Program Officer - National Academy of Engineering

National Academies; Washington; Hybrid; USD 92,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

The National Academies seeks a Program Officer to help build and shape a major new initiative in Engineering Communication. You will work across engineering, communication, public engagement, and related fields to translate ideas into practical programs and resources.

The role emphasizes collaboration, relationship-building, and project management, with opportunities to engage external partners and sponsors. Hybrid work with travel as needed.

Qualifications

• Advanced knowledge in engineering, science, or technical communication; ability to convey complex information.
• Strong program management; coordinate multiple activities and participants.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; strong interpersonal skills.
• Strong organizational skills; work independently and in a team.
• Master's degree or equivalent knowledge and experience.

Responsibilities

• Designs and manages programs or projects of minimal to moderate complexity with strategy and budgeting oversight.
• Translates research and ideas into workshops, tools, and resources.
• Plans and coordinates meetings, workshops, and training activities; handles logistics and follow-up.
• Plans and implements communications and outreach activities; drafts materials and tracks responses.
• Builds relationships with experts, practitioners, partners, and external organizations.
• Conducts background research to support program development and funding opportunities.

Skills

Program management

Communication

Organizational skills

Teamwork

3+ years experience

Education

Master's degree or equivalent

Job description

Introduction

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine value diversity in our members, volunteers, and staff and strive for a culture of inclusion in our workplace and activities. Convening a diverse community to exchange ideas and perspectives enhances the quality of our work and increases our relevance as advisers to the nation about the most complex issues facing the nation and the world.

Overview

Requisition Number: R0002800

National Academy of Engineering (NAE) was founded in 1964 and is a private, independent, nonprofit institution that provides engineering leadership in service to the nation.

The NAE advances the welfare and prosperity of the nation by promoting a vibrant engineering profession and by providing independent, objective advice to the federal government on matters involving engineering and technology.

The NAE is part of the National Academy of Sciences, an independent, nonprofit organization chartered by Congress to provide objective analysis and advice to the nation on matters of science, technology, and health.

The NAE is launching a major new initiative to strengthen Engineering Communication as a core dimension of engineering practice. Supported by the National Science Foundation, this multi-year program will explore how engineers communicate complex ideas more effectively, engage across disciplines and sectors, and better connect their work with the people and institutions they serve. Through workshops, trainings, convenings, research, partnerships, and the development of practical resources, this first-of-its-kind initiative aims to help make Engineering Communication a more integral part of how engineers are educated, practice their profession, and contribute to society.

NAE seeks a Program Officer to help build and shape this new effort from its early stages. The successful candidate will combine strong program management and communication skills, intellectual curiosity, and an ability to work with people across engineering, communication, public engagement, and related fields. The Program Officer does not need to be an expert in all of these areas but should be comfortable learning, making connections across fields, and translating ideas into effective programs and resources. This position offers a rare opportunity to help develop a national initiative, work with leading practitioners and partner organizations, and turn emerging ideas into activities and resources that can influence engineering practice and education.

The Program Officer works with colleagues across the National Academies as well as with external partners and participants to coordinate activities, build productive relationships, and move the project forward.

The role requires strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills, as well as the ability to manage multiple priorities, navigate complex or unexpected situations, and determine appropriate next steps when there is not a prescribed solution.

Assignments are often broadly defined, giving the Program Officer room to exercise judgment, initiative, and creativity in determining how best to accomplish project goals. The position typically reports to a Senior Program Officer or Director.

Responsibilities

1. Designs and manages programs or projects of minimal to moderate complexity. In collaboration with the supervisor, develops and implements program or project strategy, tracks budgets, monitors progress, and ensures that activities support project objectives. Responsibilities may include coordinating the work of multiple groups, recruiting participants and partner organizations, building and maintaining relationships, and managing the day-to-day program activities.

2. Contributes to the development of program activities and resources. Works with staff, experts, and partners to translate research, ideas, and emerging practices into workshops, tools, resources, and other activities that advance program goals.

3. Plans and coordinates meetings, workshops, and training activities, of various sizes. Works with guidance from the supervisor to develop activities and agendas as appropriate; invites and communicates with participants, oversees logistics, and manages pre- and post-event communication and follow-up.

4. Plans and implements communications and outreach activities related for assigned programs or projects. Creates and maintains contact lists, drafts correspondence and other program communication, tracks participation and responses, and builds relationships with participants and partners. As appropriate, works with the supervisor to develop and implement outreach and dissemination plans, and create forms, applications, and other materials needed to support program activities.

5. Builds relationships with experts, practitioners, partners, and representatives from other organizations. Communicates and collaborates with external participants and partners and represents the project and the National Academies professionally in external interactions.

6. Conducts background research to support the development and growth of programs and projects. With supervisor guidance, researches potential topics, audiences, partners, and activities; synthesizes relevant information; and contributes to materials for prospective sponsors and other funding opportunities.

NONESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES

• Performs related duties and contributes to special projects as assigned.

Requirements

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Advanced professional knowledge in a field relevant to the work of the program, which may include engineering, science or technical communication, public engagement, education, public policy, or a related field. Ability to understand, synthesize, and communicate complex scientific or technical information and to work effectively with subject-matter experts.
• Strong program and project management skills including the ability to develop and manage projects, coordinate multiple activities and participants, establish priorities, track progress, and meet project objectives. Ability to exercise independent judgment, take initiative, and develop creative approaches to varied and complex problems.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences. Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills and the ability to work collaboratively with colleagues across the National Academies, external experts, participants, and partner organizations.
• Strong organizational skills and demonstrated effectiveness working in complex environments. Ability to work successfully both independently and as part of a team.

Minimum Education/Training Requirements: Master's degree in a related field or equivalent knowledge and experience.

Minimum Experience: Three years of related professional experience including experience managing or coordinating programs or projects and conveying scientific, technical, policy, or other complex information in written and verbal formats.

Preferred Qualifications: Experience working at the intersection of two or more areas relevant to the initiative, such as engineering, science or technical communication, public engagement, education, or public policy. Experience developing programs, activities, or resources for varied audiences and working collaboratively with experts and partner organizations.

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: Typically reports to senior program officer or director. General direction is provided. The candidate will also work closely with administrative staff.

Compensation & Benefits: An estimated compensation range for this position is $92,040 - $115,040. 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.

Work Environment: Hybrid Office/Telecommute environment, expected onsite percentage 60%, with occasional travel between National Academies' facilities and to off-site meeting/sponsor locations.