OverviewAt PNNL, our core capabilities are divided among major departments that we refer to as Directorates within the Lab, focused on a specific area of scientific research or other function, with its own leadership team and dedicated budget.
Our Science & Technology directorates include National Security, Earth and Biological Sciences, Physical and Computational Sciences, and Energy and Environment. In addition, we have anEnvironmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory, a Department of Energy, Office of Science user facility housed on the PNNL campus.
The Director of Program Development (PDO Director) is a key member of the Leadership Team for the newly formed Integrated Discovery Sciences Directorate (IDSD) and is responsible for the holistic formulation of strategic priorities and directions for programmatic development and capture of research programs and partner project opportunities across the IDSD fundamental sciences sponsor landscape. The Director oversees a program portfolio that delivers ~$320M in annual business volume to PNNL. Included programs are executed across Advanced Scientific Computing Research (ASCR), Biological and Environmental Research (BER), and Basic Energy Sciences (BES) as primary sponsor spaces. With growing strategic focus that includes Fusion Energy Sciences (FES), Health and Human Services (HHS, primarily National Institutes of Health), Isotopes Research and Production (IRP), and evolving sponsors (eg NASA, Advanced Research Programs Agency-Health and Energy aka ARPA-H/ARPA-E). Responsibilities of the Director include developing program development strategies, driving scientific innovation and impact awareness with key sponsor stakeholders through recurring in-person and virtual engagements, identifying and developing new programmatic opportunities, ensuring high quality products (both proposals and communications products), matrixing leadership of a set of sponsor-specific leads in a coordinated and holistic manner, and sustaining strong positive relationships with our primary sponsors.
The PDO Director leads a team (combination of direct line and matrix line) that develops and grows programs for these sponsors as well as those in evolving sectors (such as NASA, NOAA, Industry), and works synergistically with other PNNL Directorates to develop opportunities for other sponsors (such as DOW, DHS, CMEI, FE) to develop strategies that leverage fundamental science advances into applied sponsor spaces to amplify our impact for the nation. A critical aspect of this role will be in crafting a holistic strategy that directly supports and translates PNNL’s bold new fundamental science directions to create new Office of Science and other basic science sponsor programmatic opportunities as well as seamlessly connect into and transition the advances into new applied sponsor space opportunities in coordination with the National Security and Energy and Environment Directorate program development efforts.
This position is a key direct report to the Associate Laboratory Director (ALD), along with the Chief Operating Officer (COO), the Chief Science and Technology Officer (CSTO), and five Division Directors. Performance of the PDO Director is measured by successful project renewals, effective pursuit of programmatic opportunities, science mission impact, increased visibility and reputation building for our staff, and new strategically aligned research funding.
The PDO Director works closely with the IDSD CSTO and the PNNL’s Office of the Deputy Laboratory Director for Science & Technology to formulate strategy and approaches to ensure PNNL and IDSD is well positioned for the future. The Director is a key participant in strategic decision-making, in particular influencing internal research investments that build a competitive advantage for current and future business.
The PDO Director works with the IDSD ALD to develop and drive the programmatic strategy for IDSD. This overarching responsibility requires that the incumbent execute responsibilities including, but not limited to, the following:
- Develop, steward and manage a large programmatic portfolio (~$320M), ensuring that sponsor’s expectations are met or exceeded.
- Effectively enhance and build new strategic relationships across primary sponsor senior leadership (generally Associate and Division Director levels) including ASCR, BER, BES, FES, IRP. Additionally, the incumbent will be expected to identify new business opportunities with other United States Government agencies, philanthropic entities and industry.
- Leadership and mentorship of a 4-6 person matrixed team to execute the responsibilities of the PDO.
- Manage a ~$8.5M program development budget to ensure successful execution of responsibilities.
- Partner with IDSD CSTO to provide input into evolving strategic directions and internal capability development priorities while ensuring LDRD is aligned with the priorities of the organization.
- Provide support to lab-level S&T planning directly to the Office of the Deputy Director for S&T as the IDSD PDO representative, alongside the IDSD CSTO, on the PNNL S&T Council.
- Coordinate with other Directorates across PNNL to design and execute synergistic program development of cross-Directorate programs consistent with fundamental science strategic directions.
- Partner with PNNL’s Director of Research Partnerships to support activities with identified external partners for collaboration to elevate the science impact of IDSD and PNNL.
- Promote a culture of mentoring scientists and engineers, leading by example.
- Communicate holistic programmatic strategy and the successes that result from it to staff across the Laboratory in partnership with IDSD CSTO.
- Engage IDSD scientific and technical staff, at all levels, in the development and execution of programs, empowering a creative, productive and innovative S&T environment for all staff.
QualificationsMinimum Qualifications:
- BS/BA and 15 years of relevant experience -OR-
- MS/MA or higher and 13 years of relevant experience
Preferred Qualifications:
- PhD in science or engineering.
