Title - Scientific Program Manager
Client: NOAA – Office of Education
Location: Silver Spring, MD (NOAA Headquarters) – Currently Onsite
Employment Type: Full-Time
Position Overview
NOAA''''s Office of Education is seeking an experienced Program Manager I to provide comprehensive contract and program management support for a high-visibility federal program. The selected candidate will serve as the primary point of contact between the Contractor and NOAA leadership, ensuring successful execution of all contractual requirements, program objectives, financial oversight activities, and performance management responsibilities.
This is a key personnel position and a critical evaluation factor for the contract. NOAA is seeking a candidate with a strong scientific or educational program management background. Experience supporting NOAA, other federal science agencies, the National Science Foundation (NSF), or the U.S. Department of Education is highly preferred.
Key Responsibilities
Contract & Program Management
- Provide overall leadership, management, and oversight for all contractor activities performed under the contract.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for the NOAA Contracting Officer (CO) and Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) on all contractual and programmatic matters.
- Ensure all contract deliverables, milestones, and performance requirements are completed accurately and on schedule.
- Maintain regular communication with NOAA stakeholders to ensure alignment with program goals and contractual obligations.
- Manage all aspects of task execution, staffing, resource allocation, and performance monitoring.
Personnel Leadership & Oversight
- Provide management, supervision, and technical direction to all contractor personnel assigned to the program.
- Foster a collaborative and high-performing team environment while ensuring quality and accountability across all contract activities.
- Exercise independent judgment in resolving complex administrative, operational, staffing, and performance-related issues.
Financial Management & Reporting
- Monitor and track contract labor hours, travel expenditures, and funding utilization.
- Develop and maintain detailed financial tracking mechanisms to ensure effective contract management.
- Prepare and submit monthly burn-rate reports, labor utilization reports, and budget status updates.
- Proactively identify potential funding shortfalls or over-expenditures and provide timely recommendations for corrective action.
Risk Management & Compliance
- Identify, assess, track, and report risks that may impact contract performance, schedule, budget, or staffing.
- Develop and implement mitigation strategies to minimize operational disruptions and ensure uninterrupted support.
- Ensure compliance with all federal regulations, contractual requirements, organizational policies, and reporting standards.
- Maintain accurate documentation related to performance, compliance, labor utilization, travel activities, and risk management.
Reporting & Communication
- Prepare recurring and ad hoc reports documenting project status, performance metrics, accomplishments, risks, and corrective actions.
- Present program updates and recommendations to NOAA leadership, COR, and other stakeholders as required.
- Maintain transparency and accountability through timely and effective communication.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Science, Education, Environmental Studies, Marine Science, Biology, Earth Sciences, Public Administration, or a related field.
- Minimum of four (4) years of professional program management experience.
- At least two (2) years of supervisory or team leadership experience.
- Demonstrated experience managing federal contracts, programs, or large-scale projects.
- Strong analytical, organizational, financial management, and problem-solving skills.
- Experience preparing reports, tracking budgets, and managing contract performance metrics.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work independently while managing multiple priorities in a dynamic federal environment.
Preferred Qualifications
- Prior experience supporting NOAA, particularly NOAA Education programs or scientific initiatives.
- Experience supporting other federal science-focused organizations such as the National Science Foundation (NSF), Department of Education, NASA, or similar agencies.
- Background in scientific, environmental, educational, marine, atmospheric, or natural resource programs.
- Familiarity with federal acquisition regulations (FAR), contract administration, and government program management.
- Experience managing multidisciplinary teams supporting federal scientific or educational programs.
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