The GSS program supports basic research dealing with a variety of topics associated with geographic dimensions of human, physical, and biotic systems on the Earth. Investigations into the nature, causes, and consequences of human activity within particular places and spaces and extensions to regional and global spheres are especially encouraged. Projects examining a variety of domestic and international topics qualify for support if they show promise of contributing to scholarship by enhancing geographic knowledge, concepts, theories, and their application to societal problems and concerns.

The Program Director will have specific responsibilities that include the following:

• Articulate a vision for the future of the discipline and allocate program resources to maintain a balance of support to meet the field's needs and future development;
• Maintain an effective merit review system and post-award action process;
• Participate in one or more cross-cutting activities within the Foundation;
• Work cooperatively across the Division, Directorate, and Foundation, and with other agencies to accomplish the mission of NSF;
• Participate in interagency meetings, coordinating groups, special task groups, staff meetings, and site visits;
• Assess trends and opportunities in the field with assistance of advisory panels;
• Pursue affirmative action and EEO goals in selection of reviewers, panelists, and grantees;
• Represent the program to the scientific community and the public;
• Establish contacts and maintain active involvement in the program field through participation in meetings and conferences and by undertaking other relevant activities;
• Pursue a personal scholarly research agenda, with results presented at professional meetings and published in academic journals, as workload permits

Conditions of employment

• Background investigation.
• Preview questions at bottom of Qualifications & Evaluations--see tab above.

You will need to successfully complete a background security investigation before you can be appointed into this position.

You must meet eligibility and qualification requirements before 11:59 PM Eastern time on the closing date of the job announcement. You must answer all job-related questions in the NSF eRecruit questionnaire.

All online applicants must provide a valid email address. If your email address is inaccurate or your mailbox is full or blocked, you may not receive important communication that could affect your consideration for this position.

Qualifications

Candidates must have a Ph.D. in Geography and/or another spatial scientific field, plus after award of the Ph.D., six or more years of successful research, research administration, and/or managerial experience pertinent to the position.

In addition to above qualification, the ability to organize, implement and manage a proposal-driven grant program, allocate resources to meet a spectrum of goals, and insure transparency and accountability in the grant award/declination management process is highly desired. Candidates should be able to communicate effectively and work productively with the scientific community, peers, and co-workers at all levels to advocate program policies and plans and to fulfill NSF’s mission.

This position is outside the competitive civil service.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

You will be evaluated on the extent and quality of your experience, expertise, education, and research activities relevant to the duties of the position.

Quality Ranking Factors

1. Ability to communicate effectively and work productively with the scientific community, peers, and co-workers at all levels to advocate program policies and plans and to fulfill NSF's mission.
2. Ability to organize, implement and manage a proposal-driven grant program, allocating resources to meet a spectrum of goals, including insuring integrity and consistency in the grant award/declination management process.
3. Knowledge of management and organizational concepts, principles, practices and techniques.
4. Ability to work collaboratively with representatives of other programs and agencies so as to enhance interdisciplinary research and the mission of NSF.
5. Ability to assess trends and opportunities in the field with the assistance of the advisory panel and expertise from other sources.