Project Manager (#1832)

BACKGROUND

The National Biodefense Analysis and Countermeasures Center (NBACC) is a one-of-a-kind facility dedicated to defending the nation against biological threats.

Its work supports DHS and National biodefense preparedness planning, response, emerging threat characterization and bioforensic analyses.

It is the first national laboratory created by DHS in response to biodefense gaps identified following the Amerithrax attacks of 2001 and has been operated by the Battelle National Biodefense Institute (BNBI) since 2006.

Since its inception, NBACC and its staff have filled critical shortfalls in our scientific knowledge of biological agents needed to protect the public and defend the Nation from biological threats, whether naturally occurring, accidental, or deliberate and provided federal law enforcement with scientific data to support the investigation and attribution of biocrimes and protection of the US bioeconomy.

NBACC includes two centers : the National Bioforensic Analysis Center (NBFAC), which conducts the technical analyses in support of federal law enforcement investigations, and the National Biological Threat Characterization Center (NBTCC), which conducts experiments and studies to obtain data required for a better understanding of biological vulnerabilities and hazards.

Together these centers offer a unique national resource for understanding the risks posed by biological agents and emerging technologies to inform biodefense policy and response planning and the operational capability to support the investigation, prosecution, and prevention of biocrimes and bioterrorism.

PRIMARY FUNCTION

Works with NBACC and NBTCC management, Project Leads, and other Project Management Staff to support the effective planning, execution, monitoring, and reporting for projects of varying complexity, duration, and cost in accordance with approved budgets and schedules.

Functions as an integral team member in a project-based organization that provides project management and controls support to ensure deliverables and objectives are met on schedule and within budget.

Directly responsible for significant program and project cost control duties, routinely interfacing with accounting, procurement, and finance staff, systems and data.

Plays a primary role in the development of project planning, monitoring, and reporting documents. Plays a supporting role in promoting and implementing project management and project control procedures and systems throughout the laboratory.

Supports the development of Task Orders proposals, as required. As this position provides direct support to Project Leads and Managers across organizational boundaries in a matrixed environment, it requires significant project planning, and controls experience and advanced soft skills.

This position will be matrixed to support the NBTCC Directorate.

MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• A minimum of a BA / BS degree (or equivalent), preferably in a technical, business, or scientific field and a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in a project management and / or project controls role is required.
• At least two years of experience directly developing project level cost estimates and / or proposals is required.
• Proven stakeholder management skills. Possesses strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.
• Possesses the ability to gather data, compile information, and prepare reports with high accuracy and excellent attention to detail.
• Experience with and a solid understanding of project management and control techniques and tools.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work well under tight deadlines.
• Experience using and analyzing accounting and procurement information in project management / controls contexts is required.
• Ability and willingness to learn and use MS Excel, PowerPoint, Visio and Project.
• Exemplary organizational skills with a proven track record of working both independently and on a team.
• PMI PMP certification is desirable, but not required.
• Skills and experience to support laboratory activities and work in accordance with NBACC's management system (e.g., ISO).
• Must be a citizen of the United States, able to obtain and maintain an interim secret clearance leading to a top-secret clearance and suitability for DHS.
• Participation in the Immunization Program, Medical Surveillance Program, and / or enrollment in the Personnel Reliability Program (PRP) is required.
• May be required to participate in NBACC's alternative work schedule and / or on-call schedule, dependent upon business needs.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Supports the development of NBTCC programmatic plans that define project scope, schedule, budget, milestones, deliverables, and resource requirements.
• Serves as a central figure in the development and facilitation of DHS project technical proposals, related cost volumes, and supporting documentation.
• Supports the planning and implementation of disciplined project baseline changes and re-planning to ensure project alignment with current goals and objectives.
• Reviews project execution plans, monthly reports, and final reports with respect to completeness, quality, adherence to good PM practices, and adherence to cost / schedule targets.
• Prepares and communicates project cost and schedule status reports monthly and project estimates-at-completion (EACs).
• Collaborates with NBTCC Project Leads, identifies project risks, evaluates potential project impacts, and monitors mitigation actions.
• Ensures all project documents are complete and meet the requirements described in Standard Operating Procedures and DHS / internal customer requirements.
• Collaborates with senior NBTCC and Project Management Group (PMG) staff, supports the development and implementation of project management and project control tools across the organization.
• Performs duties that often involve project financial performance analysis and the development of recommendations.
• Must be a team player, communicate clearly, be open to hearing ideas and suggestions from others, diffuse situations, and exercise empathy and patience with colleagues.
• Must have the ability to multi-task, maintain composure under pressure, and utilize effective time management skills to prioritize tasks.
• Must be a self-starter driven by an eagerness to succeed, maintain flexibility, adapt to change in a productive and positive manner, learn new concepts, and utilize critical thinking to resolve complex problems.
• Maintains appropriate records.
• Performs other assigned duties.

BNBI is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.