- Demonstrated strong communications and influencing skills, for both internal and external stakeholders.
- Prior experience in a management/senior leadership position working closely with sponsors, partners, external stakeholders, societies, and other DOE laboratories.
- Experience in successfully setting vision, strategy, objectives, and priorities to enhance organizational performance.
- Experience with major portions of IDSD mission science, stakeholders and sponsors.
- Experience and an established track record in developing productive and positive sponsor relationships.
- Experience managing large and complex programs and organizations.
- Demonstrated leadership of a high-impact R&D program, research network, strategy, or program engaging multiple institutions.
- Evidence of S&T breadth, or at least the ability to move into new areas is required.
- Experience leading a matrix organization.
- Ability to obtain a federal security clearance.
Hazardous Working Conditions/EnvironmentNot Applicable
Testing Designated PositionThis is not a Testing Designated Position (TDP).
About PNNLPacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is a world-class research institution powered by a highly educated, diverse workforce committed to the values of Integrity, Creativity, Collaboration, Impact, and Courage. Every year, scores of dynamic, driven people come to PNNL to work with renowned researchers on meaningful science, innovations and outcomes for the U.S. Department of Energy and other sponsors; here is your chance to be one of them!
At PNNL, you will find an exciting research environment and excellent benefits including health insurance, and flexible work schedules. PNNL is located in eastern Washington State—the dry side of Washington known for its stellar outdoor recreation and affordable cost of living. The Lab’s campus is only a 45-minute flight (or ~3 hour drive) from Seattle or Portland, and is serviced by the convenient PSC airport, connected to 8 major hubs.
Commitment to Excellence and Equal Employment OpportunityOur laboratory is committed to fostering a work environment where all individuals are treated with fairness and respect while solving critical challenges in fundamental sciences, national security, and energy resiliency. We are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. PNNL considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), protected veteran status, and any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local laws.
We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures and in employment. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, contact us at careers@pnnl.gov.
Drug Free WorkplacePNNL is committed to a drug-free workplace supported by Workplace Substance Abuse Program (WSAP) and complies with federal laws prohibiting the possession and use of illegal drugs.
If you are offered employment at PNNL, you must pass a drug test prior to commencing employment. PNNL complies with federal law regarding illegal drug use. Under federal law, marijuana remains an illegal drug. If you test positive for any illegal controlled substance, including marijuana, your offer of employment will be withdrawn.
Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility RequirementsAs a national laboratory, PNNL is responsible for adhering to the Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which require new employees to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identify Verification (PIV) Credential. To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete the applicable tier of federal background investigation post hire and receive a favorable federal adjudication. The tier of federal background investigation will be determined by job duties and national security or public trust responsibilities associated with the job. All tiers of investigation include a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last 1 to 7 years (depending on the applicable tier of investigation). Illegal drug activities include marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.
For foreign national candidates:
If you have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, you are not eligible for the PIV credential and instead will need to obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) Federal risk determination to maintain employment. Once you meet the three-year residency requirement thereafter, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment. The tier of federal background investigation required to obtain the PIV credential will be determined by job duties at the time you become eligible for the PIV credential.
Mandatory RequirementsPlease be aware that the Department of Energy (DOE) prohibits DOE employees and contractors from having any affiliation with the foreign government of a country DOE has identified as a “country of risk” without explicit approval by DOE and Battelle. If you are offered a position at PNNL and currently have any affiliation with the government of one of these countries, you will be required to disclose this information and recuse yourself of that affiliation or receive approval from DOE and Battelle prior to your first day of employment.
Rockstar RewardsEmployees and their families are offered medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, robust telehealth care options, several mental health benefits, free wellness coaching, health savings account, flexible spending accounts, basic life insurance, disability insurance*, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, tuition assistance, relocation, backup childcare, legal benefits, supplemental parental bonding leave, surrogacy and adoption assistance, and fertility support. Employees are automatically enrolled in our company-funded pension plan* and may enroll in our 401 (k) savings plan with company match*. Employees may accrue up to 120 vacation hours per year and may receive ten paid holidays per year.
* Research Associates excluded.
**All benefits are dependent upon eligibility.
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Notice to ApplicantsPNNL lists the full pay range for the position in the job posting. Starting pay is calculated from the minimum of the pay range and actual placement in the range is determined based on an individual’s relevant job-related skills, qualifications, and experience. This approach is applicable to all positions, with the exception of positions governed by collective bargaining agreements and certain limited-term positions which have specific pay rules.
As part of our commitment to fair compensation practices, we do not ask for or consider current or past salaries in making compensation offers at hire. Instead, our compensation offers are determined by the specific requirements of the position, prevailing market trends, applicable collective bargaining agreements, pay equity for the position type, and individual qualifications and skills relevant to the performance of the position.
Minimum SalaryUSD $238,500.00/Yr.
Maximum SalaryUSD $376,900.00/Yr.
