Clarification from the agency

This position is open to all qualified candidates. First consideration may be made 14 days after the opening date.

1. Creates a detailed work plan for all aspects of the ngEHT project. Works with the PI, PE and PS to establish work breakdown structures, task dependencies, risk assessments, resource requirements, budgets and allocation, communication and reporting protocols, internal and external reviews, schedules, and priorities. Specific elements of the work plan include multiple technical design and construction efforts, monitor and control systems for the distributed array, logistics for array operations, development of a data processing/analysis software pipeline, organization and coordination of science output and EPO (education and public outreach).

2. Coordinates project implementation and management. The PM has responsibility for managing day-to-day operational aspects of the ngEHT and EHT projects including:

• Tracking project progress using tools and techniques such as MS Project and Earned Value Management.
• Managing project budgets.
• Organizing reviews for project milestones.
• Tracking Science Requirements and Technical Specifications.
• Supporting coordination of EHT observation campaigns.
• Managing personnel and hiring within the project.
• Coordinating procurement and property management.
• Identifying problems and risks and working with the PI to resolve them.
• Leading project teams to ensure projects are executed efficiently, and project deliverables are on track, on budget, and properly resourced.
  

3. Leads and coordination with partners. Sets and communicates goals and objectives across collaborations. Maintains program visibility for the PI across international platforms by attending related conferences and meetings.  Interacts with senior management at high profile international astronomical research facilities, universities, and institutes to coordinate global activities of the EHT/ngEHT, including the development and negotiation of Memoranda of Understanding (MoU), Letters of Intent (LoI), and similar contractual agreements.  Coordinates ngEHT communication with Smithsonian Institution and SAO administrative stakeholders, including but not limited to the Office General Counsel, Bureau of International Affairs, Export Control and Compliance for EAR and ITAR matters, Financial Management, Sponsored Projects, Procurement and Human Resources.  

4. Interacts with funding agencies and coordinates program administration. Prepares and presents progress reports for funding agencies and internal project needs. The PM is responsible for all administrative aspects of grant management, ensuring that project milestones and budgets are met and status communicated; and satisfying contractual reporting requirements.

5. Participates in the development of future EHT-related initiatives. Identifies new opportunities and strategizes with PI and scientists on potential projects. Generates project management content including budgets, schedules, and descriptions of the planned approach. Assists with writing and editing, and oversees proposal submission.  Develops and presents technical and programmatic briefings and status reviews in support of new proposals.  Coordinates the contribution of other team members. Manages proposal development schedules and processes.

6. Engages in general SAO Project Management Activities. The PM will participate on proposal and project review panels for efforts outside of the R&G Division e.g. proposal red team reviews. The PM will work with PIs to generate proposal development plans as well as proposal programmatic content such as the budget, schedule, and management approach. As necessary, the PM will coordinate proposal efforts across the institution with SAO Central Engineering, the Financial Management Division, and the Director’s Office. The incumbent will support other projects ensuring their financial and contractual reporting obligations are met. Most generally, the PM will act as a general resource providing PIs with guidance on program management and formal management processes. Finally, the PM will support program initiatives led by the Director’s Office that aim to improve the overall functioning of SAO e.g. Program Management Council.

 NOTE:  

The Program Manager will be required to file a Confidential Statement of Employment and Financial Interests (SI Form 1085).

Conditions of employment

• Pre- and post-appointment background investigation
• Electronic funds transfer/direct deposit is required for salary payment.
• Required to file SI-1085
• May be required to serve a one-year probationary period.

For information on qualification requirements, see Qualification Standards Handbook for General Schedule Positions viewable on the web at http://www.opm.gov/qualifications/Standards/group-stds/gs-admin.asp.

Qualifications

Candidates must possess a minimum of one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the grade 14 in the normal line of progression for the occupation. Such experience includes but is not limited to managing projects for a government or research organization and participating in proposal preparation. Such experience would have included managing a project team, monitoring and controlling project performance and budgets, and interfacing with funding agencies and other external organizations.

How you will be evaluated

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

Your application will be evaluated first for the basic qualifications described above. The applications that meet the basic qualifications will be evaluated further against the following criteria:

• Comprehensive knowledge of the concepts, principles and practices of managing scientific programs, particularly as applied to projects with instrumentation, software and facility operation components.
• General knowledge of the concepts, principles, theories and professional scientific methods of astronomy, physics, engineering, or a related discipline to facilitate coordination of all activities across the EHT and ngEHT programs.
• General knowledge of systems engineering principles and practices as applied to large-scale technical projects.
• Ability to independently establish effective relationships and negotiate with staff and project partners from US and international scientific institutions, government agencies, and contractors, with a goal of fostering scientific and technical collaborations that maintain and enhance the Smithsonian’s leadership position in the EHT and ngEHT projects.
• Mastery of budget management practices, including the ability to define accurately the scope of projects, and to generate and maintain realistic project budgets and complex project technical schedules using established methods and tools such as Earned Value Management and MS Project.
• Ability to interpret and respond to contractual requirements, sponsor and donor policies, government regulations, and SI/SAO policies and procedures in order to resolve issues that may be unique to the EHT and ngEHT efforts.
• Mastery and expert skill in planning, organizing, directing, and conducting complex studies, as well as skills in justifying or resolving matters involving significant or controversial issues.
• Excellent verbal and written interpersonal skills, including the ability to give well organized presentations to varied audiences on technical, program planning, financial and contractual elements of the project.

Important Note:
Your resume and supporting documentation will be compared to your responses to the occupational questionnaire or other assessment tool for consistency. If a determination is made that you have rated yourself higher than is supported by your resume, you will be assigned a rating commensurate to your described experience.

Your resume should provide detailed information regarding how your education and experience relate to this position, including the major duties and qualifications criteria listed.