Program Manager, Physical Sciences

JOB TITLE: Program Manager, Awards (Physical Sciences)

DEPARTMENT: Awards

REPORTS TO: SVP, Awards & Scientific Programs

ABOUT THE NEW YORK ACADEMY OF SCIENCES 

The New York of Academy of Sciences is an independent, not-for-profit organization that since 1817 has been committed to advancing science for the benefit of society. With more than 20,000 Members in 100 countries, the Academy advances scientific and technical knowledge, addresses global challenges with science-based solutions, and sponsors a wide variety of educational initiatives at all levels for STEM and STEM-related fields. The Academy hosts programs and publishes content in the life and physical sciences, the social sciences, nutrition, artificial intelligence, computer science, and sustainability. The Academy also provides professional and educational resources for researchers across all phases of their careers. Please visit us online at www.nyas.org 

SUMMARY:

The Program Manager will be responsible for supporting the Academy’s awards programs, including establishing and launching new award cycles, helping to raise award awareness among global audiences, evaluating a broad range of nominations in your subject area, recruiting expert judges, explaining the honorees’ work to broad audiences through a variety of multimedia and social media platforms, designing scientific symposia to showcase honoree research, and maintaining a network of previous honorees that participate in annual symposia, awards ceremonies, and other events. The Program Manager may also participate in the administration of other Physical Sciences and Engineering programming at the Academy, for example working with team members across the Scientific Programs and Awards portfolio.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

•  Conduct a thorough evaluation of all Physical Sciences & Engineering nominations to the respective awards. Implement a rigorous and fair process to screen and rank nominees, ensuring consistency across subject areas and programs.
• Choose and recruit judges based on their expertise and standing. Administer and facilitate in-person jury meetings. Serve as primary point of contact for judges in your topic area and programs.
• Prepare written, video, and multimedia materials to explain the honorees’ work to a broad audience. Assist in interpreting complex scientific information for internal and external stakeholders. Assist with writing, editing, and review of general promotional materials.
• Work across Academy teams, and with external vendors as needed, to plan and execute the annual Blavatnik Science Symposium, Award Ceremonies for the respective awards programs, and other events.
• Stay up to date with the major scientific milestones achieved by Blavatnik honorees in Physical Sciences & Engineering and other fields and help to promote them and their work through our social media channels and other outlets as appropriate.
• Work with the Scientific Programs team to organize scientific conferences in Physical Sciences & Engineering (~2 per year).
• Remain aware of other activities at the Academy, interacting with other teams and providing insight and support where possible.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop an understanding of the Academy, its mission, strategy, and programs.
• Serve as an ambassador for the Awards program portfolio, and the Academy as a whole, through public inquiries and networking opportunities.
• Keep abreast of scientific advances relevant to program subject areas.
• Facilitate judging processes in your topic areas, including the rationale applied to all stages of honoree selection and the recruitment of judges, ensuring the highest ethical standards are applied to all aspects of the nominations and judging process.
• Prepare and review multimedia materials that explain the complex scientific concepts and impact of the honorees’ award-winning research to broad audiences across various platforms, including: program websites, social media platforms, brochures, magazine articles, and press releases, as well as in short films, scripted speeches, and slide presentations showcased at awards ceremonies, symposia, and related events.
• Work with Awards team, external key opinion leaders, and program sponsors to develop content and program materials for symposia that showcase honorees; moderate scientific sessions and panel discussions as required.
• Work with the Academy’s marketing team to identify relevant outlets for awards and event promotion.
• Track the major scientific and career milestones achieved by honorees and help to promote them and their work through our social media channels and other outlets as appropriate.
• Work with program administration partners to provide scientific content for reporting requirements.
• Work with team members and sponsors to continuously evaluate and strive to improve the awards processes and implementation.
• Review applications and select individuals for Poster Presentations, Travel Fellowships, and Poster Prizes.
• Provide general support and other duties as assigned.  

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:

n/a

REQUIREMENTS:

• PhD required in an appropriate subject area of Physical Sciences & Engineering.
• Professional experience outside of academic research. This may include activities pursued in parallel to a research career, for example outreach activities or committee service, or more formal professional experience working in scientific publishing, non-profit, etc.
• Post-doctoral or related experience in academia, government, or industrial research, and/or science publishing a plus.
• Outstanding oral and written communication skills.
• Experience, ability, and comfort in dealing with complex scientific information beyond own area of expertise.
• Experience with grant writing and program management a plus.
• Experience in global academic ecosystems outside of the US a plus.
• Ability to work with multiple teams across departments and to manage multiple parallel projects with tight deadlines.
• Desire to work in a team environment.

WORK SCHEDULE:

• The Academy operates during standard business hours Monday through Friday from 9am-5pm Eastern Time. The standard work week is 35 hours, unless otherwise noted.
• The Academy offers flexible and hybrid work schedules, with in-office scheduling based on business needs.
• Employees must be based in New York.
• The work will be performed using standard computer equipment. Employees must be comfortable using a large suite of applications and tools including calendar, email, virtual calling and video conferencing. This role is largely sedentary.

ADDITIONAL WORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Travel: Some domestic and/or international travel (5%) may be required to the United Kingdom, Israel, and/or India. 

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:

Salary: $75,000 annually

This is Full-time, Exempt position. In addition to salary, the Academy offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes affordable health insurance, retirement plan with matching employer contribution, personal & career development stipend as well as liberal paid time off policies.

The New York Academy of Sciences is an Equal Opportunity Employer, adhering to the laws which prohibit discrimination in the terms, conditions and privileges of employment. Academy policy expressly prohibits discrimination in employment because of any legally impermissible classification, including but not limited to actual or perceived race, creed, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, and any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.