The Branch Chief is responsible for the management of all activities of the Branch including proposal generation, review, negotiation, award, administration and close-out of all grants, and other assistance arrangements for one or more Program Directorates. These activities comprise all business and management aspects of up to 10,000 awards obligating from $500 million to $1 Billion including highly complex grants and cooperative agreements and other amendments for research.

Duties

As a Supervisory Grants Management Specialistyou will perform the following duties: Projecting range from small basic research activities to highly complex projects for the operation and management of large multimillion dollar research facilities or projects involving unique and extremely complex arrangements and subawards. Planning, controlling and directing the Branch activities; for making decisions on whether a project of a performer can be supported; for determining the appropriate proposal generation technique and award instrument; for making decisions and taking actions which directly affect relationships with and impact on NSF programs, divisions, and directorates, as well as various performer organizations and institutions; for resolving differences; and for making organizational changes and adjustments in the Branch. Serving as a liaison and coordinating coordination with and providing advice and guidance to Assistant and Deputy Assistant Directors, Division Directors and other program officials and for assisting in the planning development and review of Directorate activities such as program plans, announcements and solicitations. Performing institutional and organizational liaison assignments; for maintaining appropriate relations; and for dealing with issues of mutual interest with senior management officials of a large number of educational, non-profit, commercial and governmental organizations with which the agency does business. Making recommendations on and participates in the development of Foundation administrative and management policies and practices. Participating in the development and implementation of Division operating instructions and the Foundation implementation of Federal Assistance Regulations and issuances. In addition, the incumbent plays a key role in facilitating the implementation of electronic grant awards administration in the Branch. Conducting outreach to institutions and clientele groups, and advice on matters such as; resolution of audit reports, cost analyses, special studies, financial report monitoring and review, interagency reporting, operation of the Intergovernmental Review System, and internal and external training opportunities. Possessing extensive knowledge and understanding of NSF program objectives, plans and goals; procurement, granting and other assistance laws, Federal Acquisition Regulation, Office of Management and Budget circulars, 2CFR 200, policies and procedures; alternative project implementation and management techniques and support arrangements; agency policies and practices; management and administrative aspects and issues of concern to a variety of different types of performers; and the management and business aspects of diverse and varied types of projects and activities.

Requirements

Qualifications

To qualify at the GS-15 level, you must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-14 Level in the federal government managing grant programs. Examples of specialized experience include: providing research administration & business assistance to a variety of awardees; determining the financial conditions & adequacy of accounting systems of organizations recommended for funding; assisting awardees in implementing adequate financial, accounting, & compliance systems for Federal awards; & reviewing, analyzing, & resolving audit findings. Experience refers to paid/unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) & other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, & skills & can provide valuable training/experience that translates directly to paid work. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. This vacancy will utilize a multiple hurdle assessment process to determine the qualifications of applicants. The first hurdle will consist of applicants completing an occupational questionnaire related to the major duties and competencies of the position. For the second hurdle, Subject matter experts (SMEs) will review your resume to determine your technical qualifications for this position. SMEs will not review additional information beyond your resume (e.g., links embedded in your resume will not be opened).This process will determine the final rating of the applicant for possible referral to the hiring official for hiring consideration. You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above. Ratings will be assigned based on your responses to the occupational questionnaire which will rate the following competencies: 1. Technical Competence Uses knowledge that is acquired through formal training or extensive on-the-job experience to perform one's job; works with, understands, and evaluates technical information related to the job; advises others on technical issues. 2. Leadership Inspires, motivates and guides others toward goal accomplishment; coaches, mentors, and challenges subordinates; adapts leadership styles to a variety of situations; models high standards of honesty, integrity, trust, openness, and respect for the individual by applying these values to daily behaviors. 3. Partnering Develops networks and builds alliances; collaborates across boundaries to build strategic relationships and achieve common goals. 4. Financial Analysis Knowledge of financial methods, procedures, and practices to assess the financial stability of those applying for or receiving Federal grants or agreements. 5. Grants Management Laws, Regulations, and Guidelines Knowledge of principles, laws, regulations, policies, practices, and guidelines (for example, Executive Orders, Code of Federal Regulations, OMB circulars) of grant or agreement programs, including their order of precedence. For the second hurdle, resumes will be reviewed by SMEs for their level of experience in the following areas. Knowledge and experience with at least one aspect of Federal grant financial management processes: examples include Federal grant payment systems, payment request and expenditure reporting, general knowledge of cost allowability guidelines, program income, and other grant financial requirements. Developing financial management or business operations policy, guidance, or reports that synthesize input from multiple stakeholders internal and external to the organization. Formulating and executing financial management or business operations strategies in alignment with leadership priorities in an effort to improve program efficiency, enhance customer service, or deliver on mission results. Review your resume and responses carefully. Responses that are not fully supported by the information in your application package may result in adjustments to your score. A Human Resources Representative will validate the qualifications of those candidates eligible to be referred to the selecting official.

Education

Education may enhance skills required for this position; however, no substitution of education for specialized experience may be made at this level.

Contacts

• Address NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION, DIVISION OF GRANTS AND AGREEMENTS 2415 Eisenhower Ave Alexandria, VA 22314 US
• Name: Staffing and Classification Branch
• Email: [email protected]