The National Science Foundation is seeking qualified candidates for an Interdisciplinary (Supervisory Program Director) position for the Data Access, Confidentiality, and Quality Assessment Section in the National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics (NCSES) within the Directorate for Social, Behavioral and Economic Sciences (SBE) Alexandria, VA.
The National Science Foundation is seeking qualified candidates for an Interdisciplinary (Supervisory Program Director) position for the Data Access, Confidentiality, and Quality Assessment Section in the National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics (NCSES) within the Directorate for Social, Behavioral and Economic Sciences (SBE) Alexandria, VA.
Applications will be accepted from all US citizens who meet citizenship and eligibility requirements. Please see the "Other Information" section for further information.
NCSES has as its prime objective the development of factual and analytical information on the science and engineering enterprise and is the principal source within the Federal Government for statistics related to these resources. The Program Director is responsible for directing all activities of the section and requires not only knowledge in the appropriate disciplines, but also a commitment to exacting standards, a breadth of interest and receptivity to innovative ideas, good judgment, a high degree of personal integrity, and excellent teamwork and communications skills. The primary objective of the work is to provide policy makers with high quality data to fulfill the mission of NCSES.
Major Duties and Responsibilities
The Program Director plans, administers, and evaluates the overall work of the Data Access, Confidentiality, and Quality Assessment Section. This section oversees NCSES’s efforts associated with standardizing and streamlining data access opportunities, conducting research related to data usage, fitness for use assessment, data linkage, and data protection, and incorporating evaluation perspectives into NCSES activities.
This work is accomplished through staff assignments and contractual arrangements with the primary objective of providing policy makers with high quality, timely, accurate, and relevant data to fulfill the mission of NCSES. Specifically, the Program Director is responsible for ensuring the quality of all aspects of the section including products or surveys designed and conducted; analytical projects developed and written; database systems and tools developed and maintained; or reports, presentations, consultations, and materials developed and disseminated by the staff.
PROGRAM PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT
The Program Director plans, administers, and evaluates the overall section through staff assignments and contractual arrangements with the primary objective of providing secure access to high quality, timely, accurate, and relevant data to fulfill the mission of NCSES related to the S&E enterprise.
Oversees the development and maintenance of secure portals for accessing NCSES restricted-use data that broaden access opportunity while adhering to the NCSES confidentiality and privacy protections.
Oversees NCSES research activities related to investigating privacy protection techniques, exploring data linkage methods, broadening data access opportunities, exploring data infrastructure enhancements, and conducting innovative analysis to inform research and policy questions.
Participates in NCSES data governance efforts and activities to leverage the full use of NCSES and other federal data sources to meet the NCSES and NSF missions.
Develops and maintains the NCSES evidence-building plan (learning agenda), evaluation plan, performance metrics, and processes to integrate evaluation efforts into agency functions.
Advises and assists in the development of short-and-long range plans, establishing goals and objectives in support of products and services that ensure NCSES investments are targeted to innovative challenges and opportunities.
Maintains a healthy balance of support for all the needs of the research enterprise through section, directorate, NSF, or interagency activities.
Plans budgets for the section considering past, present, and future fiscal years; allocate resources within the budget by distributing resources among competitive programs or priorities.
Prepares and disseminates relevant information to internal and external stakeholders and customers, develops and implements communications strategies while overseeing the preparation of a wide range of information communications products, and builds and expands strategic partnerships.
REPRESENTATION, COMMUNICATION, AND LEADERSHIP
Represents NCSES at meetings and conferences, and frequently represents NSF in both inside and outside contacts. Interactions with high-level staff or representatives from within NSF, industrial and academic officials, the media, Federal agency officials, Congressional staff, and the public, often are for providing information that accurately reflect NCSES data access practices, policies, and positions.
Creates and maintains partnerships other NSF units and other Federal agencies in pursuit of the overall NCSES and NSF missions.
Participates in staff, panel, committee, and other meetings, providing input relevant to the section, NCSES, and/or NSF.
