Job Posting: SWF Seeking a Program Analyst, Space Sustainability

Friday, January 24, 2025

Employment: Full-time, Hybrid
Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week
Start Date: Negotiable
Salary: USD $70,860 – $80,000

Secure World Foundation, a 501(c)3 non-profit operating foundation, is seeking a full-time Program Analyst, Space Sustainability to provide analysis and support for SWF’s core mission areas of space sustainability, including space situational awareness, space traffic management and coordination, orbital debris mitigation and remediation, and space security. This position will be based in either SWF’s Broomfield, Colorado or Washington, DC office as a hybrid position requiring a few days in the office each week and a regular remote work schedule. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States; SWF cannot support the work visa process.

As the only organization devoted entirely to space sustainability, the Secure World Foundation strives to be a trusted and objective source of leadership and information on space security, sustainability, and the use of space for benefits on Earth. We use a global and pragmatic lens to study and evaluate proposed solutions to improve the governance of outer space. While recognizing the complexities of the international political environment, SWF works to encourage and build relationships with all willing stakeholders in space activities, including government, commercial, military, civil society, and academic actors. Central to this approach is increasing knowledge about the space environment and the need to maintain its stability, promoting international cooperation and dialogue, and helping all space actors realize the benefits that space technologies and capabilities can provide.

Job Description

Candidates should have demonstrated knowledge of space sustainability policy topics such as space situational awareness, space traffic management and coordination, orbital debris mitigation and remediation, or space security.

The primary responsibility of the Program Analyst is to manage the day-to-day activities arising from the implementation of the Foundation’s program plan, which involves creating and managing project content and related initiatives. This position will focus on providing technical and policy analysis and support for SWF’s core mission areas of space sustainability including space situational awareness, space traffic management and coordination, orbital debris mitigation and remediation, and space security. The Program Analyst will work with SWF staff on implementing assigned projects; from time to time, the Program Analyst may be required to coordinate with, mentor, and train junior program support staff, interns, and volunteers.

This position will be based in either SWF’s Broomfield, Colorado or Washington, DC office as a hybrid position requiring a few days in the office each week and a regular remote work schedule. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States; SWF cannot support the work visa process.

The Program Analyst reports to the Senior Director, Program Planning with a dotted-line to the COO.

Responsibilities

• Assists senior managers with the implementation of assigned projects, including research and analysis, document drafting and editing, event and other programmatic planning, budget development, and financial record-keeping of program activities
• Works with teams and independently to manage work streams and external stakeholder engagements related to a broad range of space policy issues 
• Publishes or co-publishes articles related to SWF program activities and contributes to SWF publications
• Travels (local, regional, national and/or international), as required, to meet with stakeholders, assist with project implementation, and/or attend events related to the assigned project(s) 
• Participates in and represents SWF in events and conferences at regional, state, national and  international meetings
• Maintains knowledge of the substantive areas of SWF’s activities, as well as other agencies and organizations whose policies and  practices have implications for SWF’s strategic direction 
• Oversees the work of external vendors and negotiates external contracts, as designated by the Executive  Director and/or Senior Director of Program Planning, and subject to approval by the COO
• When relevant, proposes new projects or project sub-activities for senior management approval

Experience, Qualifications, and Skills

• 1-4 years of experience working with an organization in a Project/Program Analyst or Manager capacity is required. Relevant government, industry, non-profit, or military work experience is a plus 
• The minimum academic qualification for this position is a Bachelor’s level degree in or a technical field such as engineering, mathematics, physics, or other related science or a policy field such as international relations, public policy, public administration, or political science
• Master’s level degree (or evidence of equivalent work experience) in a field related to space situational awareness, space traffic management and  coordination, orbital debris mitigation and remediation, or space security is a plus
• Demonstrated knowledge of space sustainability policy topics such as space situational awareness, space traffic management and  coordination, orbital debris mitigation and remediation, and/or space security is preferred 
• Expertise in collecting, analyzing, and presenting qualitative and quantitative data to audiences with varying backgrounds 
• Experience in organizing and executing workshops, events, or other similar activities is strongly  preferred 
• Experience in public speaking is a plus
• Strong interpersonal skills and experience working as a member of a diverse, geographically scattered  team is highly desirable 
• Demonstrated computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office products and  experience with Google Workspace products and other electronic collaboration tools 
• Prior and proven skill and/or experience collaborating with a team of people 
• Written communication skills to support drafting and editing of articles, research publications,  policy/white papers, as needed 
• Professional experience living and working in more than one culture is a plus 
• Ability to perform professionally in English is required, and skill in at least one additional language is a plus

SWF is offering an annual salary of $70,860 - $80,000, depending upon experience, for this full-time, exempt position. Benefits are offered, including paid holiday, vacation and sick time, 401(k) with employer match, health insurance, vision and dental insurance, and more. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States; SWF cannot support the work visa process.

To Apply

Qualified candidates, please send a cover letter (outlining your interest in supporting SWF's mission and your preferred location of Broomfield, Colorado or Washington, DC), and your resume to opportunities@swfound.org. Title the subject line of your email: Program Analyst. No phone calls, please.

Applications will be considered on a rolling basis as received. The Secure World Foundation provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, expression or identity, national origin, age, disability, or genetics.

SWF is committed to promoting and supporting more diverse, inclusive, and equitable engagement in discussions on issues related to the secure, sustainable, and peaceful uses of outer space. We believe that we can harness the inspirational power of space to be as inclusive as possible in our workplace and in all our activities, to help create a more tolerant, more inclusive, and more humane society, right here on Earth. We know that bringing diverse voices to the table yields better solutions. Space offers us the opportunity to gather the best ideas in creating the systems that will help us keep space sustainable and of benefit to all human