Career Opportunities

Anyone interested in applying for the position of Programs Officer IV must submit a job application along with a cover letter and resume to Elaine Spell at elaine.spell@ocast.ok.gov no later than close of business on August 31, 2021. You may also submit your resume by US mail, fax to 405-319-8426 or deliver in-person. Applications are available on the OCAST website, https://oklahoma.gov/ocast/about-ocast/careers.html, or by calling 405-319-8400. 

Unclassified: Job Code 9739, with full state benefits
County Location: Oklahoma County
Date Opened: June 24, 2021
Filing Deadline: August 31, 2021 by 5 pm
Salary range: $50,000 - $70,000 commensurate with education and experience
Full-time: 40 Hours per week, Monday through Friday

Definition: Functioning independently with limited supervision, develop and maintain partnerships and coalitions with public, private and academic organizations in support of the agency's mission, goals and program needs, specifically in Oklahoma City and southern Oklahoma. Participate in the concept, design, implementation and operation of new programs and activities. Initiate and support outreach activities as a part of the agency's overall outreach plan. Communicate the use and benefit of OCAST programs and services and those of the agency's partner organizations to businesses, economic development organizations, research institutions and interested parties. Manage the agency’s programs and services and assist with determining program goals and objectives in coordination with the respective program advisory committees, OCAST management, staff and stakeholders to ensure program intent, goals and objectives are met.

Examples of Work Performed

1. Support operation of the portfolio of OCAST programs and services.  Assist with determining program goals and objectives and work with the Programs Advisory Committees, OCAST management and other agency staff to ensure program intent, goals and objectives are met.   Oversee peer review activities of programs including but not limited to:
   
   1. Developing, reviewing and distribution of program Funding Opportunity Announcements (FOA)
   2. Coordinating activities with other staff and agency management
   3. Developing and conducting workshops and/or webinars pertaining to assigned programs including all required materials as necessary
   4. Developing and maintaining a pool of application reviewers for programs in accordance with approved policies and procedures
   5. Coordinating all associated activities related to Programs Advisory Committees
   6. Organizing all activities related to the peer reviews
   7. Conducting peer reviews
   8. Participating in any post-review processing including creating technical summaries for OCAST’s Board of Director of applications recommended for award through the peer review process
   9. Soliciting feedback from reviewers and OCAST staff regarding the effectiveness and efficiency of the review process
   10. Making recommendations for, then developing and implementing improvements to programs to meet changing mission parameters and client needs
   11. Reviewing, updating and assisting the implementation of marketing plans for assigned programs when called upon to do so
2. Create and implement new partnerships and coalitions involving industry, research institutions and non-profit foundations in support of the agency’s mission, goals and program needs, specifically in support of Oklahoma City and southern Oklahoma.
   1. Disseminate information about OCAST programs and services
   2. Support economic development initiatives in Oklahoma City and southern Oklahoma through the application of OCAST programs and services
   3. Support the implementation of the goals and objectives of the Oklahoma Science and Innovation Strategic Plan
   4. Remain current with the objectives of the agency with special interest paid to any political/legislative sensitivities
   5. Coordinate all partnership/coalition building activities with OCAST leadership team prior to initiating such activities
   6. Establish working relationships with Oklahoma economic development organizations to help achieve OCAST’s mission of technology-based economic development
   7. Support agency needs for technology forecasting and strategic initiatives
3. Provide agency oversight for partnerships and coalitions
   
   1. Review, at least quarterly, the progress and outcomes of the partnerships and coalitions in Oklahoma City and southern Oklahoma
   2. Ensure the intended purpose and objectives are met and are progressing according to plan and schedule
   3. In cooperation with OCAST management, represent the agency at community and area functions
   4. Provide quarterly activity reports for the partnerships and coalitions
4. Participate in agency outreach activities and support development of new outreach initiatives
   
   1. Represent OCAST at local, state and national events as directed

Job Skills: Experienced in database management and with the Microsoft Office 365, particularly Access, Word and Excel.  Familiarity with research and development funding programs and related activities, skill in establishing and maintaining working relationships with others and in dealing effectively with the public as well as knowledge. Experience working with Higher Education, technology-based business and advanced manufacturing strongly preferred.

Education and Experience: Four-year degree required preferably in a science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) field plus at least two years’ experience in STEM activities or working with high-tech businesses or the research community.  An advanced degree is preferred.