November 21, 2016

Dear Colleagues:

The Directorate for Education and Human Resources (EHR), Division of Research on Learning in Formal and Informal Settings (DRL), at the National Science Foundation announces a nationwide search for a temporary program director with expertise at the intersections of research, implementation, and evaluation in the area of broadening participation in STEM fields to work with the Inclusion across the Nation of Communities of Learners of Underrepresented Discoverers in Engineering and Science (NSF INCLUDES) program. Knowledge of issues facing minority-serving institutions, including Hispanic-Serving Institutions, Tribal Colleges and Universities, Historically Black Colleges and Universities, or institutions serving people with disabilities, is desirable.

Formal consideration of applications will begin on January 9, 2017, and will continue until a selection is made.

Program Directors have an unparalleled opportunity and responsibility to ensure NSF-funded research is at the forefront of advancing fundamental knowledge. In support of that, Program Directors are responsible for extensive interaction with academic research communities and industry, as well as interaction with other Federal agencies that may lead to development of interagency collaborations. Within this context, Program Directors solicit, receive and review research and education proposals, make funding recommendations, administer awards, and undertake interaction with research communities in these fields. They are also responsible for service to Foundation-wide activities and initiatives that together accomplish NSF's strategic goals to: 1) Transform the Frontiers of Science and Engineering, 2) Stimulate Innovation and Address Societal Needs through Research and Education, and 3) Excel as a Federal Science Agency. The position requires a commitment to high standards of intellectualism and ethical conduct, a considerable breadth of interest, receptivity to new ideas, a strong sense of fairness, good judgment, and a high degree of personal integrity.

DRL invests in projects to improve the effectiveness of STEM learning for people of all ages. Its mission includes promoting innovative research, development, and evaluation of learning and teaching across all STEM disciplines by advancing cutting-edge knowledge and practices in both formal and informal learning settings. DRL also promotes the broadening and deepening of capacity and impact in the educational sciences by encouraging the participation of scientists, engineers, and educators from the range of disciplines represented at NSF. Therefore, DRL's role in the larger context of Federal support for education research and evaluation is to be a catalyst for change-advancing theory, method, measurement, development, and application in STEM education. The Division seeks to advance both early, promising innovations as well as larger-scale adoptions of proven educational innovations. In doing so, it challenges the field to create the ideas, resources, and human capacity to bring about the needed transformation of STEM education for the 21st century.

NSF launched a new initiative in FY 2016-NSF INCLUDES, a comprehensive national initiative designed to increase the preparation, participation, advancement, and contributions of those who have been traditionally underrepresented and underserved in the STEM enterprise. NSF INCLUDES is a cross-agency effort that builds on NSF's extensive broadening participation portfolio and is one of the 10 Big Ideas for Future NSF Investments (see https://www.nsf.gov/about/congress/reports/nsf_big_ideas.pdf)

We recognize the interdisciplinary of broadening participation as a research area, implementation domain, and evaluation opportunity, and that a wide range of expertise is relevant to this position. Successful candidates will have demonstrated expertise in one or more of the following areas:

• Deep knowledge of the issues facing, and experience working with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Knowledge of the issues facing, and experience working with or in minority serving institutions, including Hispanic-Serving Institutions, Tribal Colleges and Universities, Historically Black Colleges and Universities, or institutions serving people with disabilities.
• Promoting diversity in STEM across a broad spectrum of age ranges and fields, with an emphasis on broadening participation of underrepresented groups and fostering learning.
• Conceptualization and implementation of innovative approaches to evaluating STEM diversity initiatives.
• Research in STEM education, STEM workforce participation, and/or one of the STEM disciplines, with a focus on broadening participation.

Qualifications: Candidates must have a Ph.D. or Ed.D. degree in a relevant field, such as education research, evaluation, social science, statistics, or another STEM discipline, plus six or more years after award of the Ph.D. or Ed.D. of successful research, research administration and/or managerial experience pertinent to the position.

The position may be filled with one of the following appointment options:

Intergovernmental Personnel Act (IPA) Assignment: Individuals eligible for an IPA assignment with a Federal agency include employees of State and local government agencies or institutions of higher education, Indian tribal governments, and other eligible organizations in instances where such assignments would be of mutual benefit to the organizations involved. Initial assignments under IPA provisions may be made for a period up to two years, with a possible extension for up to an additional two-year period. The individual remains an employee of the home institution and NSF provides the negotiated funding toward the assignee's salary and benefits. Initial IPA assignments are made for a one-year period and may be extended by mutual agreement. For additional information regarding IPA positions, please visit the NSF website at: https://www.nsf.gov/careers/rotator/ipa.jsp.

Visiting Scientist Appointment: Appointment to this position will be made under the Excepted Authority of the NSF Act. Visiting Scientists are on non-paid leave status from their home institutions and placed on the NSF payroll. NSF withholds Social Security taxes and pays the home institution's contributions to maintain retirement and fringe benefits (i.e., health benefits and life insurance), either directly to the home institutions or to the carrier. Appointments are usually made for a one-year period and may be extended for an additional year by mutual agreement.

Temporary Excepted Service Appointment: Appointment to this position will be made under the Excepted Authority of the NSF Act. Candidates who do not have civil service or reinstatement eligibility will not obtain civil service status if selected. Candidates currently in the competitive service will be required to waive competitive civil service rights if selected. Usual civil service benefits (retirement, health benefits, and life insurance) are applicable for appointments of more than one year. Temporary appointments may not exceed three years.

For additional information on NSF's rotational programs, please see "Programs for Scientists, Engineers, and Educators" on the NSF website at: https://www.nsf.gov/careers/ and https://www.nsf.gov/careers/rotator/microsite/.

Applications will be accepted from US Citizens. Recent changes in Federal Appropriations Law require Non-Citizens to meet certain eligibility criteria to be considered. Therefore, Non-Citizens must certify eligibility by signing and attaching this Citizenship Affidavit to their application. We also ask that you complete and submit the Applicant Survey Form. This will help NSF to ensure that our recruiting efforts are attracting a diverse candidate pool; it will be used for statistical purposes only.

NSF is relocating to Alexandria, Virginia. In late summer of 2017, NSF will begin the transition from its current location in Arlington, Virginia to 2415 Eisenhower Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22314. The new location is adjacent to a Metro station (Eisenhower Avenue on the Yellow Line) and there is ample parking in the area. There are several amenities nearby, such as restaurants, hotels, and shops."

Applicants should submit a current curriculum vitae with statement of interest to Dr. Jolene Jesse, Program Director, jjesse@nsf.gov. Please indicate the number of this DCL in the subject line of the email.

NSF IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER COMMITTED TO EMPLOYING
A HIGHLY QUALIFIED STAFF THAT REFLECTS THE DIVERSITY OF OUR NATION.