Director of Program Development – PNNL

Job Description

The Director of Program Development is a key member of the Earth and Biological Sciences Directorate (EBSD) Leadership Team and is responsible for the formulation of strategic priorities and directions for the development and capture of research programs and partner project opportunities.  The Director oversees a program portfolio that delivers ~$200M in annual business volume to PNNL. Programs are executed for two primary sponsors – DOE’s Office of Biological and Environmental Research and the National Institutes of Health. Responsibilities of the Director include developing program development strategies, driving scientific innovation and impact, identifying and developing new programmatic opportunities, ensuring high quality products (both proposals and communications products), and sustaining strong positive relationships with our primary sponsors.   

The Director leads a team that develops and grows programs for these sponsors as well as those in evolving sectors (such as NASA, NOAA, Industry), and works with other PNNL Directorates to develop opportunities for other sponsors (such as DOD, EPA, EERE, BES).   

This position is one of seven key direct reports to the Associate Laboratory Director along with the Chief Operating Officer, the Chief Science and Technology Officer (CSTO), and three Division Directors. Performance of the PDO Director is measured by successful project renewals, effective pursuit of programmatic opportunities, increased visibility and reputation building for our staff, and new research funding.  

The Director of Program Development works closely with the EBSD CSTO and the PNNL’s Office of the Deputy Laboratory Director for Science & Technology to formulate strategy and approaches to ensure PNNL and EBSD 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 Director of Program Development works with the EBSD Associate Laboratory Director to develop and drive the programmatic strategy for EBSD. This overarching responsibility requires that the incumbent execute responsibilities including, but not limited to, the following:

• Develop, steward and manage a large programmatic portfolio (~$200M), ensuring that sponsor expectations are met or exceeded.  
• Leadership and mentorship of a 4-6 person matrixed team to execute the responsibilities of the Program Development Office.
• Manage a ~$2.5M program development budget to ensure successful execution of responsibilities.
• Partner with the EBSD CSTO to provide input into evolving strategic directions and internal capability development priorities.
• Work with EBSD’s CSTO to develop and steward EBSD’s Directorate Objectives – including the development and execution of implementation plans.
• Coordinate with other Directorates across PNNL as appropriate for design and development of cross-Directorate programs consistent with strategy.
• Partner with PNNL’s Director of Research Partnerships to support activities with identified external partners for collaboration to elevate the science impact of EBSD and PNNL.
• Promote a culture of mentoring scientists and engineers, leading by example.
• Communicate strategy and the successes that result from it to staff across the Laboratory.
• Engage EBSD technical staff, at all levels, in the development and execution of programs, empowering a creative, productive and innovative S&T environment for all staff.

The hiring level will be determined based on the education, experience and skill set of the successful candidate based on the following:

Senior/Level 4: Responsible for growing new business or sustaining existing where the sustaining role has a high degree of complexity. Applies broad industry knowledge and commercial awareness to drive financial performance. Guided by organization functional strategy, has broad impact on the functional results. Accountable as the lead for managing a project or projects. Directly supports the achievement of Laboratory Critical Outcomes. Has significant customer/political scrutiny with potential impact on business; definite impact on fee and potentially on contract renewal.  Negotiates with senior leaders across the business. Engages strategically with PNNL, other DOE laboratories, BMI (and other Battelle Laboratories) and industry. Ability to represent Lab in business discussions and make commitments to clients.  Provides leadership through direct line or matrix management in broad technical/functional areas.

Principal/Level 5: Leads development of major new business area. May also include managing transitioning business. Expected to play a lead role in cultivating S&T within the market and recognized as a significant to the Lab. Market/negotiate programs or projects with customer(s). Applies in-depth knowledge of own organization function or major operational segment as well as business and commercial expertise to differentiate the Laboratory. Guided by Laboratory and/or organization functional strategy, impacts results of a major operational segment. Responsible for developing and achieving Lab Strategic Objectives. Sets direction for capability investments and defines future strategy. Recognized as a Laboratory strategic leader, responsible for major business or organizational components with significant impact on fee and contract renewal. Shapes the opinions of, and negotiates with, other senior leaders; establishes collaborative relationships across the business and with external organizations. Strategically leads development of national/international programs involving multiple laboratories, BMI, universities and industry; develops and executes long-term functional strategy to achieve key business objectives. Instrumental in Lab or sector-wide capability development. 

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree with 12 plus years of experience; or Advanced Degree plus 10 years of experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree with 15 plus years of experience; or Advanced Degree plus 13 years of experience
• PhD in science or engineering strongly preferred 
• Experience to include responsible management/senior leadership positions working closely with sponsors, partners, stakeholders, societies, and other DOE laboratories.
• Experience in successfully setting vision, strategy, objectives, and priorities to enhance organizational performance.
• Experience with Earth and Biological Sciences 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. 

Learn more and apply: https://careers.pnnl.gov/psc/hrmsx/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM_FL.HRS_CG_SEARCH_FL.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_JBPST&PostingSeq=1&SiteId=1&FOCUS=Applicant&jobopeningid=312356&