Senior Program Specialist - Law Enforcement Safety & Wellness

The Institute for Intergovernmental Research (IIR) is a Florida-based, nonprofit corporation specializing in criminal justice (law enforcement focus) and homeland security issues. In addition to several other national justice programs and projects, IIR's Law Enforcement Safety and Wellness group manages national-level officer safety and wellness programs that support state, local, tribal, and territorial law enforcement, their agencies, and families in their efforts to strengthen their strategies, techniques, and behaviors to ensure officers and agencies are healthy and able to answer the public safety needs in their communities. Current programs include the VALOR Officer Safety and Wellness Training and Technical Assistance Program, the National Suicide Awareness for Law Enforcement Officers (SAFLEO) Training and Technical Assistance Program, the Center for Corrections Officers and Staff Safety and Wellness, and as a partner with the National Police Foundation on the National Law Enforcement Roadway Safety Program. For more information, visit. www.valorforblue.org; www.safleo.org; and https://www.policefoundation.org/national-law-enforcement-roadway-safety-program/.
FLSA Status: Exempt
Position Description
The senior program specialist is primarily responsible for and is at times the lead for many areas of client engagement that support essential and significant program and project-specific activities. The employee must be able to employ effective interpersonal communication skills in identifying and facilitating the client's goals and expectations regarding each operation. Such efforts will often include discussions with high-level federal officials as well as key state and local contacts and representatives. The employee must exercise discretion and independent judgment in implementing the client's goals and expectations in the planning, delivery, and after-event evaluation of such efforts.
Responsibilities

• Coordinate with subject-matter experts to develop and facilitate the utilization of program content and outreach products
• Monitor the performance of those involved in making presentations, delivering training, or otherwise involved in the active operation, to ensure that those persons' efforts meet the quality expected of them by IIR and the client
• May coordinate IIR employees involved in the on-site efforts
• Other duties as assigned
• Serve as the on-site primary contact with the client and with those involved in the operation, and manage any issues, unexpected situations, or emergencies that might arise on-site
• Monitor and report statistical data and present recommendations
• Serve as a liaison between the client and IIR in planning and delivering specialized program products
• Coordinate the selection of event or operation sites, handling coordination of the event's agendas, including the selection and utilization of presenters, trainers, or subject-matter experts utilized in such operations
• Provide both substantive content and research for program resources, Web sites, and data-exchange initiatives
• Exercise independent judgment in leading, developing, and implementing short- and long-term project operations that sustain and improve implementation of business functions
• Maintain professional and appropriate interpersonal communications with IIR clients and program participants

Knowledge And Skills

• Ability to see operations in "the big picture" and to keep operations on schedule, on task, and moving forward in a productive and efficient manner
• Ability to communicate clear and precise messages and concepts in writing and orally
• Ability to creatively respond to last-minute changes, unforeseen developments, or other events that could distract from the success of the given operation
• Computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office Suite and the Internet
• Ability to handle high-stress situations professionally
• Minimum of six years of directly related experience or a combination of education and professional experience with the operation of major training events either as a coordinator, a planner, or a presenter or in an on-site supporting role
• Well-organized, with the ability to ensure deadlines are met in a timely and professional manner
• Knowledge and understanding of the criminal and juvenile justice systems
• Strong interpersonal skills and acumen supporting interaction with clients, those attending operation events, and third parties providing operation sites and support
• Bachelor's degree (related field) or actual experience providing the functional equivalent of an advanced degree preferred

Physical Demands and Work Environment
Work will be performed in a fast-paced office and on-site or remote environment requiring ongoing exercise of discretion and independent judgment in making essential decisions related to each operation. Operations will occur throughout the United States and may require frequent travel.
Candidates who have accepted an offer will be required to submit to a background investigation, including criminal history, employment history, educational history, and personal and professional references.