Associate Program Officer (Fellowship Coordinator)

Position: Associate Program Officer (Fellowship Coordinator)
Organization: National Academy of Sciences – Gulf Research Program

In 2013, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine established the Gulf Research Program to enhance oil system safety and the protection of human health and the environment in the Gulf of Mexico and other U.S. outer continental shelf areas. The Program seeks to improve understanding of the region’s interconnecting human, environmental, and energy systems and fostering application of these insights to benefit Gulf communities, ecosystems, and the Nation.

The Gulf Research Program of the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine is looking for an Associate Program Officer to serve as Fellowship Coordinator. The Fellowship Coordinator oversees and implements the fellowship programs; oversees the application, selection and placement processes. Facilitates all Fellowship Program activities, maintains monthly contact with the Fellows, coordinates mentorship and personally provides mentorship to the Fellows, which could include career and professional development advice, and coordinates and recruits host offices in the Gulf of Mexico region. To be successful in this role, candidates should have experience in social work, sociology, counseling, occupational therapy or other related field. The Fellowship Coordinator will set up meetings and conference calls for the Fellows, report to the Program Officer on the status of the program, and attend conferences on fellowship management as necessary.

Applies specific professional-level knowledge to solve problems requiring the identification and analysis of moderately complex variables. Incumbent takes action to solve routine problems in areas of assigned responsibility, but receives guidance or expertise from higher-level staff on more complex problems. Incumbent establishes processes and procedures to ensure the effective and efficient operation of program/project. Typically assist with supervision of staff, but certain positions may have full supervisory responsibilities for assigned staff.

Job Description:

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES:

1. Manages the day-to-day operations and administration of the fellowship programs. Oversees partnerships and interactions with state and local agencies, scientific and engineering societies, and other partners.
2. Oversees the application, selection and placement processes; suggests changes as needed. Interprets and ensures consistent application of organizational policies.
3. Organizes meetings. Develops agendas, invites presenters and participants, oversees meeting logistics and multimedia presentations, and prepares written summaries.
4. Develops written materials and coordinates/oversees publication of materials. May edit reports, facilitate response to review, and participate in dissemination activities, including identification and engaging of external organizations, preparing dissemination materials, and conducting dissemination meetings.
5. Assists with supervising and mentoring staff. Assigns tasks and provides guidance and feedback to staff. Ensures required training is accomplished and participates in performance reviews. Serves as a resource to support staff.
6. Performs financial and administrative tasks related to assigned program(s) or project(s). Creates, maintains, and updates records, databases, and files. Authorizes expenditures, tracks spending, monitors budget, and projects future spending plans.
7. Represents the program/project within and outside the National Academies. Collaborates with experts and sponsors from government agencies, foundations, schools, and other organizations.
8. Coordinates with communications staff to ensure updated information is present on web pages, may prepare newsletters and other promotional materials.
9. Works with evaluation staff and/or consultants to evaluate performance of the fellowship program and host sites throughout the experience.

NONESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES
Related duties and special projects as assigned.

JOB SPECIFICATIONS
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Knowledge of issues in applicable discipline. Strong project management skills with experience in organizing, planning and executing large-scale projects from development through implementation. Strong written, verbal, and presentation skills. Knowledge of standards for measuring the performance of a training program. Knowledge of design and implementation of formal and informal learning strategies, including action learning and virtual learning. Ability to solve varied and complex problems using originality and ingenuity. Ability to operate using appreciable latitude for independent judgment and action. Ability to work successfully in a team environment. Ability to develop relationships with co-workers and employees in other National Academies’ departments through effective communication. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with a proven ability to effectively interact with all levels of employees.
Minimum Education/Training Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent knowledge.
Minimum Experience: Three years of related professional experience.
Preferred Education and Experience: Master’s degree in Sociology, Social Work, Occupational Therapy, or other relevant field preferred. Experience in career counseling or workforce development preferred.
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: Reports to program officer or director. Sets objectives with supervisor and receives input and advice as needed. Assists in the supervision of project/program staff.
Work Environment: Office environment, with occasional travel between National Academies’ facilities and to off-site meeting/sponsor locations.