Administrative Program Specialist , II & III

Administrative Program Specialist I, II & III

Location:

Silver Spring, MD / Remote

Clearance Required:

Public Trust Eligible

• Level I – $55,000 – $65,000
• Level II – $70,000 – $90,000
• Level III – $90,000 – $120,000

Final date to receive applications:
July 31, 2026

NOAA's Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR) provides the research foundation for understanding the complex systems that sustain our planet, working in partnership with other organizational units of NOAA to provide better forecasts, earlier warnings for natural disasters, and a greater understanding of the Earth. OAR offers unbiased science to better manage the environment nationally and globally, advancing climate, weather, water, ecosystem, and mission service program goals.

Within OAR, the Climate Program Office (CPO) manages competitive research programs in which NOAA funds high‑priority climate science, decision‑support research, outreach, education, and capacity‑building activities designed to advance our understanding of Earth's climate system and to foster the application of this knowledge in risk management and resilience efforts.

Professionals in this consolidated role provide the essential administrative, logistical, analytical, and programmatic backbone for the CPO Director's Office and its scientific divisions. Depending on their specific level, they range from junior specialists handling day‑to‑day office logistics to senior analysts overseeing complex grant portfolios, advanced knowledge‑management databases, and high‑level project coordination.

• Plan, coordinate, and execute logistics for meetings, official travel (using NOAA's travel management system), webinars, workshops, and large‑scale initiatives such as the NIHHIS Urban Heat Island Mapping Campaigns.
• Provide comprehensive grant administration, which includes tracking funded research projects, maintaining accurate records, and meticulously managing the disbursement of honoraria for review panels and speakers.
• Execute expert organizational and problem‑solving tasks, managing general information requests and leading cross‑office coordination workflows to buffer federal leadership.
• Design, develop, and maintain advanced knowledge‑management tracking functions and databases to report on project accomplishments, impacts, and evolving partner priorities.
• Serve as a primary programmatic interface with the CPO communications team, managing website content, drafting newsletters, and developing programmatic materials and impact stories.
• Deliver direct customer service to funded investigators, ensuring compliance with reporting requirements and coordinating monthly network calls.

• Level I: 2–5 years of experience.
• Level II: 5–10 years of relevant experience.
• Level III: 10–15 years in Program Management, Program Analysis, Budget Analysis, Financial Management, or Technical Writing and Editing. Degrees from an accredited institution may be cumulatively substituted for experience.

• Graduate degree in a relevant field.
• Comprehensive knowledge of and strong relationship with the CPO stakeholders community.
• Prior experience working at CPO or a similar agency.
• Experience in a science‑oriented organization, including climate, weather, environmental, or related domains.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Project) and Google Workspace (Mail, Docs, Sheets, Slides).
• Highly motivated, energetic, and professional demeanor, with the ability to interface with senior, influential, international officials.
• Strong foundation in ethical behavior, sound business judgment, and thorough research capabilities.

IBSS offers a competitive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage with a company‑paid deductible, paid time off, federal holidays, a matching 401(k) plan, tuition and professional development reimbursement, and Flex‑Spending (FSA) / Dependent Care Account (DCA) options.

IBSS is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. EEO is the law. Please direct any inquiries to the HR Department at