IT Program Manager – Office for Coastal Management

Ocean Associates, Inc. (OAI) is seeking a Program Manager for the Information Technology Support Services (ITSS) at the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Ocean Service’s (NOS) Office for Coastal Management (OCM). OAI is a Virginia corporation established in 2003 that provides consulting and technical services to the U.S. government, non-governmental organizations, international organizations, and the private sector. We specialize in scientific program and project management, strategic planning, professional and technical services, and stakeholder engagement, supporting government contracts.  We are seeking applicants for this position prospectively, which is dependent on award of contract.

Background:

OCM was created in 2014 when NOAA’s Coastal Services Center and the Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management integrated to become the Office for Coastal Management. “Coastal management” is a term that covers the decisions and actions taken to keep the natural environment, built environment, quality of life, and economic prosperity of our coastal areas in balance. The Coastal Zone Management Act is the guiding legislation for this purpose, and NOAA’s OCM is the federal office tasked with its implementation. In addition, OCM implements the Coral Reef Conservation Act and houses the NOAA Coral Reef Conservation Program (CRCP). The CRCP is a partnership between four NOAA Line Offices that work on coral reef issues, bringing together expertise from across NOAA for a multi-disciplinary approach to understanding and conserving coral reef ecosystems. 

Coastal management issues are broad and challenging. Communities and the nation are constantly grappling with the best ways to address a number of issues such as storm preparedness, emergency response, erosion, development, habitat loss, sea level rise, public access, and threats to water quality. As a scientific organization, NOAA provides access to the science and environmental intelligence that communities need for these tasks. OCM leads and administers four national programs, and each relies upon active partnerships with various public and private sectors to be successful. 

• National Coastal Zone Management Program – A unique federal and state partnership that provides the most direct implementation of coastal management policy. Thirty-four states have a federally approved coastal management program.
• National Estuarine Research Reserve System (NERRS) – Leading the nation’s estuary science efforts, this program produces groundbreaking research and provides environmental health data. The network of 29 protected areas also contributes local, science-based training and education programs, and provides unique recreational opportunities.
• NOAA Coral Reef Conservation Program (CRCP) – This cross-line office program provides the sound science and management tools needed to preserve, sustain, and restore coral reef ecosystems.
• Digital Coast – This resource is the go-to source for the coastal management data, tools, and training most needed by communities. This initiative takes it a step further, however, by bringing various user groups together (the Digital Coast Partnership) to address coastal issues.

OCM approaches project and service design from the constituent’s perspective. The office solicits constituent input to identify as well as design programs and projects through surveys, needs assessments, and regional and project meetings. No project is undertaken unless it has a defined end-user and clear utility. In order to leverage resources and ensure buy-in, projects are conducted in partnership with end-users or enablers. Although national in scope, OCM takes a local approach to problem solving and capacity building that incorporates the special needs and circumstances of constituents.

OCM depends on reliable and responsive IT support to keep its systems running smoothly and its staff connected across offices and regions. The ITSS contract provides a full range of information technology products and data management services for all locations of OCM. The division complies with federal policies and procedures for information technology security, network operations, cloud computing, software development, and data management, and coordinates network, desktop, and mobile information technology upgrades and support. The contract support for this acquisition is wholly contained within the Integrated Information Products and Services Division and provides IT support to all other Divisions (i.e., the Science and Geospatial Division, the Learning Service Division, the Business Operations Division, the Policy, Planning, and Communication Division, and the Stewardship Division) and staff across this organization. This position works closely with OCM staff to provide hands-on help, respond to requests quickly, and ensure that IT systems are aligned with the evolving needs of OCM. 

Duties:

• Direct ITSS operations for NOS OCM.
• Review and approve surge support requests when necessary.
• Serve as the primary point of contact to the government, including the Contracting Officer Representative (COR), for all personnel, and contract matters.
• Be available to meet with the COR and OCM federal management on a regular basis.
• Be available to the COR via telephone between the hours of 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM (Eastern Time), Monday through Friday, after hours, weekends or holidays should an emergency arise.
• Be available to respond to a request for discussion or resolution of technical problems within four hours of notification.
• Serve as the single focal point exercising centralized authority and responsibility for planning, organizing, staffing, controlling, and leading in all aspects of the contract.
• Be responsible for program objectives for development, production, and sustainment to meet user operational needs.
• Be accountable for credible costs, key milestones, and schedules.
• Ensure that contractor employees implement professionalism at all times.
• Provide a safe workplace for contractor employees and serve as the point of contact for contractors to voice their concern.
• Provide monthly progress reports to the CO and the COR via email.
• Meet with the COR and OCM senior management on a regular basis to provide updates on projects and tasks, request clarification on any project work, and raise any concerns.
• Ensure contractor employees understand and abide by Department of Commerce established rules, regulations and policies concerning safety and security.
• Plan, supervise, and manage 30+ task order staff across multiple locations and divisions to ensure programmatic requirements are planned for accordingly and met.
• Oversee and staff approving alternate work schedules and ensuring adherence to Department of Commerce safety and security regulations.
• Ensure well-being of staff and growth opportunities by providing support, mentoring, and professional development opportunities.
• Track task completion, in alignment with the Performance Work Statement (PWS), while identifying and addressing potential project challenges.

Start Date: Summer 2026

Location: Remote / Charleston, SC (this is a remote position and must be in Eastern Time Zone). Travel is anticipated.

Salary and Benefits: This is a full-time position with benefits. Salary, commensurate with experience, $110,000-150,000 / year.  

Required Skills/Education: 

• Must be in the Eastern Time zone.
• Master’s Degree in a relevant discipline (e.g., computer science, engineering, GIS).
• 5+ years of experience in Program or Project Management, including managing large teams (25+ employees).
• Demonstrated experience leading scientific and technical professionals, providing leadership, organization, decision-making, guidance, and conflict resolution.
• Proven experience managing federal contracts and program budgets exceeding $10M/year.
• Proficient in project/program management techniques, tools, and methods.
• Strong problem-solving, personnel management, and organizational skills.
• Excellent verbal, written, and presentation communication skills.
• Capable of working both independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
• Demonstrated experience providing support to ensure well-being of staff.
• Demonstrated experience providing mentoring and professional development, and ensuring growth opportunities, to staff where applicable.

Preferred Qualifications:

• PMP (Project Management Professional) certification.
• Experience managing subcontractors.
• Experience supporting NOAA NOS or other federal agencies.
• Familiarity with OCM operations, structure, and collaborators.
• Background in remote sensing, sensor systems, or geospatial product and data development.