Strategic Planning and Performance Management Specialist (Level 3)

The Strategic Planning and Performance Management Specialist (Level 3) will provide high-level support to the NOAA National Ocean Service (NOS) Management and Budget Office (MBO). This role involves strategic planning, performance management, and evaluation, ensuring that NOS meets its long-term objectives and operates efficiently. The individual will be responsible for the development and maintenance of tools and data sets to track organizational performance, support budget analysis, and develop strategic initiatives aligned with NOAA’s goals. 

Strategic Planning: 

• Provide expert support for internal and external strategic planning processes, including setting long-term goals, strategic objectives, and implementation plans. 
• Collaborate with NOS leadership and stakeholders to ensure that strategic plans align with NOAA and Department of Commerce (DOC) priorities. 
• Support long-term planning with a focus on ocean observing systems and infrastructure, including the development of new funding requests. 

Performance Management: 

• Maintain tools and data sets necessary to track strategic planning progress by Financial Management Center, program, or project. 
• Monitor and track monthly and quarterly program milestones, ensuring the accuracy and completeness of performance information. 
• Provide analysis and summaries of performance data, identifying trends and areas for improvement. 

Budget Analysis: 

• Support internal and external budget analysis, assisting in the prioritization of funding requests related to ocean science and coastal resilience projects. 
• Develop out-year budget estimates and collaborate with the budget formulation team to provide future-state financial forecasts. 

Reporting and Documentation: 

• Prepare executive-level summaries for NOS leadership on a quarterly basis, consolidating performance data and highlighting risks, opportunities, and achievements. 
• Support the development of NOS contributions to NOAA and DOC-level plans and reports, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and completeness. 
• Ensure that performance data is integrated into the Financial Management Data System (FMDS) and consistently reported. 

Meeting Support: 

• Provide weekly support for NOS strategy and planning meetings, including gathering and summarizing information from multiple sources. 
• Assist in preparing concise, accurate responses to inquiries from NOS MBO and leadership. 

Incorporating DEIA into Strategic Planning:

• Use a Human-Centered Design (HCD) approach to integrate DEIA principles from day one, ensuring that all strategic initiatives promote inclusion and accessibility, particularly for underserved communities. This includes using data to track DEIA progress and fostering organizational resilience through equitable access to NOS programs and resources. 

Engagement & Stakeholder Input:

• Gather insights from diverse stakeholders, including underrepresented communities, to inform strategy development. You will ensure that stakeholder voices guide decision-making processes, including those related to ocean observing systems, budget planning, and long-term infrastructure investment. 

Required Qualifications 

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, public administration, or a related field. Master’s degree preferred. 

Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in strategic planning, performance management, or program evaluation, preferably in a federal or public sector environment. 

Technical Skills: 

• Strong knowledge of budgetary and financial management principles. 
• Experience using performance tracking tools and financial management systems (e.g., FMDS). 
• Proficient in data analysis, trend identification, and budget forecasting. 

Communication: 

• Strong written and verbal communication skills with experience in preparing executive-level reports and summaries. 
• Ability to gather, synthesize, and present data in a clear and concise manner. 

Project Management: 

• Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and ensure accurate and timely completion of deliverables. 
• Ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams and stakeholders. 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Familiarity with NOAA’s strategic planning and budget processes. 
• Experience in ocean science or coastal resilience project planning. 
• Certification in project management or strategic planning (e.g., PMP, CPM). 

Key Competencies 

• Analytical Thinking: Ability to analyze budget requests and performance data to support decision-making and strategic prioritization. 
• Problem Solving: Capable of identifying challenges and proposing actionable solutions. 
• Detail-Oriented: Strong organizational skills to ensure high-quality, accurate work while managing multiple tasks. 
• Collaboration: Skilled in working with diverse teams and fostering a collaborative environment. 

Work Environment 

Commitment to DEIA & Wellness: Riverside is committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, inclusive, and accessible (DEIA) workforce. This position will play a critical role in incorporating DEIA principles into all aspects of strategic planning and performance management. You will support initiatives that prioritize underrepresented communities, ensure equitable access to NOAA’s programs and services, and promote employee well-being by creating a supportive and inclusive environment. Wellness and professional development are central to our approach, and this role will contribute to maintaining a healthy work culture while promoting career advancement opportunities. 

Primary place of performance is NOAA's NOS facility in Silver Spring, MD. Telework may be authorized on a limited basis based on organizational needs and project requirements. 

Occasional travel may be required for project meetings or stakeholder engagements. 

• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)
• Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
• Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
• Short Term & Long Term Disability
• Training & Development