TRB is one of six major divisions of the National Research Council— a private, nonprofit institution that is the principal operating agency of the National Academies in providing services to the government, the public, and the scientific and engineering communities. The National Research Council is jointly administered by the National Academy of Sciences, the National Academy of Engineering, and the Institute of Medicine. TRB’s varied activities annually engage more than 7,000 engineers, scientists, and other transportation researchers and practitioners from the public and private sectors and academia, all of whom contribute their expertise in the public interest by participating on TRB committees, panels, and task forces. The program is supported by state transportation departments, federal agencies including the component administrations of the U.S. Department of Transportation, and other organizations and individuals interested in the development of transportation.

The Program Officer is responsible for assisting with one or more of the organization’s projects with minimal oversight by Director or Senior Program Officer. Assembles committees and provides staff assistance to committees as they conduct their work. Responsible for ensuring projects stay on schedule and within budget.

Incumbent applies in-depth professional level knowledge to independently solve a full range of complex problems. The job’s primary focus is supporting studies or convening activities. The work is primarily intellectual or analytical in character, requiring advanced knowledge. Assignments are broadly defined and require judgment and creativity to complete. Incumbent is often responsible for oversight or management of other staff. Reports to Senior Program Officer or Director.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES:

1. Manages projects of minimal or moderate complexity. In collaboration with supervisor, manages budget, supervises staff, and ensures program or project meets objectives.

2. Where applicable and with director/senior program officer oversight, recruits potential committee nominees and assembles appointment packages. Communicates and coordinates with the committee chair and members. Identifies and gathers research materials for the committee. Facilitates the flow of information among committee/panel members, consultants, staff, and other applicable parties

3. Conducts large and small workshops and/or meetings. Develops agendas, invites presenters and participants, oversees meeting logistics and multimedia presentations, and prepares written summaries.

4. Prepares background papers and technical summaries. Develops written products (e.g., reports, proceedings, white papers). Drafts and edits materials for publication. Synthesizes and edits research findings and technical data and determines the relevance of data for purposes of activity.

5. Supports committee members, forum members, workshop participants, etc. in all aspects of work. Assistance is provided in preparing the draft report, including writing sections of report based on committee input and review and editing the report for format, consistency, and grammar. Facilitates the response to review, responds to comments and concerns of editors, and prepares the final manuscript for publication.

6. Supports dissemination activities related to assigned programs or projects. Creates and maintains materials for web sites social media channels and other outreach to provide interest groups with information generated from and for activities.

7. Oversees project budget and schedule and authorizes expenditures. As required, collaborates with financial staff to ensure compliance.

8. Collaborates with experts and sponsors from federal, state, and local government agencies, foundations, schools, and other organizations. Represents the unit and committee within and outside the National Academies.

9. With Director or Senior Program Officer oversight, conducts background research on topics for new studies, programs, or activities.

For more information, visit http://chk.tbe.taleo.net/chk02/ats/careers/requisition.jsp?org=NAS&cws=1&rid=8047 and search for Job Number 150070-5.

Job Req #: 140113-6

Basic Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent knowledge with 3 years of related professional experience. Proficiency in computer applications, especially Microsoft Word, Outlook, Powerpoint, Excel, and Access. 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. Experience working in complex environments with a high degree of organizational effectiveness. Ability to develop relationships with co-workers and employees in other National Academies’ departments through effective communication. Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal skills with a proven ability to effectively interact with all levels of employees.

Description

The mission of the Transportation Research Board (TRB) is to promote innovation and progress in transportation through research. In an objective and interdisciplinary setting, TRB facilitates the sharing of information on transportation practice and policy by researchers and practitioners; stimulates research and offers research management services that promote technical excellence; provides expert advice on transportation policy and programs; and disseminates research results broadly and encouraged their implementation.

TRB is one of six major divisions of the National Research Council— a private, nonprofit institution that is the principal operating agency of the National Academies in providing services to the government, the public, and the scientific and engineering communities. The National Research Council is jointly administered by the National Academy of Sciences, the National Academy of Engineering, and the Institute of Medicine. TRB’s varied activities—described below—annually engage more than 7,000 engineers, scientists, and other transportation researchers and practitioners from the public and private sectors and academia, all of whom contribute their expertise in the public interest by participating on TRB committees, panels, and task forces. The program is supported by state transportation departments, federal agencies including the component administrations of the U.S. Department of Transportation, and other organizations and individuals interested in the development of transportation.

The Associate Program Officer manages programs/projects for multiple TRB Groups and Sections consisting of 35 to 60 standing committees Provides support in ensuring programs/projects meet their stated objectives. Serves as liaison between TRB and related external customers and organizations, including committee members, TRB sponsors and affiliates. Assists with the daily supervision of support staff. Assists three Senior Program Officers in the development of programs/projects. Coordinates program/project activities, handling inquiries, organizing sessions and meetings, and developing materials. Tracks relevant issues and compiles reports. Manages NRC and FACA required processes.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES:

• Administers and manages program/project activities. Communicates with chairs of Groups, Sections, standing committees; other committee members and external program/project contacts. Facilitates the flow of information among committee members, consultants, TRB sponsors and affiliates, and staff. Prepares reports on activities. Represents the program/project areas within and outside of TRB.
• Identifies and gathers materials in support of programs/projects sponsored by Groups/Sections/committees. Synthesizes and edits findings and data. Prepares background papers and summaries of program/project activities.
• Organizes conferences, sessions, and meetings. Creates agendas, invites presenters and participants, oversees meeting logistics, and prepares written summaries. Manages the development and delivery of over 100 sessions for the TRB Annual Meeting, one to two meetings per year for each of the Groups/Sections/committees, and several conferences per year (100 to 600 attendees each). Accomplishes sophisticated and customized computer sorts, selections, formatting, report generation and other tasks in support of sessions, meetings, conferences, and other projects.
• Coordinates publication of materials, including peer reviewed papers, proceedings of conferences, and circulars. Manages the peer review of approximately 500 papers each year, leading to publication of approximately 150 papers annually.
• Performs financial and administrative tasks related to programs/projects of the assigned Groups/Sections/committees. Creates, maintains, and updates records, databases, and files. Oversees the rotation of member appointments for 15-20 committees per year. Authorizes expenditures, tracks spending, monitors budget, and projects future spending plans. Reviews contractual obligations and ensures that obligations are met. Serves as travel coordinator.
• Ensures consistent application of organizational policies and procedures. Manages compliance with National Academies’ procedures, format, and processes, including NRC and FACA, as they relate to assigned activities.
• May update and maintain web pages and prepare newsletters and other promotional materials.
• Assists with supervising staff. Assigns tasks and provides guidance and feedback to staff. Ensures required training is accomplished and participates in performance reviews. Serves as a mentor and resource to support staff.

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