Programs Associate Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

IntroductionThe National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine value diversity in our members, volunteers, and staff and strive for a culture of inclusion in our workplace and activities. Convening a diverse community to exchange ideas and perspectives enhances the quality of our work and increases our relevance as advisers to the nation about the most complex issues facing the nation and the world.

OverviewRequisition Number: R0002678
*Cover Letter Required*
ABOUT THE POSITION
Under general supervision, the Associate Program Officer (APO) supports the work of the Action Collaborative on Clinician Well-Being and Resilience (CWB) by contributing to the execution of one or more projects aligned with program priorities. Working closely with members and internal staff, the APO coordinates activities, develops written materials, and supports convenings that advance the Collaborative’s goals.
Projects have included hosting a listening roundtable with the Surgeon General, conducting case studies of well-being programs across the United States, and piloting a dashboard tool to analyze national well-being trends. Current priorities include exploring the impacts of AI on the health workforce and reducing barriers to well-being.
The APO contributes to framing complex and evolving issues for diverse audiences, including senior leaders, expert members, and external partners, through writing, analysis, and synthesis. In collaboration with program and communications staff, the APO organizes working meetings and public workshops, develops research papers and summaries, and facilitates discussions with stakeholders.
The incumbent tracks emerging issues, gathers and synthesizes insights from members and leadership, and supports implementation of strategies that evolve in response to new information. The APO applies sound judgment in identifying key themes, anticipating questions, and contributing to next steps. The role requires flexibility, strong project management skills, and the ability to establish processes and procedures to support effective program operations. The APO is an integral member of a small team and assists with supervision of staff.
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
The Action Collaborative on Clinician Well-Being and Resilience (CWB) comprises more than 100 members who are health care professionals and experts from academia, government, and industry, all committed to reversing trends in clinician burnout. The NAM launched the Clinician Well-Being Collaborative in 2017 to address rising levels of health worker burnout.
Since its inception, CWB has identified evidence-based strategies to improve clinician well-being at both individual and systems levels through convening, publishing, and shaping the national conversation. In 2022, CWB released a National Plan for Health Workforce Well-Being and continues to advance collective action through initiatives such as the Change Maker Campaign and annual Health Workforce Well-Being Day collaborations in March.
ABOUT THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF MEDICINE (NAM)
The National Academy of Medicine (NAM), established in 1970 as the Institute of Medicine (IOM), is an independent organization of distinguished professionals across health and medicine; the natural, social, and behavioral sciences; and related fields. Operating under the 1863 Congressional Charter of the National Academy of Sciences, the NAM serves alongside the National Academy of Sciences and the National Academy of Engineering as an adviser to the nation and the international community. The NAM’s mission is to advance science, inform policy, and catalyze action to achieve health, equity, and well-being.

Responsibilities

1. Project Management & Administration: Under the supervision of senior staff, assists with the management of assigned program(s) or project(s). Helps to organize meetings and/or workshops, including developing agendas, inviting presenters and participants, preparing briefing materials and writing summaries. May oversee meeting logistics and coordination, as required. Where applicable and with senior staff oversight, recruits potential committee, working group, and accelerator group nominees, and supports coordination and communication with expert volunteer participants. Creates, maintains, and updates records, databases, and files relevant to the project or program.
2. Writing, Analysis & Strategic Framing (Core Function): Drafts high-quality written products including briefing memos, background papers, meeting summaries, talking points, and stakeholder communications tailored to specific audiences. Synthesizes input from diverse sources (members, experts, literature, convenings) into clear insights, themes, and actionable recommendations. Develops issue framings and decision-support materials (e.g., options, tradeoffs, risks, implications) to support senior staff and member deliberations. Ensures written deliverables are accurate, well-organized, and aligned with NAM standards for clarity, tone, and rigor.
3. Advanced Research & Writing Activities: As required, independently identify, evaluate, and synthesize research and grey literature, and conduct background research relevant to assigned project(s) or program(s). Synthesizes research findings and technical data, assesses strength, limitations, and relevance of evidence; flags gaps and uncertainty, and prepares background papers and technical summaries. Helps facilitate external review of publications, and edits reports or publications. Responsible for collaboratively drafting talking points and creating presentations for senior staff.
4. Communication, Dissemination, and Information Management: In collaboration with communications staff, supports the development of written dissemination materials and derivative products, and helps coordinate public release activities. Participates in communication and dissemination activities, including helping identify and engage external organizations, preparing dissemination materials, and conducting dissemination meetings or events.
5. Sponsor Stewardship & Program Development: May assist in raising funds for current and future projects by conducting research on topics for new projects, writing proposals, and identifying potential sponsors. Where applicable, participates in managing funder/member relations.

• Related duties and special projects as assigned.

Requirements

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge

• Knowledge of health care delivery, workforce well-being, health policy, and/or health systems improvement.

• Understanding of stakeholder dynamics and influence within the health care ecosystem, including levers for policy change.

Skills

• Exceptional writing and editing skills, including the ability to produce decision-ready materials (e.g., briefing memos, background summaries, meeting notes, talking points, and presentations) tailored to diverse audiences.

• Strong analytical skills, including the ability to synthesize complex and fast-moving information.

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively engage with colleagues, senior leaders, expert volunteers, and external partners.

Abilities

• Ability to quickly learn and accurately frame complex, evolving topics.

• Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships across teams and departments.

• Ability to communicate complex information clearly and effectively to varied audiences.

Minimum Education/Training Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent knowledge.

Minimum Experience: Three years of related professional experience.

Physical Capabilities: Ability to work at a computer for extended periods of time. Ability to travel.

Required Licenses, Certification or Registration: None.

Supervisory Responsibilities/Controls: Reports to program officer or director. Sets objectives with supervisor and receives input and advice as needed. Assists in the supervision of project/program staff.

Compensation & Benefits: An estimated compensation range for this position is $70,880 - $88,600. Compensation offered to the selected candidate will be based on the candidate’s relevant knowledge, skills, and work experience, commensurate with compensation of current employees in comparable positions with similar knowledge, skills, and work experience, and subject to budget parameters. Note it is not typical for a candidate to be hired at the higher end of the range.  This is a benefits-eligible position.  Our Benefits Plan offers competitive and comprehensive benefit options, including medical, dental and vision insurance, life insurance, disability coverage, retirement and savings benefits, leave benefits such as paid holidays and paid personal leave, transportation subsidies, and education assistance.  For more information, please click here.

Work Environment: Hybrid Office/Telecommute environment expected onsite percentage 60%, with occasional travel between National Academies’ facilities and to off-site meeting/sponsor locations.