The National Science Foundation is seeking qualified candidates for a Science Education Administrator (Program Director) position in the Division of Human Resource Development (HRD) within the Directorate for Education and Human Resource Management (EHR), Alexandria, VA.
The National Science Foundation is seeking qualified candidates for a Science Education Administrator (Program Director) position in the Division of Human Resource Development (HRD) within the Directorate for Education and Human Resource Management (EHR), 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.
HRD is seeking a Permanent Program Director for the Improving Undergraduate STEM Education: Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSI), Centers of Research Excellence in Science and Technology (CREST) and/or Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority Participation (LSAMP) Programs.
As a Program Director, the incumbent will be responsible for providing appropriate scientific and administrative judgment to ensure the integrity and consistency of the awards process and to effectively manage the timely merit review involved in decision making for the awards. In addition, the incumbent is expected to assist with other HRD programs as needed, by conducting review panels and developing recommendations for both proposal awards and declinations and managing a set of program portfolios.
The incumbent will manage the HSI program in collaboration with program directors from both the Divisions of Human Resource Development and Undergraduate Education and CREST and/or the LSAMP programs in collaboration with other HRD program directors. Activities will include but are not limited to timely and effective review of applications, processing of recommendations for awards and declinations, managing project portfolio, and conducting program outreach. The incumbent is expected to participate in staff, panel, committee, and other meetings, providing input relevant to the program area and/or division. As a Program Director in HRD/EHR, the incumbent is expected to contribute to the division’s and directorate's mission and goals as well as to the NSF’s overall mission including serving on EHR, agency-wide, and interagency working groups and committees.
The incumbent will represent the program, division, directorate, and Foundation within the scientific community, with other NSF divisions, with other appropriate agencies and organizations, and with the public, accurately reflecting NSF policies and positions.
As a Program Director, the incumbent is expected to be involved in
Program Planning and Management
Manage program resources to provide optimal appropriate scientific judgment to ensure integrity and consistency in the grant/declination process without conflicts-of-interest, and with balance among appropriate sub-fields and institutions, and participation of all qualified scientists. Incorporate cross-directorate responsibilities into program administration.
Manage an effective, timely merit review process, with attention to increasing the size and quality of the reviewer pools and ensuring participation by women, minorities and disabled scientists. Maintain a healthy balance of support for all the needs of the research and education enterprise.
Provide scientific expertise, evaluation, and advice for other programs in NSF, including international programs, other research programs, and cross-directorate programs. Develop new knowledge, new tools, and new syntheses, which inform policies and practices for improving student learning and teaching.
Advise and assist in the development of plans, establishing goals and objectives for the program. This requires a strong knowledge of different types of MSIs and the needs and resources at these institutions for capacity building in STEM education and research. Plan the budget for the program considering past, present and future fiscal years, allocate resources within the budget distributing scarce resources among major competitive programs, and manage post-award evaluation. Organize and prepare current data and other significant written material to be disseminated.
Representation, Communication and Leadership
Create and maintain linkages to other NSF units and other federal agencies in pursuit of the overall NSF mission. Represent the Foundation within the scientific community.
Participate in meetings, providing input relevant to program area and/or division. Prepare and disseminate a variety of informational documents which may include data on progress being made toward NSF's goals, trends and opportunities papers, and budget plans.
Pursue and/or be responsible to assignment on special projects and temporary functional teams from across the Foundation to solve problems, improve staff communication, and effect coordination for special programs.
Pursue affirmative action and EEO goals.
Contribute ideas and effort to improving the quality of policies, NSF's performance of the overall mission. Develop policies and plans for strengthening research and education programs. Provide information to the community on how NSF is pursuing its mission and gather data and impressions from the community on the effectiveness of NSF's performance of its mission
Professional Development
Expand administrative capabilities through training courses or assumption of new management responsibilities.
Establish contacts and maintain active involvement in program and related areas. Maintain familiarity with salient current research developments. Pursue individual research as workload and travel demands permit.
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 in the bargaining unit represented by AFGE Local 3403.
Please preview "Evaluations" section and "Qualifications" for additional requirements and Quality Ranking Factors.
Qualifications
Candidates must have a Ph.D. in STEM or STEM Education, plus after award of the Ph.D., six or more years of successful research, research administration, and/or managerial experience pertinent to the position. You must identify the date that your degree was obtained.
Additional qualifications (Preferred but not required):
A strong working knowledge of the different types of Minority-Serving Institutions (including HSIs, HBCUs, TCUs, and ANNHSIs). Experience in working with institutions that require building capacity in terms of human capital and workforce, physical and technological research infrastructures, and research programs. Research programs may be STEM disciplinary research or STEM education research and may include support for STEM education and workforce development. Ability to work with a diverse team of staff and work collaboratively with individuals who may be directly or indirectly involved in team assignments. Knowledge of managing programs in the context of federal funding agencies.
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 (All US Citizens OR 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.
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
Knowledge of and experience in promoting diversity and broadening participation of underrepresented groups in STEM, while building research capacity particularly within Minority-serving institutions;
Demonstrated ability to design, plan, coordinate and manage a complex portfolio and program deliverables to achieve organizational objectives, taking into consideration the variety of MSIs or HSIs that may be supported by these programs;
Knowledge of federal broadening participation programs and the NSF broadening participation portfolio;
Expertise in one of the STEM disciplines or STEM Education research or in STEM Education;
Analytical, presentation, and technical writing skills that evidence the ability to communicate effectively with diverse STEM and STEM Education communities to develop and advocate programs, policies, and plans; and
Ability to interact, on a peer basis, with senior scientific and managerial personnel throughout NSF, other Federal agencies, academia, non-profits, and the private sector.
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.
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.
