The Program Manager, Standards supports assigned technical committees across the Medical Imaging, Built Environment, Grid, Industrial, and Mobility Sectors. The position serves as the primary staff liaison for assigned committees, working groups, and task forces, helping members advance standards, building codes, technical priorities, and other industry initiatives. Assignments may span multiple sectors and evolve based on member needs, workload, and organizational priorities. The position reports to the Managing Director, International Standards and Technical Services, and is located in Arlington (Rosslyn), Virginia, with a hybrid work schedule.

Key Responsibilities

1. Lead technical committee operations

• Serve as the primary staff liaison to NEMA product groups, technical committees, working groups, and task forces across NEMA’s four sectors, as assigned.
• Plan and facilitate committee meetings, including preparation of agendas, meeting materials, minutes, action items, and follow-up communications in accordance with NEMA procedures.
• Develop and execute annual work plan, aligned with organizational strategy, and associated budget.
• Maintain committee records, including membership rosters, governance documents, and meeting minutes in accordance with NEMA policies and procedures.
• Coordinate with other NEMA staff and departments to address cross-sector issues and align activities with NEMA strategic priorities.

2. Lead standards development and other technical activities

• Provide project management and staff support for standards development, code activities, and related technical initiatives, including planning, scheduling, ballots, public comments, approvals, and publication processes.
• Facilitate technical discussions, coordinate stakeholder input, and build consensus among member companies and external partners to advance industry priorities.
• Ensure compliance with applicable NEMA, ANSI, and other relevant policies, procedures, and requirements governing standards and technical activities.
• Monitor standards, codes, regulations, and technology developments that may affect assigned product areas and communicate relevant opportunities, risks, and timelines to members.
• Support NEMA engagement with standards organizations, code bodies, government agencies, industry associations, and other external stakeholders, as assigned.

3. Enhance member experience and engagement

• Build and maintain productive relationships with committee officers, member company representatives, technical experts, industry partners, and other key stakeholders.
• Monitor member participation, satisfaction, and identify opportunities to strengthen member engagement, leadership development, recruitment, retention, and the overall value of NEMA involvement.
• Respond to member inquiries and connect members with NEMA resources, programs, subject matter experts, and staff support.
• Promote horizontal collaboration among NEMA groups to identify shared priorities and opportunities for collaborative industry action.
• Model NEMA’s Core Values in all aspects of work: Respect, Integrity, Teamwork, Leadership, and Agility.

Experience and Qualifications

• Minimum of 5-7 years experience, with 3 years of direct experience in program management, engineering, technology leadership, administrative, or similar role
• Undergraduate college degree required; engineering degree a plus
• Exceptional organizational and project management skills
• Experience facilitating meetings, committees, working groups, or other collaborative processes
• Demonstrated commitment to the NEMA core values of respect, integrity, leadership, teamwork, and agility
• Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgement, and prioritize and organize day-to-day work tasks
• Ability to effectively communicate with others both verbally and in writing
• Positive customer-service and interpersonal skills with an emphasis on collaboration
• Knowledge of standardization and standards development procedures (e.g., ANSI) a plus
• Experience working with trade associations, standards development organizations, code bodies, regulatory agencies, or member-driven organizations is preferred
• Strong computer skills (Microsoft Office, work sharing/document management platforms (such as Sharepoint)
• SES (Society for Standards Professionals) accreditation a differentiator

Total Rewards

This is an FLSA-exempt, salaried position, NEMA offers a competitive salary and excellent benefits package including paid holidays and personal time, flexible working hours, 401(k) plan, and health/dental insurance, as well as commuter subsidies where applicable. The projected compensation range for this position is $85,000 - $115,000 annualized (USD). The final salary offered will generally fall within this range and is determined by various factors, including but not limited to the individual's particular combination of education, knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience, as well as internal pay equity, location, and other business requirements.

Commitment to Non-Discrimination

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.