Program Operations Specialist

Program Operations Specialist

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. If hired as Program Operations Specialist for MEP, you will:

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 modernize 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.