Science Education Administrator (Program Director) Job in Alexandria, VA

Vacancy No. DGE-24-12553026 Department National Science Foundation
Salary $169,430.00 to $204,000.00 Grade 4 to 4
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 10/16/2024 Close Date 10/31/2024
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Alexandria, VA


Summary

The National Science Foundation is seeking qualified candidates for a Science Education Administrator (Program Director) position within the Directorate for STEM Education (EDU), Division of Graduate Education (DGE), Alexandria, VA.

For more information in EDU please click here.

For more information on DGE please click here.

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

Applications will be accepted from all US citizens who meet citizenship and eligibility requirements. Please see the "Other Information" section for further information.

Duties

This position is housed in the Division of Graduate Education (DGE) of the Directorate for STEM Education (EDU). EDU works to develop a well-informed citizenry and a diverse and capable workforce of scientists, technicians, engineers, mathematicians and educators. DGE's mission is to enable and inspire an inclusive, equitable, and globally competitive U.S. STEM workforce by supporting students, research, scholarship, and innovations in graduate education.

As a Program Director associated with the CyberCorps, Scholarship for Service program, the successful candidate will have the duties and responsibilities listed. The successful candidate will have knowledge of computer science education and its intersection with emerging issues associated with cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, next generation wireless, and/or quantum information science. In addition to the SFS program, the successful candidate will provide service as a Program Director for the education component of NSF's crosscutting Secure and Trustworthy Cyberspace (SaTC) program. As a member of DGE, the successful candidate will also support the operation of other existing and emerging programs and initiatives.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Proposal Review and Evaluation

  • Implements the proposal review and evaluation process.
  • Conducts scientific/technical analyses of proposals.
  • Contributes to the establishment or modification of the system of selection of ad hoc reviewers to meet NSF objectives and program needs.
  • Selects individuals to provide objective reviews of proposals either as experts or as members of a panel.
  • Conducts programmatic reviews, determines funds availability, and evaluates similar or related projects, including by serving as an internal and external liaison as necessary.
  • Negotiates technical and financial revisions of proposals as required.
  • Conducts final review of proposals and evaluations and recommends awards or declinations based on knowledge of resources availability, program goals, and peer reviewer comments.
  • Evaluates projects and activities that are proposed or funded by conducting site visits and reviewing interim and final reports.
  • Negotiates interagency agreements with other Federal agencies for transfer of funds to assist in the support of research and education.
Consultation and Liaison
  • Serves as a consultant within NSF on scientific matters related to his/her field.
  • Provides advice to prospective awardees and institutional representatives about NSF objectives, policies, and practices. Advises other agencies and institutions on topics within his/her scientific discipline.
  • Participates in the writing of program announcements or solicitations. Advises scientists and institutions about the character of scientific work that programs may support. Assists applicants to prepare proposals which conform to program requirements.
  • Coordinates with other divisions on programs designed to enhance the involvement of women, minorities, persons with disabilities, the industrial sector, international entities, and academic institutions in program areas.
  • Keeps abreast of relevant scientific research by attending professional meetings, conferences, and reviewing scientific literature.
Administration
  • Conducts analyses and prepares reports, position papers, letters, and other materials as necessary. Prepares internal budget plans for programs or other DGE activities.
  • Recommends new management practices to higher level management to facilitate the objectives of programs.
  • Manages/monitors grants/cooperative agreements under his/her purview to ensure fulfillment of commitments to NSF. Evaluates program content by review or evaluation of reports and publications. Provides guidance and oversees management of projects.
  • Contributes to establishing goals and objectives, including by initiating new program thrusts and phasing out old activities that are no longer needed.
  • Recommends new or revised policies and plans in scientific, fiscal, and administrative matters to improve the activities and management of the program.
  • Performs final Program Director reviews of completed projects.
  • Recommends to Division management ways to increase the impact of NSF programs and projects.
  • Works with project Pls to increase the impact of their projects.
  • Prepares technical and administrative guides to accomplish program objectives.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

This position is outside the competitive civil service.

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

All online applicants must provide a valid email address. If your email address is inaccurate or your mailbox is full/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.

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

Qualifications

Candidates must have a Ph.D. in computer science, mathematics, data science, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence or a related emerging technological 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 computer science, mathematics, data science, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, or a related field, plus after award of the degree, eight or more years of successful research, research administration, and/or managerial experience pertinent to the position.

Education

Please refer to the Qualifications section.

If your degree was obtained from a foreign institution, please also submit the certification from the Association for International Credential Evaluation Professionals, or certification equivalency.

Additional information

Relocation expenses MAY be paid contingent upon the availability of funds.

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 & including removal from Federal Service or termination of an IPA assignment & referral to the Office of Inspector General. Foreign Talent Definitions

This announcement is open to All US Citizens 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 similar 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.

Benefits

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

  1. Ability to design, plan, coordinate, and manage a complex portfolio and to achieve program outcomes and organizational objectives.
  2. Ability to interact, on a peer basis, with senior scientific and managerial personnel throughout the NSF, other governmental agencies, academia, non-profits, and the private sector.
  3. Demonstrated knowledge of computer science education and its intersection with emerging areas of cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, next generation wireless and/or quantum information science.
  4. Demonstrated commitment, expertise, and experience in supporting education and workforce development for computer science and emerging technological fields.
  5. Research, analytical, presentation, and technical writing skills that evidence an ability to communicate effectively with relevant stakeholders.

Required Documents

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 upload 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. Additionally, you are encouraged to list all applicable awards either in your CV or in a supplemental statement. This information will be used in the evaluation process.

Transcripts are not required; however, please indicate the year that each degree was obtained on your application materials. If your degree was obtained from a foreign institution, you MUST submit the certification from the Association for International Credential Evaluation Professionals, or certification equivalency.

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:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

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.

How to Apply

Applicants must complete and submit an application online at the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) USAJOBS website at https://www.USAJOBS.gov. An account must be established at the OPM website following the instructions provided in order to apply for the position. Once you have completed the USAJOBS process, you will be re-directed to the USA Staffing system to complete your application process, answer the online questions, and submit all required documents. Applications submitted other than the USAJOBS online application WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED under this announcement.
- Your application and all supporting documents must be received by 11:59 pm Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the closing date of this announcement. Applicants applying online for this position will be able to apply until 11:59 pm Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the closing date of this announcement. Please allow adequate time to complete your application.
-If you encounter technical difficulties during the process, please submit a USA Staffing Help Ticket for assistance. If you have technical difficulties applying to the vacancy on the USAJOBS website, click on Contact USAJOBS. It is suggested that you do not wait until the last day to apply for a vacancy announcement. We will not accept applications other than those submitted through USAJOBS.
- As the applicant, it is your responsibility to verify that information entered, uploaded, and submitted is received and is accurate. Ensure that your application includes the required documents listed under "Required Documents" and that they are uploaded in the appropriate fields.
- If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of this application and hiring process, please notify the point of contact on this job opportunity announcement.

IMPORTANT NOTE: PLEASE DO NOT INCLUDE YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER OR DATE OF BIRTH ON YOUR APPLICATION DOCUMENTS.

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.

Agency contact information

Staffing and Classification Branch
Address
NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION, DIVISION OF GRADUATE EDUCATION
2415 Eisenhower Ave
Alexandria, VA 22314
US
Learn more about this agency

Next steps

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.


Note: We cannot accept applications on behalf of Federal Agencies. Application instructions are listed within the Job Description.