Program Officer - Gulf Environmental Protection and Stewardship

Gulf Research Program Program Officer

The Program Officer (PO) for the Gulf Research Program's (GRP) Environmental Protection and Stewardship unit (GEPS) develops and manages one or more applied research programs or projects aligned with GRP's mission, Strategic Plan, and settlement agreement. The incumbent develops program or project strategy and budget, supervises staff, and ensures programs or projects meet objectives, timelines, and budget. Working in a collaborative environment with internal staff and external experts, the PO designs and implements programmatic activities and serves as staff liaison to committees or panels. Responsibilities include assembling and managing committees, facilitating engagement among members, and supporting the development of research, analysis, and technical products. The role requires strong project management, staff supervision, applied research, analytical, technical writing, public speaking, and meeting facilitation skills, along with the ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences. The incumbent oversees GEPS' Riverine and Gulf Coast workstreams, managing and enhancing existing programs while working closely with the Program Director to identify, scope, and develop new programming. Areas of focus include understanding the physical dynamics of a changing Gulf environment, coastal processes such as sea level rise, and ecosystem functions, particularly in the Mississippi Delta, the Mobile-Tensaw Delta, and communities most at risk from flooding and storm surge. The incumbent applies in-depth professional knowledge and program management experience to address a range of moderately complex to complex problems. Assignments are broadly defined and require independence, sound judgment, and creativity in scoping work and translating insights into actionable outcomes. The PO carries out responsibilities with minimal oversight from the Program Director.