Clarification from the agency

Applications will be accepted from U.S. Citizens only.

This position is situated in the Office of Polar Programs (OPP), Directorate for Geosciences (GEO). Consisting of three sections and Front Office service groups, with a staff of approximately 60, OPP currently manages an annual budget of approximately $600 million. OPP supports research in all areas of fundamental science and engineering in polar regions through research grants and awards to universities and other research organizations. Through OPP, NSF’s Director is staffed to chair the Interagency Arctic Research Policy Committee as stipulated by the Arctic Research Policy Act of 1982 as amended 1990. Also, through OPP, NSF fulfills the Presidentially mandated role (Presidential Memorandum 6646) of single point coordinator of the U.S. Antarctic Program (USAP) on behalf of all of government. OPP also oversees logistics, infrastructure, and science support needed for the conduct of research in both polar regions. The latter includes technical oversight of sizeable logistics supports contracts with the private sector as well as the enlistment of cost-reimbursable support services by a range of government agencies including the Department of Defense.

The Executive Officer is a member of the OPP senior management team and participates with the OPP Office Director in providing overall leadership and direction to the staff. The Executive Officer contributes to and maintains knowledge of overall office planning and directions, and is among the senior management team that can act as OPP Office Director in the absence of the incumbent. The Executive Officer coordinates and manages the activities of the Front Office staff who serve the needs of all the OPP Sections and senior management as well as of the Geosciences Directorate and larger Foundation. The Executive Officer has supervisory responsibility for Front Office groups in areas of Environment; Communications, Outreach and Media; Policy; and Program Analysis and Management. The Executive Officer oversees the coordination of OPP's participation in cross-directorate and Agency-wide activities. The Executive Officer contributes organizational guidance and tracking for OPP Advisory Committee activities. The Executive Officer holds clearances (TS/SCI level) in order to fulfill duties for representing the National Science Foundation on polar matters at meetings of the National Security Council and the Civil Applications Committee (CAC) that is hosted by the USGS.

Conditions of employment

• One Year probationary period for all new Career SES appointments.
• Requires and "Executive Branch Personnel Public Financial Disclosure Report" (OGE-278).
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret Clearance

It is NSF policy that NSF personnel employed at or IPAs detailed to NSF are not permitted to participate in foreign government talent recruitment programs. Failure to comply with this NSF policy could result in disciplinary action up to and including removal from Federal Service or termination of an IPA assignment and referral to the Office of Inspector General. Foreign Talent Definitions.

Qualifications

EXECUTIVE/MANAGERIAL (E/Ms): Unless you are currently under a career SES appointment, are eligible for reinstatement into SES, or have successfully completed a SES Candidate Development Program approved by OPM, you must submit written statements (narrative format) describing accomplishments that would satisfy the E/Ms. If you fail to do so, you will be rated ineligible

Mandatory

1. Leading Change.  Demonstrated ability to bring about strategic change, both within and outside the organization, to meet organizational goals.  Includes the ability to establish an organizational vision and to implement it in a continuously changing environment.

2. Leading People.  Demonstrated ability to lead people toward meeting the organization's vision, mission, and goals.  Includes the ability to provide an inclusive workplace that fosters the development of others, facilitates cooperation and teamwork, and supports constructive resolution of conflicts.

3. Results-Driven Leadership.  Demonstrated ability to meet organizational goals and customer expectations.  Includes the ability to make decisions that produce high-quality results by applying technical knowledge, analyzing problems, and calculating risks.

4. Business Acumen.  Demonstrated ability to manage human, financial, and information resources strategically.

5. Building Coalitions.  Demonstrated ability to build coalitions internally and with other Federal agencies, State and local governments, non-profit or private sector organizations, foreign governments, or international organizations to achieve common goals.

PROFESSIONAL/TECHNICAL (P/Ts): All applicants must submit written statements (narrative format) of accomplishments that would satisfy the P/T qualifications. You must address each P/T qualification separately.

Mandatory

1. Education, strongly preferred at the Ph.D. level, or equivalent professional experience and recognized professional status in a field of science or engineering under active study in the earth’s polar regions.
2. Substantial research contributions and experience in academic, government and/or private national research and education endeavors as evidenced in publications, innovative leadership in research administration and/or  professional leadership awards.
3. Demonstrated ability to work effectively on interdisciplinary matters and with scientific and technical staff from many disciplines, fostering forefront interdisciplinary research programs.
4. Experience involving large-scale infrastructure, logistics and international partnerships and/or experience in managing or coordinating such research.
5. Knowledge of grant and contract administration, fiscal management and budget preparation related to support of scientific research

When responding to each of the P/T and E/M qualifications, you must clearly show that you possess the experience. knowledge, skills and ability to perform the duties of this position by submitting narrative responses that are clear, concise, emphasize your level of responsibilities, scope, complexities of the programs managed, program accomplishments with results of your actions, policy initiatives and level of contacts.

Applicants currently serving under a career Senior Executive Service (SES) appointment, eligible for reinstatement into SES, or have successfully completed a SES Candidate Development Program (CDP) approved by OPM are not required to address the Executive/Managerial Qualifications (ECQs/Ems); but a narrative statement for each of the Professional/Technical Qualifications (PTQs) is recommended.

For detailed guidance on ECQs, applicants are strongly encouraged to review the Office of Personnel Management's
Guide to Executive Qualifications.

How you will be evaluated

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

Applicants will be screened for basic eligibility according to the qualification requirements.  Eligible applicants will be reviewed by an Evaluation Panel according to the criteria based on the qualification requirements.  The best qualified candidates will be referred to the appropriate official who will recommend selection.  All applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, marital status, physical disability, age, membership in an employee organization, or other non-merit reason.