The purpose of this position is to provide comprehensive program coordination support for WPO's observational research initiatives, including transition planning, funding opportunity competitions, and ongoing project oversight.

The NOAA Weather Program Office (WPO) is a programmatic office located in NOAA Research that supports world-class weather research to save lives, reduce property damage, and enhance the national economy by selecting and funding research that supports and fosters collaborations with NOAA's research laboratories and the weather enterprise (i.e., NOAA, other Federal agencies and entities, state and local governments, academia, and the private sector). WPO's Programs work closely with the National Weather Service to develop and transition weather research to improve knowledge about tropical cyclones, severe storms, extreme precipitation, air pollution, and social science -- and to integrate weather, water, and climate forecasting and mitigation.

This role will serve as the primary coordinator for WPO's observational research programs, managing the full lifecycle of funding opportunities from competition planning through project completion and transition. The incumbent will coordinate directly with Principal Investigators (PIs), manage NOFO competitions, oversee project reviews, and ensure successful research outcomes through comprehensive project management and stakeholder coordination. This role is critical to maintaining the quality and effectiveness of WPO's observational research portfolio and supporting the transition of research findings to operational applications.

FWI has been recognized as a Top Workplace by the Washington Post in 2024 and 2025, offering excellent growth opportunities in a collaborative environment.

Work Schedule and Location:

Remote: This full-time, remote position will work Monday through Friday. Travel as needed for conferences and meetings.

• Draft WPO Observations Transition plans and coordinate with Principal Investigators (PIs) on their completion, ensuring alignment with program objectives and operational transition requirements.
• Plan for and coordinate Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) competitions from inception through award, including timeline development, documentation preparation, and stakeholder communication.
• Review project proposal submissions to ensure they meet minimum requirements, technical standards, and program priorities before advancing to formal review processes.
• Write comprehensive reviewer instructions and develop project grading rubrics that ensure consistent, fair, and technically rigorous evaluation of research proposals.
• Find and select qualified reviewers for review events, confirm reviewer availability for scheduling, and strategically assign reviewers to proposals based on their area of expertise and technical background.
• Schedule and coordinate NOFO review events, managing logistics, reviewer participation, and ensuring efficient evaluation processes that meet federal requirements and timelines.
• Support Principal Investigators with current and ongoing projects by providing technical assistance, administrative guidance, and problem-solving support throughout the project lifecycle.
• Review and approve project extension requests, ensuring proper justification and alignment with program goals while maintaining compliance with federal grant management requirements.
• Provide eRA (Electronic Research Administration) system support to investigators and internal staff, facilitating smooth project administration and reporting processes.
• Plan and coordinate semi-annual project reviews, managing scheduling, documentation, and follow-up actions to ensure continuous project oversight and performance monitoring.
• Review progress reports from funded projects and proactively reach out to PIs for timely progress report submissions, maintaining comprehensive project tracking and compliance.
• Update and maintain the WPO project directory Smartsheet as projects progress through various phases, filling in gaps for past projects as necessary to ensure complete historical records and portfolio visibility.

Required: 

• Bachelor's degree (BA/BS) in a technical or business discipline such as atmospheric science, meteorology, engineering, project management, or related field.
• At least 8+ years of professional and/or academic experience in program management, research administration, or scientific project coordination. Advanced degrees or certifications may qualify for shorter periods of required experience.
• Strong understanding of federal grant management processes, including NOFO development, proposal review, and award administration.
• Experience in coordinating scientific research projects and working with Principal Investigators, research teams, and academic institutions.
• Demonstrated expertise in project management methodologies, timeline development, and multi-stakeholder coordination.
• Proficiency in electronic research administration systems and project tracking databases.
• Excellent organizational skills with ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously while maintaining attention to detail.
• Strong written and oral communication skills with experience facilitating meetings, coordinating reviews, and presenting to diverse stakeholder groups.
• Knowledge of federal compliance requirements for research grants and contracts.
• Advanced proficiency in project management tools, particularly Smartsheet, and database management systems.

Desired: 

• Advanced degree (MS/PhD) in atmospheric science, meteorology, engineering, or related technical field with research background.
• Experience with NOAA or other federal agency research programs, particularly in observational meteorology or weather research.
• Background in weather observations, atmospheric instrumentation, or meteorological research.
• Familiarity with federal electronic research administration systems (eRA Commons, Grants.gov, etc.).
• Experience with research-to-operations transition processes and technology transfer.

At FWI, we place the highest importance on creating an exceptional employee experience. You'll have opportunities to achieve your career aspirations through internal promotions, professional development, and other recognition and rewards programs. Join our team and take advantage of the many benefits we offer, including:

• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Long-term and Short-term Disability Insurance
• Life Insurance
• 401(k) Plan
• Holiday Pay
• Paid Time Off

FWI is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/vets.