Program Officer - Gulf Environmental Protection and Stewardship

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Job Description Summary: The Program Officer (PO) for the Gulf Research Program's (GRP) Environmental Protection and Stewardship unit (GEPS) develops and manages one or more applied research programs or projects aligned with GRP's mission, Strategic Plan, and settlement agreement. The incumbent develops program or project strategy and budget, supervises staff, and ensures programs or projects meet objectives, timelines, and budget. Working in a collaborative environment with internal staff and external experts, the PO designs and implements programmatic activities and serves as staff liaison to committees or panels. Responsibilities include assembling and managing committees, facilitating engagement among members, and supporting the development of research, analysis, and technical products. The role requires strong project management, staff supervision, applied research, analytical, technical writing, public speaking, and meeting facilitation skills, along with the ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences. The incumbent oversees GEPS' Riverine and Gulf Coast workstreams, managing and enhancing existing programs while working closely with the Program Director to identify, scope, and develop new programming. Areas of focus include understanding the physical dynamics of a changing Gulf environment, coastal processes such as sea level rise, and ecosystem functions, particularly in the Mississippi Delta, the Mobile-Tensaw Delta, and communities most at risk from flooding and storm surge. The incumbent applies in-depth professional knowledge and program management experience to address a range of moderately complex to complex problems. Assignments are broadly defined and require independence, sound judgment, and creativity in scoping work and translating insights into actionable outcomes. The PO carries out responsibilities with minimal oversight from the Program Director. ABOUT THE GULF RESEARCH PROGRAM (GRP): In 2013, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine established the Gulf Research Program (GRP) to enhance offshore energy safety and protect human health and the environment in the five Gulf states-Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida-as well as other U.S. outer continental shelf areas. The Program seeks to improve understanding of the region's human, environmental, and energy systems and to foster application of these insights to benefit communities and ecosystems in the Gulf and other regions with offshore hydrocarbon production. Job Description: **NOTE A COVER LETTER IS REQUIRED FOR CONSIDERATION*** ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES: Program & Project Leadership Manages the Mississippi River Delta Transition Initiative (MissDelta), a multi-year, large-scale project focused on environmental change, sea level rise, and subsidence in the lower Mississippi River Delta; works with committees and principal investigators to track milestones, ensure deliverables, and enhance project impact. Leads multiple efforts related to the Gulf Coast workstream, including development of flood-related programming that builds on existing initiatives. Supports and enhances coalition-based activities related to Mississippi River100. Works with the Program Director to design, implement, and manage complex programs or projects; develops strategy, manages budget, supervises staff, and ensures objectives are met. Stakeholder Engagement & Representation Collaborates with experts and sponsors from federal, state, and local governments, foundations, academia, and other organizations. Represents the unit, GRP, and the National Academies internally and externally. Supports committee members, workshop participants, and other stakeholders in fulfillment of project statements of work. Committee & Project Coordination With director or senior program manager oversight, recruits potential committee or panel nominees and assembles appointment packages. Communicates and coordinates with committee or panel chairs and members. Identifies and gathers research materials and facilitates the flow of information among committee members, consultants, staff, and other stakeholders. Research, Analysis & Knowledge Products Conducts background research on topics for new studies, programs, or activities. Prepares background papers, technical summaries, and written products (e.g., reports, proceedings, white papers). Drafts and edits materials for publication; synthesizes research findings and technical data and determines relevance for program activities. Meetings, Workshops & Communications Organizes and executes meetings, workshops, and events; develops agendas, defines objectives, invites participants, oversees logistics and multimedia presentations, and prepares summaries. Where applicable, independently plans and implements communications activities; collaborates with communications staff to create and maintain materials, websites, and social media channels. Staff Leadership & Operations Man