KEY REQUIREMENTS



• Background investigation.
• Preview questions at bottom of Qualifications & Evaluations--see tab above.

As Program Director, you will plan, administer, and evaluate overall activities and responsibilities of NCSES’ Science and Engineering Indicators Program (SEI). SEI’s primary objective is providing policy makers, researchers, and the general public with relevant, high-quality information on issues of current or enduring concern across all areas of science, technology and innovation enterprise (STI). The Program’s work is accomplished through staff assignments and contractual arrangements. You should be capable of operating with a large degree of independent authority, be broadly knowledgeable by training or experience in major policy dimensions and trends affecting US and global STI, and have expertise working closely with the major data sources used to track key trends in the global STI system (i.e., knowing their strengths and weaknesses).

Applicants must have an earned Ph.D. degree or equivalent experience in social sciences, statistics, survey research, or another quantitatively oriented field. An orientation towards quantitative analyses in the major policy areas described above is highly desirable, and the applicant should have at least six years experience in the analysis of complex datasets.

Demonstrated experience in analyzing topics related to these policy areas is also highly desirable, as is Indicators-related research and administrative and managerial experience in guiding such work. Evidence of succinct and compelling graphical presentation of analysis results is a plus.

You will need to successfully complete a background security investigation before you can be appointed into this position.

You must meet eligibility and qualification requirements before 11:59 PM Eastern time on the closing date of the job announcement. You must answer all job-related questions in the NSF eRecruit questionnaire.

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 Program Director position is not in the bargaining unit.

HOW YOU WILL BE EVALUATED:

You will be evaluated on the extent and quality of your experience, education, and research relevant to the duties of the position. 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. Demonstrated experience and broad substantive knowledge and understanding of the major trends affecting US and global science and technology indicators (STI) the associated policy dimensions; the major indicators used to track key trends in the global STI system; the connections of the STI system with the economy and society at large; and the major features of STI systems in other developed and rapidly emerging nations.
2. Demonstrated experience working individually, as part of a team, or as a team leader of a matrix-managed staff on major analytical or methodological projects produced under tight and firm deadlines.  Demonstrated experience in uncovering, analyzing and authoritatively summarizing key features and emergent trends revealed by statistical, survey, or administrative data in STI topic areas.
3. Demonstrated written and verbal communications skills required to translate highly technical quantitative material into language understandable to policy decision-makers and the interested public, speak before large audiences, handle impromptu question and answer sessions and media inquiries, negotiate with groups and key individuals with divergent points of view, and clearly and cogently brief top decision-makers.
4. Demonstrated interpersonal skill necessary to work effectively with an executive Board, Congressional staff, and domestic or international organizations.
5. Demonstrated administrative, technical, and managerial ability to prioritize, organize, balance, and coordinate a shifting portfolio of activity, some of which may not have been previously attempted; to plan and execute Program-level budgets; and to supervise, direct, and evaluate employee  performance.

A GREAT LOCATION! The National Science Foundation is conveniently located one block from the Ballston Metro Station, a few blocks from Routes 66 and 50, and about three miles from downtown Washington. Employees may rent parking spaces in the building garage. There are many shops and restaurants within easy walking distance. Employees receive the Federal benefits package and NSF offers:

• Pre-tax parking
• Public transportation subsidy
• Child development center on site
• Child care subsidy
• Flexible working hours
• Telecommuting
• Physical fitness facility on site
• NSF Federal Credit Union on site
• Health services unit on site
• Employee assistance program

OTHER INFORMATION:

If you do not have civil service status or reinstatement eligibility, you will not obtain civil service status if selected. If you are currently in the competitive civil service, you will be required to waive competitive civil service rights if selected.

Relocation expenses will be paid subject to funds availability.

For additional information on the NSF eRecruit system, please visit our NSF eRecruit Frequently Asked Questions.

Your application should be submitted online and must be completed and all required documents successfully faxed or uploaded before 11:59 PM Eastern time on the 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 Frequently Asked Questions.

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.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:

Non-Citizens who are permanent US residents and actively seeking citizenship are required to provide documentation that confirms you are actively seeking citizenship at the time you submit your application. Non-Citizens who do not provide documentation will not be considered.

You are strongly encouraged to submit a current performance appraisal and/or letters(s) of recommendation. Additionally, you are strongly encouraged to submit a supplemental statement that describes how your background relates to the Quality Ranking Factors listed in the Qualifications and Evaluation Requirements section of this announcement. This information will be used in the evaluation process.

You can fax or 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.

Faxing Instructions: Please print out the appropriate fax coversheet(s) and follow the instructions carefully. All faxing must be completed before 11:59 PM Eastern time on the job announcement closing date. Please use extreme care in dialing the fax number to assure we receive your information. You will receive an email confirmation of receipt of your faxed document(s).

Transcripts are not required; however, please indicate the year that each degree was obtained on your application materials.

We also ask that you complete and submit the Applicant Survey Form. This will help NSF to ensure that our recruiting efforts are attracting a diverse candidate pool; it will be used for statistical purposes only.

AGENCY CONTACT INFO:

WHAT TO EXPECT NEXT:

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. 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.