Senior Programs and Planning Specialist

This role within the Defense Manufacturing Program Office (DMPO) focuses on financial management and reporting, collating requirements from program managers, ensuring project expenditures and schedules align with budget allocations, and reporting financials accurately in compliance with sponsor requirements. The position requires collaboration with budget analysts, program managers, and procurement specialists both within ORNL and with federal sponsors.

Responsibilities

• Lead program discussions regarding budget, costs, and programming to ensure management and the sponsor are routinely informed on budget/program execution.
• Prepare analysis of programs and budgets to prepare management for program reviews with the federal sponsor.
• Prepare analysis for the sponsor in support of their reporting requirements to DoD and Congress.
• Ensure all funding control requirements are met.
• Engage stakeholders to inform them of potential schedule and budget issues.
• Work independently with stakeholders with equities in the project.
• Analyze, troubleshoot, and resolve issues identified by stakeholders, including senior program managers and federal sponsors.
• Prepare and coordinate federal reporting deliverables (monthly, quarterly, annual).
• Ensure accuracy and timeliness of submissions.
• Support audits, reviews, and compliance tracking.

Requirements

• BS/BA degree and 5-7 years of accounting experience preferred.
• Practical experience utilizing SAP, Ariba-SAP, and Business Intelligence software.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret Compartmented Information (SCI) clearance from the Department of Energy (DOE).
• This position is a Workplace Substance Abuse (WSAP) testing designated position; requires passing a pre-placement drug test and participation in an ongoing random drug testing program.
• May be subject to random polygraph testing due to SCI requirements.
• Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to identify requirements, define system solutions, and deliver results with minimal supervision.
• Proven skills in project management, task prioritization, and effective time management in dynamic environments.
• Strong communication and leadership skills with the ability to interface confidently with technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Proficiency in PowerBI and Advanced Excel (PowerPivot, PowerQuery).
• Understanding of Federal Strategic Partnership Projects and associated funding documents.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision plans.
• 401(k) Retirement Plan and Contributory Pension Plan.
• Life Insurance and Disability Benefits.
• Generous vacation, holidays, and parental leave.
• Legal Insurance with Identity Theft Protection.
• Employee Assistance Plan.
• Flexible Spending Accounts and Health Savings Accounts.
• Wellness Programs and Educational Assistance.
• Relocation Assistance and Employee Discounts.
• On-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities.
• Flexible work hours.

ORNL is a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory with an 80-year legacy of addressing national challenges. The team consists of over 7,000 dedicated individuals committed to driving scientific breakthroughs and translating them into solutions for energy, environmental, and security challenges.