Administrative Program Specialist I, II & III

Overview

NOAA's Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR) provides the research foundation for understanding the complex systems that sustain our planet. Working in partnership with other organizational units of NOAA, OAR provides better forecasts, earlier warnings for natural disasters, and a greater understanding of the Earth. OAR advances climate, weather, and water, ecosystem, and mission service program goals.

Within OAR, the Climate Program Office (CPO) manages competitive research programs in which NOAA funds high-priority climate science, decision-support research, outreach, education, and capacity-building activities designed to advance our understanding of Earth's climate system, and to foster the application of this knowledge in risk management and resilience efforts.

Role Summary

This Position is contingent upon contract award. Professionals in this consolidated role provide the essential administrative, logistical, analytical, and programmatic backbone for the CPO Director's Office and its scientific divisions. Depending on their specific level, they range from junior specialists handling day-to-day office logistics to senior analysts overseeing complex grant portfolios, advanced knowledge management databases, and high-level project coordination.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate, and execute logistics for meetings, official travel (using NOAA's travel management system), webinars, workshops, and large-scale initiatives like the NIHHIS Urban Heat Island Mapping Campaigns
• Provide comprehensive grant administration, which includes tracking funded research projects, maintaining accurate records, and meticulously managing the disbursement of honoraria for review panels and speakers
• Execute expert organizational and problem-solving tasks, managing general information requests and leading cross-office coordination workflows to buffer federal leadership
• Design, develop, and maintain advanced knowledge management tracking functions and databases to report on project accomplishments, impacts, and evolving partner priorities
• Serve as a primary programmatic interface with the CPO communications team, managing website content, drafting newsletters, and developing programmatic materials and impact stories
• Deliver direct customer service to funded investigators, ensuring compliance with reporting requirements and coordinating monthly network calls

Required Experience

• For Level I: More than 2 years and up to 5 years of experience
• For Level II: More than 5 years and up to 10 years of relevant experience
• For Level III: More than 10 years and up to 15 years in fields such as Program Management, Management and Program Analysis, Budget Analysis, Financial Management, or Technical Writing and Editing.

Preferred Credentials

• Graduate degree in a relevant field
• Comprehensive knowledge of and strong relationship with the CPO stakeholders community
• Prior experience working at CPO or a similar agency

General Qualifications (Applicable To All Roles)

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Project), Google Workspace (Mail, Docs, Sheets, Slides)
• A highly motivated, energetic, and professional demeanor, with the ability to interface with senior, influential, international officials
• Strong foundation in ethical behavior, sound business judgment, and thorough research capabilities

About IBSS Corp.

Since 1992, IBSS, a woman-owned small business, has provided transformational consulting services to the Federal defense, civilian, and commercial sectors. Our services include cybersecurity and enterprise information technology, environmental science and engineering (including oceans, coasts, climate, and weather), and professional management services. Our approach is to serve our employees by investing in their growth and development. As a result, our employees bring greater capabilities and provide exceptional service to our clients. In addition to creating career development opportunities for our employees, IBSS is passionate about giving back to the community and serving the environment. We strive to leave something better behind for the next generation. We measure our success by the positive impact we have on our employees, clients, partners, and the communities we serve. Our tagline, Powered by Excellence, is a recognition of the employees that make up IBSS and ensures we deliver results with quality, applying industry best practices and certifications.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage with a company-paid deductible
• Paid time off
• Federal holidays
• A matching 401K plan
• Tuition/professional development reimbursement
• Flex-Spending (FSA)/Dependent Care Account (DCA) options

EEO Statement

All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information.

If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to the Talent Acquisition department at Recruiting@ibsscorp.com.