Federal Science Project Manager (SME I)

You thrive on keeping complex, multi-stakeholder science programs running smoothly. Budgets, logistics, compliance deadlines, action items — nothing slips through the cracks when you're on the team. You apply specialized knowledge to keep federal programs operationally sound, and you're looking for a role where that discipline directly supports work that matters: tracking the health of our oceans. As FWI's Project Manager supporting NOAA's GOMO and OAP programs, you'll serve as the operational backbone of the contract team, coordinating logistics, tracking budgets, managing records, and ensuring every program activity is executed on time and in compliance with federal requirements.

Work Schedule and Location:

Remote: This full-time remote position will work Monday through Friday, 8 AM EST to 5 PM EST with Travel up to 25%

• Track travel expenditures, principal investigator budgets, and financial metrics; prepare financial summaries to facilitate government review
• Execute end-to-end logistics for program workshops and coordination meetings, including scheduling, registration, AV configuration, and audio/visual checks
• Compile comprehensive meeting summaries and maintain automated action-item tracking logs for all program workshops and coordination activities
• Coordinate administrative actions for FOIA requests, records management, and federal reporting cycles
• Manage solicitation and recruitment administrative timelines for early-career programs (Lapenta interns, Knauss Fellows), including application database management and evaluation scheduling
• Develop, distribute, and maintain internal tracking matrices, milestone dashboards, and compliance records for program deliverables
• Prepare briefing materials, status reports, and presentations for program leadership using standard office software
• Support coordination of travel pre-approval processes, ensuring compliance with Federal Travel Regulation (FTR) and IDIQ requirements
• Draft annual engagement impact reports quantifying and analyzing the reach of program education, outreach, and capacity-building activities
• Apply specialized knowledge to gather facts, research and analyze programmatic data, and develop recommendations and strategies to improve program operations

Required: 

• BA/BS in a technical or business discipline (Project Management, Business Administration, Science Administration, or related field preferred); advanced degrees or certifications may qualify for shorter periods of required experience
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Low-risk federal security clearance
• 4+ years of professional and/or academic experience

Desired: 

• Demonstrated experience managing budgets, tracking financial metrics, and producing reports for government clients
• Proficiency with project management tools, database tracking systems, and standard office software (Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace)
• Experience coordinating federal meeting logistics, including workshop planning and action item tracking
• Familiarity with federal records management requirements and FOIA processes
• PMP certification or enrollment in a PMP track
• Strong organizational and written communication skills; meticulous attention to detail

Work Setting and Environment:

• Primary location: NOAA Silver Spring Metro Center (SSMC), 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910. This position is eligible for remote work with travel as needed to the above location.
• All work activities are eligible for telework or remote performance
• Travel required, including at-sea deployments on NOAA vessels and national/international coordination meetings; all travel pre-approved by COR

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

Hourly range is $39.21-$41.27 an hour