Senior Program Officer, Marine Transportation and Intermodal Freight, TRB Technical Activities [...]

National Academy of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine; Pasadena (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

The National Academy of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine is looking for a skilled program manager in Pasadena, California. The role involves overseeing complex projects within the Transportation Research Board Technical Activities Division, with a focus on marine transportation.

Applicants should have a Master’s degree, at least six years of professional experience (two in a supervisory role), and strong project management skills. This position emphasizes effective communication, problem-solving abilities, and organizational effectiveness.

Qualifications

• Advanced knowledge in marine transportation and freight systems.
• Six years of related professional experience, including two years in a supervisory capacity.
• Ability to work at a computer for extended periods and to travel.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage program/project strategy and budget.
• Serve as liaison between committee members and sponsors.
• Coordinate logistics and oversee reviews of papers.

Skills

Program/project management

Effective communication

Creative problem-solving

Team building

Organizational effectiveness

Education

Master’s degree in a related field

Job description

Job Description Summary

Responsible for developing and managing highly complex programs or projects within the Transportation Research Board Technical Activities Division. Oversees Marine Board and standing technical committees, develops strategies, budgets, staffing, and ensures alignment with TRB objectives.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage program/project strategy, budget, and staffing for Marine Board and associated committees.
• Serve as liaison between committee members, National Academies, sponsors, and external partners.
• Supervise staff and volunteer teams, provide technical direction, performance reviews, and staff development.
• Negotiate funding, develop prospectuses, and secure new sponsors and affiliates.
• Coordinate logistics, agendas, and written materials for conferences, meetings, and workshops.
• Oversee review and publication of papers and reports in accordance with TAD policies.
• Manage rotation of committee membership, ensuring balanced perspectives and compliance with policy.
• Conduct field visits and outreach to promote TRB activities and recruit sponsors and volunteers.
• Prepare and edit technical summaries, reports, and dissemination materials.
• Maintain relationships with major sponsors, patrons, and exhibitors for annual meetings.
• Collaborate with TAD Operations, Publishing, and Communications groups to ensure consistent application of policies and high quality program delivery.
• Provide financial management, including budget oversight and schedule compliance.
• Mentor, train, and evaluate staff performance.
• Assist with planning tasks for TAD Operations and Publishing Groups when requested.

Standing Technical Committee Activities

• Independently manage portfolio of standing technical committees and volunteer groups.
• Oversee activities, develop strategies, budgets, and staffing requirements.
• Ensure committees adhere to TAD policies and contribute to TRB mission.
• Conduct program or project evaluations and maintain rotation of committees.
• Support chairs in engaging volunteers, developing agendas, and facilitating workshops.
• Prepare background papers, technical summaries, and written products.
• Coordinate with TAD Publishing Group for peer review and publication standards.
• Guide content for TRB Annual Meeting and specialty conferences.
• Ensure consistency of technical quality and avoid duplication or conflicts of interest.
• Communicate among committees, TAD, and stakeholders; publicize programs and priorities.
• Manage dissemination of reports and other publications.

Qualifications

• Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: Advanced scientific, technical, or policy knowledge in marine transportation and freight systems; strong program/project management and facilitation skills; ability to solve problems creatively; effective communication with diverse audiences; independent judgment within policy; ability to develop and manage complex projects; team building; staff training; strong organizational effectiveness.
• Minimum Education/Training Requirements: Master’s degree in a related field or equivalent experience.
• Minimum Experience: Six years of related professional experience, including two years in a supervisory capacity; demonstrated impact through National Academies activities or equivalent.
• Preferred Education: Ph.D. in a related field.
• Physical Capabilities: Ability to work at a computer for extended periods; ability to travel.

Job Details

Job Family: PROG • Employee Type: Employee • Scheduled Weekly Hours: 37.5 • City/State: Washington, District of Columbia.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The National Academies is an equal opportunity employer. We recruit, hire, promote, and provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws.