Career Opportunities

The US Government currently has an annual IT research and development (R&D) budget of almost $11 billion, sponsoring cutting-edge research in areas such as high-performance computing, networking, cybersecurity, and cyber-physical systems among others. To coordinate these activities, the National Coordination Office (NCO) under the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) supports the Networking and Information Technology Research and Development Program (NITRD), which was established by the High Performance Computing Act of 1991. The NITRD Subcommittee of the NSTC’s Committee on Technology (CoT) coordinates the IT R&D-related interests and activities of 23 Federal agencies (bureaus of departments and independent agencies).

The NCO Director and Deputy Director serve the NSTC. They may be Federal employees detailed to the NSTC, or they may be assigned to the NSTC from an eligible organization (e.g., university, company, or non-profit organization) under the Intergovernmental Personnel Act (IPA). Other NCO staff members include contractors and science fellows.

About the Position

The Networking and Information Technology Research and Development (NITRD) Deputy Director position is a multi-faceted leadership position that helps coordinate the ~$11B annual Federal investment in networking and information technology (IT) research and development.  More about the NITRD Program…

Key responsibilities

• Provides technical and advisory support to the NCO Director
• Provides technical and advisory support to OSTP and OMB, as requested
• Serves as Technical Advisor and Executive Editor for the NITRD and the National Artificial Intelligence Initiative Office annual Supplement to the President’s Budget, certifies its technical and budgetary accuracy
• Provides technical and advisory assistance and support to the Interagency Working Groups (IWGs), Fast Track Action Committees (FTACs), and Communities of Practice
• Provides day-to-day technical and advisory assistance to the NCO Technical Coordinators in support of their IWGs, FTACs, and Communities of Practice
• Provides technical and advisory assistance and executive writing support for all NITRD and NCO reports and other documents, certifies their technical accuracy
• Oversees and provides guidance on the preparation of the NCO budget, which includes the annual presentation to the NITRD Subcommittee
• Serves as Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) or equivalent on all NCO contracts
• Provides day-to-day advisory assistance to the NCO support contract Program Manager in support of the Contract
• Oversees and approves all NCO purchases and procurements
• Oversees and provides guidance on the maintenance of all NCO/NITRD web sites
• Provides leadership of the NCO team that supports the websites for the National AI Initiative Office (AI.GOV) and National Quantum Coordination Office (QUANTUM.GOV)
• Serves as a liaison to OSTP, attending regular staff meetings and providing updates to NCO/NITRD activities
• Develops and gives presentations about NCO/NITRD activities to high-level officials, professional, associations, etc. as requested

Professional attributes

The incumbent is expected to exhibit a balanced portfolio of the following educational, experiential, and professional attributes, all of which will be considered in selection:

• A record of leadership positions with significant managerial, supervisory, and programmatic responsibilities in science, engineering, and/or technology.
• National recognition as an expert in computer science, engineering, and/or technology.
• Excellent abilities in written and oral communication as demonstrated by a strong record of publications, reports, and presentations.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Eligibility to obtain and maintain a TS security clearance.
• Direct knowledge of Federal Government operational policies and procedures gained through either Federal employment, temporary duty at a Federal agency, or through significant, ongoing interactions with the Federal Government.
• Knowledge of and/or experience with the NITRD Program and its associated working groups, task forces, ad hoc subgroups, and coordinators.

Administrative information

• The position is located in a typical office environment.
• The ability to travel, including internationally, is required.
• The candidate will be assigned to the NCO on a fully reimbursable basis.
• US Citizenship is required.