Job Description
Job Description Summary The United States faces consequential challenges at the intersection of engineering, technology, and society, among them the need to transform engineering education to better meet the needs of U.S. industry and ensure long-term technology competitiveness for economic prosperity and national security. The National Academy of Engineering (NAE), part of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, plays a critical role in advancing engineering leadership and informing national policy on engineering and technology. As Executive Officer (EO), reporting directly to the President of the NAE, you will lead the planning, execution, and evaluation of NAE programs and operations, enabling the NAE to fulfill its mission and contribute to the broader impact of the National Academies. Working closely with the NAE President as a unified leadership team, you will directly oversee and manage six unit directors spanning programs, financial, administrative, membership, communications, and operational functions across a total staff of 30 with an operating budget of approximately $16MM. In consultation with the President and drawing on the expertise of staff, the governing Council, NAE membership, and other stakeholders, you will develop and implement management policies and operating practices that advance strategic initiatives. You will foster an environment where staff are empowered to excel and where member volunteers, among the most accomplished engineers in the country, find engagement with the NAE worthy of their time and expertise. You will be fully accountable for performance and results across all units and serve as the final authority on departmental and divisional policies, procedures, and contract compliance. You will also play an active role in shaping the NAE’s strategic direction and external influence, strengthening the NAE’s ability to anticipate the needs of industry, academia, and government amid rapid technological change. You will monitor developments in engineering and related fields, identify emerging issues and opportunities, and help shape policy analyses, programs, and fundraising strategies. You will regularly engage senior leaders across government, industry, academia, and the nonprofit sector on matters of national and international importance, where sound judgment, discretion, and persuasion are essential. The EO serves as First Assistant Secretary of the NAE Fund (NAEF) and Executive Secretary of The National Academies Corporation (TNAC). If an NAE member, the EO serves as an ex officio non-voting member of the NAE Council and may be appointed as an NAE Officer without voting privileges. When delegated by the President or Council, the EO may represent the NAE externally or serve as Interim President. Responsibilities Job Description: Executive Management Oversee day-to-day administrative and operational functions of the NAE, ensuring alignment with National Academies institutional policies and practices. Directly supervise and support all NAE Directors, providing guidance and mentoring; fostering effective teamwork; and ensuring consistent adherence to institutional policies. Ensure secure handling of privileged, sensitive, classified, or controlled information; establish procedures and train staff accordingly. Oversee workforce planning, talent development, and performance management. With the concurrence of the NAE President, initiate personnel actions, including recruitment, hiring, performance and compensation reviews, and disciplinary actions. Financial Oversight and Resource Development Work with the NAE President and Director of Finance to develop, approve, and manage financial plans and budgets. Shepherd the budget through the Council Finance Committee, chaired by the NAE Treasurer, and the NAE Council. Ensure operations meet approved budgetary constraints. Provide executive oversight of financial reporting, audits, internal controls, and risk management for NAE operations. Support NAE Compensation Committee activities. In partnership and coordination with the NAE President, NAE Vice President, and Senior Director of Development, actively seek and develop financial and in-kind support for NAE programs and activities, and steward sponsor relationships. NAE Foundation (NAEF) Responsibilities As First Assistant Secretary of the NAEF, and subject to appointment by the NAEF Board, serve as an authorized representative for banking and investment transactions. Exercise delegated authority to accept unrestricted gifts or supplements to existing funds up to $1,000,000. Provide executive support to the NAEF Board of Directors as needed, including service on the Gift Acceptance Committee. Governance (NAE Council) Suppor