Prepares and disseminates a variety of informational documents that may include data on progress being made toward NCSES strategy, goals, trends and opportunities, and budget plans.
Pursues and/or responds to assignments on special projects or working groups across NSF, the Federal Statistical System, or the Federal Government to solve problems, improve staff communication, and ensure coordination for special programs.
Establishes contacts and maintain active involvement in section and related areas through participation in professional activities.
Selective Service registration required for male applicants, unless exempt.
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 (Foreign Talent Definitions). 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.
To ensure compliance with an applicable preliminary nationwide injunction, which may be supplemented, modified, or vacated, depending on the course of ongoing litigation, the Federal Government will take no action to implement or enforce the COVID-19 vaccination requirement Safer Federal Workforce Task Force 2 pursuant to Executive Order 14043 on Requiring Coronavirus Disease 2019 Vaccination for Federal Employees. Therefore, to the extent a Federal job announcement includes the requirement that applicants must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 pursuant to Executive Order 14043, that requirement does not currently apply. Federal agencies may request information regarding the vaccination status of selected applicants for the purposes of implementing other workplace safety protocols, such as protocols related to masking, physical distancing, testing, travel, and quarantine.
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 excluded from 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 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; OR a Master’s degree in a STEM field, plus after award of the degree, eight 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
Relocation expenses MAY be paid contingent upon the availability of funds
This announcement is open to US Citizens and 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.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
A GREAT LOCATION! The National Science Foundation Headquarters is conveniently located across the street from the Eisenhower Avenue Metro Station, right in Alexandria, VA, a few miles from downtown Washington, DC. There are shops and restaurants within walking distance, as well as historic Old Town Alexandria a short trip away. Employees receive the Federal benefits package and NSF offers:
Pre-tax parking Public transportation subsidy Child care subsidy Flexible working hours Telecommuting Physical Fitness Facility on site Health Services Unit on site Employee Assistance Program
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
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
Demonstrated experience with secure data access facilities for the storage of restricted-use data, procedures to request access to restricted-use data, and efforts to broaden data access opportunity while adhering to confidentiality and privacy protections.
Demonstrated knowledge or experience with implementing the requirements of the Confidential Information Protection and Statistical Efficiency Act of 2018 and other confidentiality laws.
Demonstrated knowledge or experience with implementing the requirements of the Foundations for Evidence-Based Policymaking Act of 2018.
Demonstrated experience in assessing, linking, and using alternative data sources including various forms of administrative data, web-based crowd-source data, or other forms of unstructured or organic data.
Demonstrated experience working with stakeholders, data users, and data providers to understand their needs and how to best meet these needs.
Demonstrated experience in resource management, both fiscal and personnel, for a program that encompasses multiple activities. Such experience should include (1) developing and monitoring the implementation of budgets, (2) knowledge of and experience with federal procurement and contracting procedures and regulations, and (3) demonstrated ability to direct a staff in carrying out a program covering one or more projects (evidence of successfully managing a number of contractors may partially substitute for direct supervisory experience).
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
A GREAT LOCATION! The National Science Foundation Headquarters is conveniently located across the street from the Eisenhower Avenue Metro Station, right in Alexandria, VA, a few miles from downtown Washington, DC. There are shops and restaurants within walking distance, as well as historic Old Town Alexandria a short trip away. Employees receive the Federal benefits package and NSF offers:
Pre-tax parking Public transportation subsidy Child care subsidy Flexible working hours Telecommuting Physical Fitness Facility on site Health Services Unit on site Employee Assistance Program
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
All applicants must submit a resume in any format, and may also submit a cover letter.
In order to be considered for federal appointments, Non-Citizens must affirm that they meet the Appropriations Law eligibility criteria 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. Non Citizens who are exempt from the Appropriations Law requirements due to their status as officers or employees of the U.S. government on December 16, 2009 must provide a statement with their application noting their exemption with documentation of proof of status as officers or employees of the U.S. government on that date.
You are strongly encouraged to submit a current performance appraisal and/or letter(s) of recommendation and a supplemental statement that describes how your background relates to the Quality Ranking Factors (QRFs) listed in the Qualifications and Evaluation Requirements section of this announcement. This information will be used in the evaluation process.
