Program Manager IV (STI/Modeling Team) - NOAA

The Office of Science and Technology Integration (OSTI) within the National Weather Service (NWS) supports development and transition of advanced numerical models (Unified Forecast System R2O, Hurricane Forecast Improvement Program, Weeks 3/4 initiative, Air Quality Forecast Capability, Seasonal Forecast System and related supplemental projects) into NWS operations.

INNOVIM seeks a Program Manager IV to provide senior level program management, budget tracking and technical liaison services to OSTI’s Modeling Program team. The Program Manager IV will serve as key personnel and act as a single point of contact between INNOVIM and the Government for all activities performed under the contract.

The role is hybrid, requiring regular presence in Silver Spring, MD, along with remote work.

Key responsibilities

             Program coordination and milestone tracking – Manage Annual Operating Plan (AOP) milestones and deliverables using Smartsheet and other enterprise tool. Coordinate Quarterly Program Review (QPR) charts and develop briefings to communicate accomplishments, issues and risks to OSTI leadership. Work with multiple modeling projects (UFS R2O, Next Generation Global Prediction System, HFIP, Weeks 3/4, Air Quality, Seasonal Forecast System, COASTAL Act, William M. Lapenta Internship Program, SDE initiatives etc.) and ensure alignment of schedules, metrics and deliverables across them.

Budget execution and spend plan management – Prepare spend plans, develop funding memos and support OSTI’s budget office in the transfer of funds for program activities. Track obligations and commitments, assist in developing resource requirements for program priorities, and coordinate preparation and execution of inter agency agreements.

             Technical and stakeholder liaison – Facilitate meetings, workshops and teleconferences with NWS/NCEP, Environmental Modeling Center (EMC) scientists, NOAA labs, academia and other stakeholders to advance research to operations transitions. Provide technical coordination, track issues and risks, and help resolve obstacles in UFS and related projectsjobseq.eqsuite.com. Prepare executive level briefings, technical documents, white papers and program reports. Represent OSTI on UFS working groups and steering committees when required.

Staff leadership and training – Provide clear direction to contract staff, oversee onboarding and departure procedures, ensure compliance with badging and equipment policies, and report personnel issues to the Modeling Program Lead. Train staff on Smartsheet, Google Workspace and NOAA processes, and support performance reviews.

Program outreach and communication – Support outreach activities with forecasters and end users. Coordinate workshops (e.g., Air Quality forecasters’ workshop) and produce communication products (web content, presentations) to share program achievements. Gather user feedback and disseminate responses based on subject matter knowledge of meteorology, atmospheric chemistry and numerical weather prediction.

Minimum qualifications

• Education – Master’s degree (M.S.) in meteorology, atmospheric science or a related physical science field (Ph.D. preferred).

• Experience – At least 15 years of progressive experience in program management and scientific/technical projects related to weather or environmental modeling. Demonstrated ability to design, implement, manage and track complex programs and budgets in government or research environments. Familiarity with the Unified Forecast System, R2O processes, and NOAA/NWS line offices is strongly desired.

• Tools and skills – Proficiency with Smartsheet, Google Workspace and Microsoft Office for project scheduling and collaboration. Ability to develop and manage budgets and spend plans, and to prepare high quality briefings and technical documents. Strong analytical and organizational skills, with experience tracking milestones and metrics using dashboards and spreadsheets. Excellent written and verbal communication skills and experience engaging senior executives and technical staff.

• Leadership – Proven ability to lead and motivate multidisciplinary teams, coordinate across multiple stakeholders, and serve as a single point of contact for customers and contract officials. Must be eligible for Public Trust clearance and willing to work in a hybrid (on site/off site) environment.

• Security and compliance: Ability to obtain a Public Trust clearance and adhere to NOAA software governance and information technology policies.

Desired attributes

• Experience planning and executing scientific research projects, especially those involving earth system modeling or atmospheric chemistry, and supporting transitions from research to operations.

• Knowledge of NOAA program management practices, including development of inter agency agreements and funding memos.

• Familiarity with the Unified Forecast System (UFS) governance structure, Earth Prediction Innovation Center (EPIC), and the NOAA Environmental Modeling Center.

• Experience facilitating virtual, in person and hybrid meetings and workshops; strong interpersonal skills for working with scientists, engineers and stakeholders across government, academia and the private sector.

INNOVIM is committed to providing superior work in the fields of science, engineering, data analytics and technology to government agencies. We offer competitive compensation packages, including comprehensive nationwide Medical/Dental/Vision insurance programs, life insurance, matching 401k contribution and Educational/Training support.