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Interdisciplinary (Legislative and Science Policy Analyst)

National Science Foundation
This job announcement has closed

Summary

The National Science Foundation is seeking qualified candidate for an Interdisciplinary (Legislative and Science Policy Analyst) position within the National Science Board Office (NSB) in Alexandria, VA.

For more information on NSB please click here.

Overview

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Reviewing applications
Open & closing dates
04/04/2019 to 04/25/2019
Salary
$99,172 to - $156,228 per year
Pay scale & grade
AD 03
Location
Alexandria, VA
1 vacancy
Telework eligible
Yes—as determined by the agency policy.
Travel Required
Not required
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Appointment type
Permanent
Work schedule
Full-Time
Service
Excepted
Promotion potential
03
Supervisory status
No
Security clearance
Other
Drug test
No
Announcement number
NSB-2019-0001
Control number
529621300

This job is open to

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Clarification from the agency

Applications will be accepted from current NSF agency employees who meet citizenship and eligibility requirements. Please see the "Other Information" section for further information.

Duties

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The National Science Board (NSB, the Board) oversees NSF as it carries out its statutory responsibility to maintain the health of the Nation’s science and engineering enterprise by funding research in all the basic sciences and engineering. NSF also supports innovative education programs from kindergarten through graduate school, preparing future generations of scientists and engineers and contributing to a more scientifically literate workforce and society. 

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the supervision of the Director of Communications, the Legislative and Science Policy Analyst works with a minimum of guidance, exercising independent judgment and initiative.

Congressional Engagement

The incumbent supports the Board by developing and realizing opportunities for Board engagement with Congress.

Responsibilities include:

  • Develop goals, strategies, and measures of success
  • Map out approaches to cultivate a strong network of congressional relationships using a variety of criteria and connections (i.e., Member of Congress [MoC] priorities and committee assignments, NSB members’ congressional delegations, NSB member expertise and connections, NSB institutional “hooks” to MoCs such as alumni connection, etc.)
  • Coordinate with NSF’s Office of Legislative and Public Affairs
  • Strategically manage ongoing congressional engagement including regular MoC meetings throughout the year, maintain a running list of congressional targets; set up and manage a tracking system for meetings with follow-up reminders; seize on short notice/unexpected opportunities to engage with Congress; manage home district NSB meetings and hosting events.
  • Write or contribute to the preparation of talking points for NSB meetings, presentations and speeches, congressional testimony, and NSB statements.
  • Lead or contribute to ongoing development of engagement materials that may include one-pagers drawn from NSB’s Science and Engineering Indicators report and other NSB or NSF materials, videos on Board themes and messages, infographics, and social media posts.
  • Develop and maintain relationships with relevant Congressional staff.
  • Maintain awareness of Congressional activities related to NSF and federal S&E policy.

Policy Analysis

The Legislative and Science Policy Analyst leads or contributes to analysis of Board issues.

Responsibilities include:

  • Maintain awareness of relevant issues being considered by the Board and past Board positions. As required, generate options and recommendations for action, analyze and develop arguments for and against each option.
  • Design and carry out data collection for analysis and exposition of results, including development of graphics that can be used for presentations, reports, or statements.
  • Contribute to or coordinate development of NSB reports and policy briefs, as needed.
  • Serve as a Board committee or task force liaison as needed. This may include contributing to talking points, minutes, presentations, and logistical support.
  • Keep the Director of Communications and relevant colleagues informed of issues and projects under consideration.

Representation, Communication, and Leadership

The Legislative and Science Policy Analyst significantly contributes to the Board’s engagement with a broad group of external stakeholders and internal NSF staff. The incumbent also serves as a key contributor and mentor on team projects within the overall NSB Office.

Responsibilities include:

  • Create and maintain linkages to NSB stakeholders (e.g. scientific societies and associations, other federal agencies, state organizations, etc.)
  • Provide information to stakeholders on how the NSB is pursuing its mission and gather data and impressions from the community on the effectiveness of the Board’s performance of its mission.
  • Participate in staff, panel, committee and other meetings, providing input relevant to NSB policy support.
  • Operate on an often time-sensitive production and implementation schedule to meet target deadlines.
  • Respond to assignments on special projects and temporary functional teams to solve problems, improve staff communication and coordination by both assisting and leading ongoing and new projects within the office.
  • Contribute ideas and effort to improving the quality of NSB policies and performance.
  • Formally or informally mentor AAAS Fellows and junior staff members.
  • Pursue affirmative action and EEO goals.

Professional Development

Establishes internal and external contacts and maintains active involvement in policy and related areas through participation in professional activities. Maintains familiarity with salient current research developments, trends in S&E policy, and special opportunities related to NSB activities. Expands administrative capabilities through training courses or assumption of new management responsibilities.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • Background investigation.
  • Selective Service registration required for male applicants, unless exempt.

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

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.

This position is in the bargaining unit.

Please preview "Evaluations" section and "Qualifications" for additional requirements and Quality Ranking Factors.

Qualifications

Candidates must have a Ph.D. in a STEM related field plus after award of the Ph.D., four or more years of successful research, research administration, and/or managerial experience pertinent to the position; OR a master’s degree in a STEM related field plus after award of the degree, six or more years of successful research, research administration, and/or managerial experience pertinent to the position.

This position is outside the competitive civil service.

You must meet eligibility and qualification requirements by the closing date of the announcement.

Additional information

Please note: NSF IPA’s are not considered agency employees and are not eligible to apply.

Relocation expenses will NOT be paid.

This announcement is open to current NSF employees who meet citizenship and eligibility requirements.

Federal Appropriations Law requires that Non-Citizens meet certain eligibility criteria to be considered. Therefore, Non-Citizens must certify eligibility by signing and attaching this Citizenship Affidavit to their application. Non-citizens who do not provide the affidavit at the time of application will not be considered.

This announcement may be used to fill like positions in other organizations within the National Science Foundation.

NSF has determined that all of its positions are eligible for telework. Work suitable for telework depends on job duties; therefore, employees must receive approval from their supervisor for telework and have a telework agreement in place. Entering into a telework agreement is voluntary.

The Selected Candidate(s) may be subject to a background investigation.

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.  In some cases, additional assessment processes may also be used.

We strongly encourage you to specifically address the Quality Ranking Factors below.  This will ensure that you receive full consideration in the evaluation process.

Quality Ranking Factors

  1. Knowledge of national policy issues specific to STEM, STEM education, and/or NSF.
  2. Experienced in federal science policy analysis and development.
  3. Excellent written and oral communication skills and experienced in engagement strategies, including with Congress.
  4. Experience with Boards and/or other high-level officials.
  5. Ability to manage and collaborate on complex projects.

To preview questions please click here.

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