Senior Program Officer - GRP Grants Evaluation and Management

Job Description Summary:

** Cover Letter Required **

The Gulf Research Program (GRP) is one of seven major divisions of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. The GRP’s mission is to develop, translate, and apply science, engineering, and medical knowledge to enhance offshore energy safety, environmental protection and stewardship, and human health and community resilience in the Gulf region in ways that empower its citizens. It supports innovative science, guides data design and monitoring, and builds and sustains networks that transform results to action.

The GRP seeks a Senior Program Officer to serve as the Grants Management and Evaluation Senior Manager, who will be responsible for developing, designing, implementing, and managing the programs and activities of the GRP Grants Evaluation and Management (GEM) Unit. The primary role of the incumbent is to work with the Deputy Executive Director and Executive Director to design and develop the unit’s work and mission so that it aligns with and fulfills the GRP strategic plan.

The incumbent will manage three enterprise functions within the GRP: grants management, program evaluation, and data management. The position requires a blend of data science, program evaluation, decision support, grants management, and management/leadership skills, as well as the ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders. This role is ideal for someone who is passionate about driving organizational success through cross-functional collaboration and thrives at influencing and aligning stakeholders at all levels of the organization. Successful candidates will have demonstrated the ability to translate data into useful information on program impact and communications pieces for broader audiences.

The GEM manager has supervisory responsibilities, including hiring, training, and performance management for assigned staff. The manager reports directly to the Deputy Executive Director.

Job Description:

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES:

Grants Management and Evaluation

• Designs and manages evaluation and grants management strategy and policy across GRP units. In collaboration with Program Directors and the Deputy Executive Director, implements evaluation strategies, policies, workplans, and contracts to meet stated objectives.

• Leads annual cycles of collaborative GRP evaluation planning, program monitoring, and reporting with Program Directors.

• Develops and manages solicitation and execution of contracted evaluation projects in coordination with program unit staff.

• Interprets and ensures consistent application of best practice evaluation methodologies. Provides program staff with technical assistance to build evaluation capacity.

Data Management

• Manages GRP’s internal data collection and storage, including research data from funded grants, programmatic information, and data related to GRP-affiliated experts, stakeholders, and grantees.

• Oversees development of internal data tools, platforms, and integration.

• Identifies and facilitates relevant data and analytics training of GRP staff and grantees.

• Oversees data compliance with GRP data management policies for GRP-funded projects.

• Collaborates with GRP units, GRP Communications, and grantees to effectively communicate their results in an accessible and compelling manner.  

Management

• Independently supervises program or project staff. Ensures staff are appropriately trained and plans for staff development. Mentors staff. Initiates personnel actions. Conducts performance reviews.

• Leads complex projects from planning to execution, ensuring deliverables are met on time and within scope.

• Develops project plans, setting clear objectives, milestones, and deadlines.

• Manages risk by identifying potential challenges early and implementing mitigation strategies.

Leadership

• Drives innovation and continuous improvement by encouraging new ideas, methodologies, and processes.

• Leads cross-functional initiatives, collaborating with other GRP senior leaders to ensure organizational goals are met.

• Drives adoption of new technologies, systems, or processes, supporting GRP program units through change and providing the necessary training and resources.

• Represents the GRP within and outside the National Academies on topics related to grants management and evaluation.

NONESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES