Program Operations Specialist

Summary Help drive NIST's Manufacturing Extension Partnership by providing strategic administrative counsel and program coordination to senior leadership as a Program Operations Specialist. You will manage complex budgets, interpret federal regulations, and craft influential communications for diverse stakeholders. This role offers the chance to enhance organizational efficiency through expert project management and policy development in a collaborative environment. Duties As part of NIST, the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) enhances the productivity and technological performance of U.S. manufacturing. Through a robust public‑private network, MEP Centers collaborate at federal, state, and local levels to help manufacturers develop new products, adopt cutting‑edge technology, and strengthen domestic supply chains. We serve as the primary link between the manufacturing community and the federal research ecosystem. At the ZA‑II Level: Serve as a key administrative advisor to the MEP Senior Leadership team, tracking work assignments, ensuring regulatory compliance, and assisting in decision‑making; coordinate the implementation of administrative procedures in collaboration with the MEP Advisory Board, managing timelines to ensure adherence to federal policies; research, draft, and deliver briefings and presentations for stakeholders on programmatic and administrative matters; review and reconcile cooperative‑agreement budgets for accuracy and provide guidance on federal regulations regarding travel, time and attendance, and procurement. At the ZA‑III Level: Serve as the Senior Administrative Specialist, providing expert analytical oversight and authoritative recommendations on mission‑critical assignments and priorities; lead cross‑functional working groups to independently create and modernise policies, managing complex project lifecycles from conception to completion; independently author high‑level controlled correspondence, briefing packages, and strategic reports for senior management and external stakeholders; independently manage and troubleshoot complex budgets and database integrity, providing critical analysis to ensure divisional solvency. Qualifications To qualify for the ZA‑II level, applicants must possess one of the following: One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least GS‑7 (ZA‑I at NIST); this includes performing complex administrative assignments, researching information, interpreting internal guidelines, drafting technical documents such as SOPs or program reference materials, and analysing options or data points to recommend actions for daily office operations. A master’s or equivalent graduate degree. Two full years of progressively higher‑level graduate education leading to such a degree. LL.B. or J.D., if related. An equivalent combination of education and experience. To qualify for the ZA‑III level, applicants must possess: One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least GS‑11 (ZA‑II at NIST); this includes leading a team or overseeing a specific program area to complete complex administrative projects, analysing high‑level policies or regulations to provide formal recommendations to senior management, and writing technical reports or memos used by leadership for final program or budgetary decisions. Paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work through National Service programs such as Peace Corps or AmeriCorps, as well as professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, or social organizations. All qualifying experience, including volunteer experience, will be credited appropriately. The qualification requirements are based on the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards Handbook. For reconsideration of qualification determination, refer to Applicant Reconsideration. #J-18808-Ljbffr National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)