Research Program Manager

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Department: Earth System Science Center
Work type: Staff Full-time Exempt
Location: Alabama
Categories: Research Administration

The EarthRISE 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 EarthRISE in the co-development and implementation of Earth observation (EO)-based solutions for state, tribes, territories, local government, and private sector partners and in the coordination of EarthRISE 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 EarthRISE Project Office, this position 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 EarthRISE goals.

A strong background in applied Earth Science with knowledge of Earth observation technology, as well as practical experience in coordinating or managing diverse teams, is required. 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 effectively represent the EarthRISE Project Office and NASA MSFC in a variety of venues, including with stakeholders and at professional conferences and meetings. The candidate will be expected to maintain professional development activities relevant to their work, as well as to build or refine other skillsets as necessary and required for the position.

Operating within Earth Action, the EarthRISE project office focuses on developing last‑mile solutions, improving coordinated action across NASA Earth Science, and fostering workforce development. EarthRISE is actively involved in developing applications in water resources, agriculture, and their critical intersection to support state, local, tribal, territorial, and private sector stakeholders. EarthRISE is a project of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) that works in collaboration with state, local, tribal, territorial, and private sector partners to use information provided by Earth observing satellites and geospatial technologies for managing environmental challenges EarthRISE’s 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 EarthRISE.
• 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 EarthRISE and broader NASA ESD initiatives.
• Leverage background and experience in thought and practice to lead strategic engagement for EarthRISE.
• 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 EarthRISE 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 workplans and…