You should upload your letter of recommendation(s) or the individual(s) can email the letter of recommendation(s) to adsearch@nsf.gov; please ask him/her to put your name and the job announcement number in the subject line.
Transcripts are not required; however, please indicate the year that each degree was obtained on your application materials.
All uploading must be completed before 11:59 PM Eastern time on the vacancy closing date.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
Your application must be submitted online and all document uploading must be completed before 11:59 PM Eastern time on the vacancy closing date. You must answer all of the job-related questions to ensure full consideration for this position. For more detailed information, please review our NSF eRecruit Applicant Guide.
WARNING! Applications submitted online must have 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.
If you are unable to apply electronically, please use the Contact Information below for special instructions on how to submit your application materials. Hearing impaired individuals may call TDD (703) 292-5090 for assistance.
IMPORTANT NOTE: PLEASE DO NOT INCLUDE YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER OR DATE OF BIRTH ON YOUR APPLICATION DOCUMENTS.
NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION
2415 Eisenhower Ave
Alexandria, Virginia 22314
United States
Next steps
Shortly after the announcement closes, you will be notified as to whether or not you meet the basic qualification requirements. If you do, you will receive further consideration and evaluation. If the position is in the bargaining unit, and your application is referred to the selecting official, you will be contacted for an interview if interviews are conducted. Interviews for positions not in the bargaining unit may be conducted at the discretion of the selecting official. All qualified applicants will receive final notification of the outcome of the job opportunity announcement.
You may check the status of your application at any time on the USAJOBS website.
Applicants should click ‘Track this Application’ in the Applicant Dashboard to receive application updates.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
All applicants must submit a resume in any format, and may also submit a cover letter.
In order to be considered for federal appointments, Non-Citizens must affirm that they meet the Appropriations Law eligibility criteria 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. Non Citizens who are exempt from the Appropriations Law requirements due to their status as officers or employees of the U.S. government on December 16, 2009 must provide a statement with their application noting their exemption with documentation of proof of status as officers or employees of the U.S. government on that date.
You are strongly encouraged to submit a current performance appraisal and/or letter(s) of recommendation and a supplemental statement that describes how your background relates to the Quality Ranking Factors (QRFs) listed in the Qualifications and Evaluation Requirements section of this announcement. This information will be used in the evaluation process.
You should upload your letter of recommendation(s) or the individual(s) can email the letter of recommendation(s) to adsearch@nsf.gov; please ask him/her to put your name and the job announcement number in the subject line.
Transcripts are not required; however, please indicate the year that each degree was obtained on your application materials.
All uploading must be completed before 11:59 PM Eastern time on the vacancy closing date.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
Your application must be submitted online and all document uploading must be completed before 11:59 PM Eastern time on the vacancy closing date. You must answer all of the job-related questions to ensure full consideration for this position. For more detailed information, please review our NSF eRecruit Applicant Guide.
WARNING! Applications submitted online must have 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.
If you are unable to apply electronically, please use the Contact Information below for special instructions on how to submit your application materials. Hearing impaired individuals may call TDD (703) 292-5090 for assistance.
IMPORTANT NOTE: PLEASE DO NOT INCLUDE YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER OR DATE OF BIRTH ON YOUR APPLICATION DOCUMENTS.
NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION
2415 Eisenhower Ave
Alexandria, Virginia 22314
United States
Next steps
Shortly after the announcement closes, you will be notified as to whether or not you meet the basic qualification requirements. If you do, you will receive further consideration and evaluation. If the position is in the bargaining unit, and your application is referred to the selecting official, you will be contacted for an interview if interviews are conducted. Interviews for positions not in the bargaining unit may be conducted at the discretion of the selecting official. All qualified applicants will receive final notification of the outcome of the job opportunity announcement.
You may check the status of your application at any time on the USAJOBS website.
Applicants should click ‘Track this Application’ in the Applicant Dashboard to receive application updates.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
