Research Program Manager

Purpose of the Position

The Earth

RISE Project Office, within the Lab for Applied Science (LAS) under the Earth System Science Center (ESSC), is seeking an experienced solutions manager to support science teams across Earth

RISE in the co‑development and implementation of Earth observation (EO)–based solutions for state, tribes, territories, local governments, and private sector partners, and in the coordination of Earth

RISE initiatives across the NASA Earth Science Division.

The position will complement a large and dynamic applied sciences group, and, as a core member of the Earth

RISE Project Office, will provide activity and solution management expertise. This includes supporting concept design and development, internal NASA collaboration, stakeholder outreach and engagement, project monitoring, and impact reporting. The incumbent will have knowledge of applied Earth Science, strong project management skills, and a desire to provide leadership and strategic planning to achieve NASA and Earth

RISE goals.

While based in Huntsville, Alabama, the Solutions Manager will provide project management support across multiple NASA centers with stakeholders across the United States. This includes coordination with NASA research scientists, partners, and subject matter experts to manage project progression. The incumbent will also work closely with NASA to design, review, and provide feedback on project concepts and work plans. The incumbent must represent the Earth

RISE Project Office and NASA MSFC in various venues, including stakeholders and professional conferences and meetings.

Operating within Earth Action, the Earth

RISE project office focuses on developing last‑mile solutions, improving coordinated action across NASA Earth Science, and fostering workforce development. Earth

RISE is actively involved in developing applications in water resources, agriculture, and their critical intersection to support state, local, tribal, territorial, and private sector stakeholders.

Earth

RISE is a project of NASA that works in collaboration with partners to use information provided by Earth observing satellites and geospatial technologies to manage environmental challenges. Its goal is to empower decision‑makers with tools, products, geospatial artificial intelligence, and services to act locally on issues such as disasters, agriculture, water, ecosystems, air quality, and health.

• Implement project management practices across Earth
  
  RISE.
• Identify opportunities for support and solution development by maintaining active communication and collaboration with NASA HQ and centers.
• Support project coordination, communication, and collaboration with other relevant Earth
  
  RISE and broader NASA ESD initiatives.
• Leverage background and experience in thought and practice to lead strategic engagement for Earth
  
  RISE.
• Regular coordination with Research Scientists, Stakeholders, and Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) on the status and progression of activities.
• Work with Thematic Science, Cross‑cutting Science, and Geospatial Information Technology (GIT) teams to identify solution needs.
• Communicate frequently within Earth
  
  RISE for cross‑sectoral and thematic awareness and reporting, and with the NASA HQ, as appropriate.
• Manage internal and external communications through use cases, impact stories, events, and reporting to NASA HQ in cooperation with editorial and user engagement specialists.
• Primary writer and contributor to project concepts and work‑plans and impact reporting, ensuring stakeholder and user feedback is integrated and harmonized.

• Master’s degree in project management, earth sciences, social sciences, or a related field; (Bachelor's and experience in a specialized area may be substituted for a degree).
• Minimum 5 years of verifiable professional experience (with a minimum of 3 years of experience working in project management).
• Expertise in local development issues, including resource management and resilience.
• Familiarity with applied EO science/geospatial technology.
• Project management skills, including co‑development, communication, coordination, problem‑solving, and teamwork skills related to technical, schedule, and/or budget oversight.
• Cultural awareness and sensitivity pertinent to various US regions and supporting locally‑led development.
• Experience leading projects with multiple stakeholders.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Willingness to work closely with others in team environments.
• Periodic domestic travel is a requirement of the position, and possible international travel.

• Experience working with NASA and/or other federal, state, local, tribal, or private sector organizations is desired.

$80,000–$95,000