Senior Programs and Planning Specialist

About the role

The Defense Manufacturing Program Office (DMPO) within the National Security Sciences Directorate (NSSD) is seeking a Senior Programs and Planning Specialist focused on financial management and reporting. The role collates requirements from program managers for project subcomponents, ensures project expenditures and schedules align with budget allocations and expiration dates, and reports financials accurately in compliance with sponsor requirements. Collaboration with budget analysts, program managers, and procurement specialists both within ORNL and with federal sponsors is essential. The position supports world‑class science and innovation for National Security missions.

Responsibilities

• Program budget analysis and management: lead discussions on budget, costs, and programming to keep management and sponsors routinely informed on budget/program execution.
• Prepare program and budget analyses to ready management for reviews with the federal sponsor.
• Develop analyses for sponsor reporting requirements to the Department of Defense and Congress.
• Ensure all funding control requirements are met.
• Stakeholder engagement: keep all stakeholders informed of potential schedule and budget issues.
• Work independently with stakeholders holding equities in the project.
• Analyze, troubleshoot, and resolve issues identified by senior program managers and federal sponsors.
• Research, federal project reporting & compliance: prepare and coordinate monthly, quarterly, and annual federal reporting deliverables.
• Ensure accuracy and timeliness of submissions.
• Support audits, reviews, and compliance tracking.

Requirements

• BS/BA degree (preferred) and 8–12 years of accounting experience.
• Practical experience with SAP, Ariba‑SAP, and Business Intelligence tools.

Preferred qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to identify requirements, define system solutions, and deliver results with minimal supervision.
• Proven project‑management, task‑prioritization, and effective time‑management skills in dynamic environments.
• Strong communication and leadership abilities, capable of interfacing confidently with technical and non‑technical stakeholders.
• Proficiency with Power BI and advanced Excel features (PowerPivot, PowerQuery).
• Understanding of Federal Strategic Partnership Projects and associated funding documents.

Special requirements

• Ability to obtain and maintain a Q clearance with SCI (Secret Compartmented Information) from the Department of Energy.
• Workplace Substance Abuse testing designation: pre‑placement drug test, ongoing random drug testing, and possible random polygraph testing due to SCI clearance.

Benefits

• Prescription drug plan
• Dental plan
• Vision plan
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Contributory pension plan
• Life insurance
• Disability benefits
• Generous vacation and holidays
• Parental leave
• Legal insurance with identity theft protection
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending accounts
• Health savings accounts
• Wellness programs
• Educational assistance
• Relocation assistance
• Employee discounts
• On‑site amenities such as fitness center, banking, and cafeteria facilities