Program Officer - National Academy of Engineering

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine value diversity in our members, volunteers, and staff and strive for a culture of inclusion in our workplace and activities. Convening a diverse community to exchange ideas and perspectives enhances the quality of our work and increases our relevance as advisers to the nation about the most complex issues facing the nation and the world.

Requisition Number: R0002800

National Academy of Engineering (NAE) was founded in 1964 and is a private, independent, nonprofit institution that provides engineering leadership in service to the nation.

The NAE advances the welfare and prosperity of the nation by promoting a vibrant engineering profession and by providing independent, objective advice to the federal government on matters involving engineering and technology.

The NAE is part of the National Academy of Sciences, an independent, nonprofit organization chartered by Congress to provide objective analysis and advice to the nation on matters of science, technology, and health.

The NAE is launching a major new initiative to strengthen Engineering Communication as a core dimension of engineering practice. Supported by the National Science Foundation, this multi-year program will explore how engineers communicate complex ideas more effectively, engage across disciplines and sectors, and better connect their work with the people and institutions they serve. Through workshops, trainings, convenings, research, partnerships, and the development of practical resources, this first-of-its-kind initiative aims to help make Engineering Communication a more integral part of how engineers are educated, practice their profession, and contribute to society.

NAE seeks a Program Officer to help build and shape this new effort from its early stages. The successful candidate will combine strong program management and communication skills, intellectual curiosity, and an ability to work with people across engineering, communication, public engagement, and related fields. The Program Officer does not need to be an expert in all of these areas but should be comfortable learning, making connections across fields, and translating ideas into effective programs and resources.

This position offers a rare opportunity to help develop a national initiative, work with leading practitioners and partner organizations, and turn emerging ideas into activities and resources that can influence engineering practice and education.

The Program Officer works with colleagues across the National Academies as well as with external partners and participants to coordinate activities, build productive relationships, and move the project forward.

The role requires strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills, as well as the ability to manage multiple priorities, navigate complex or unexpected situations, and determine appropriate next steps when there is not a prescribed solution.

Assignments are often broadly defined, giving the Program Officer room to exercise judgment, initiative, and creativity in determining how best to accomplish project goals. The position typically reports to a Senior Program Officer or Director.

1. Designs and manages programs or projects of minimal to moderate complexity. In collaboration with the supervisor, develops and implements program or project strategy, tracks budgets, monitors progress, and ensures that activities support project objectives. Responsibilities may include coordinating the work of multiple groups, recruiting participants and partner organizations, building and maintaining relationships, and managing the day-to-day program activities.

2. Contributes to the development of program activities and resources. Works with staff, experts, and partners to translate research, ideas, and emerging practices into workshops, tools, resources, and other activities that advance program goals.

3. Plans and coordinates meetings, workshops, and training activities, of various sizes. Works with guidance from the supervisor to develop activities and agendas as appropriate; invites and communicates with participants, oversees logistics, and manages pre- and post-event communication and follow-up.

4. Plans and implements communications and outreach activities related for assigned programs or projects. Creates and maintains contact lists, drafts correspondence and other program communication, tracks participation and responses, and builds…