Program Specialist – International Science/Science Director

Program Specialist – International Science

Cherokee Nation System Solutions (CNSS) seeks a Science Director (SD) Program Specialist to provide business administration services in support of the International Science Program (ISP). Based in Arlington, VA, this role supports the International Science Program Manager (ISPM) and Science Director Program Manager by enabling the planning and execution of internationally focused S&T engagements, program operations, and communications.

The Program Specialist’s primary responsibility is to provide robust administrative and operational support that ensures ISP requirements are met. The Specialist will accept technical tasking and prioritization from the ONR Global Science Director Program Manager, acting as the Technical Point of Contact (TPoC) for this position.

Compensation & Benefits:

Estimated Starting Salary Range for Program Specialist – International Science: Pay commensurate with experience.

Full time benefits include Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K and other possible benefits as provided. Benefits are subject to change with or without notice.

Program Specialist – International Science Responsibilities Include: 

Event Planning & Coordination:

• Support the planning and execution of ISP activities and events, including Department All Hands, CNR Quarterly Updates, Regional Team Meetings, and the Global Team Meeting.
• Schedule activities, identify conflicts, manage attendance, and facilitate security/building access.
• Coordinate logistics (audio, video, virtual participation), prepare agendas, record minutes, and track follow-on actions.

Reporting & Communications:

• Collect, consolidate, and distribute regular and ad hoc ISP reports, including Science Director Reports (weekly, bi-weekly, monthly), GTAR (weekly), CNR Highlights, newsletters (e.g., China Corner, Outlook Outback), ONR Global Magazine inputs (quarterly), and the ONR Global Prospectus (annually).
• Provide administrative support to enable communications between ONR Global Corporate Communications and ONR Headquarters Corporate Strategic Communications.

Business Operations Support:

• Coordinate with ONR Global Business Operations teams (Operations, HR, Strategic Comms, BFM) to meet ISP needs.
• Support the Science Director hiring cycle: coordinate panel schedules, candidate interviews, consolidate assessments, and maintain records.
• Support resolution of complex administrative or business issues requiring sensitive coordination with international and domestic stakeholders across ONR, NR&DE, UARCs, and partner organizations.

Knowledge Management:

• Maintain ISP knowledge repositories and platforms to ensure accuracy and currency within one week, including:
  • ONR’s public-facing website.
  • ONR Global’s Knowledge Management systems (e.g., SPO, Teams).
  • International Science Knowledge Management platforms (e.g., Teams).
  • GTAR repositories (e.g., Intelink).

Program Specialist – International Science Experience, Education, Skills, Abilities requested: 

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and 7+ years of relevant work experience, or Associate’s degree and 10+ years of U.S. Government RDT&E program support experience.
• Demonstrated proficiency in:
  • Managing customer requirements across diverse tasks.

  • Preparing briefings and maintaining administrative history.

    Supporting program administration, execution, and evaluation.

• Professional maturity to interact daily with senior leaders (O-6/GS-15/Director level) across Joint, Navy, Marine Corps, NR&DE, UARCs, and international S&T partners.
• Proven experience planning, scheduling, and managing conferences and multi-day meetings.
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Desired Qualifications

• Working knowledge of the Naval Research & Development Establishment (NR&DE).

Company Information:

Cherokee Nation System Solutions (CNSS) is a part of Cherokee Federal – the division of tribally owned federal contracting companies owned by Cherokee Nation Businesses. As a trusted partner for more than 60 federal clients, Cherokee Federal LLCs are focused on building a brighter future, solving complex challenges, and serving the government’s mission with compassion and heart. To learn more about CNSS, visit cherokee-federal.com.

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Cherokee Federal is a military friendly employer. Veterans and active military transitioning to civilian status are encouraged to apply.

Legal Disclaimer: Cherokee Federal is an equal opportunity employer. Please visit cherokee-federal.com/careers for information regarding our Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer Statement, and Accommodation request.

Many of our job openings require access to government buildings or military installations. Candidates must pass pre-employment qualifications of Cherokee Federal.