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Program Development Office Director, National Security

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Seattle, WAJob$239–377K/yrSeen todaySeen in employer's feed today

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At a glance

Compensation
$239–377K/yr
Location
Seattle, WA
Work Authorization
US work authorization required

Olive lists jobs from US employers, including remote roles you can work from the United States.

Requirements

Credentials this posting asks for.

Public Trust clearance, required

Job overview

The Program Development Office Director leads the National Security Directorate’s business development strategy, sponsor engagement, and funding opportunities. The role builds sponsor-funded portfolios, connects laboratory capabilities with national security mission needs, and guides sector managers and strategic objectives. It works with government and industry sponsors and internal research, engineering, and management teams. The position may be based in Richland, Seattle, or Washington, DC.

Skills & qualifications

RequiredNice to have

Skills

Business Development Strategy, nice to haveNational Security Sponsor Engagement, nice to havePeople Management, requiredHiring, requiredPerformance Management, requiredEmployee Development, requiredOrganizational Leadership, requiredStrategic Planning, requiredProject and Program Management, nice to haveProject Control, nice to havePerformance Measurement, nice to haveStrategic Objective Development, nice to haveConcept Development, nice to haveLeadership, nice to haveStrategic Thinking, nice to haveRelationship Building, nice to haveCommunication, nice to haveInfluencing, nice to haveProject Execution, nice to haveContract Development, nice to haveCommercialization, nice to have

Qualifications

BS/BA or MS/MA+, requiredBS/BA+15 or MS/MA+13 Years, requiredU.S. Citizenship, requiredQ/SCI Security Clearance, requiredFederal Security Clearance, requiredUp to 25% Business Travel, required

Benefits

Medical Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Tuition Assistance
Relocation Assistance
Parental Leave
401(k) Match
Paid Time Off

Full job description

Overview

At PNNL, our core capabilities are divided among major departments that we refer to as Directorates within the Lab, focused on a specific area of scientific research or other function, with its own leadership team and dedicated budget.

Our Science & Technology directorates include National Security, Integrated Discovery Sciences, and Energy and Environment. In addition, we have an Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory, a Department of Energy, Office of Science user facility housed on the PNNL campus.

The National Security Directorate (NSD) drives science-based, mission-focused solutions to take on complex, real-world threats to our nation and the world.

The NSD Program Development Office serves our sponsors by anticipating and understanding the national security issues of today and preparing for the threats of tomorrow. We partner with government and industry sponsors to understand the big challenges or threats, foreign or domestic, and explore opportunities to apply science and technology-based solutions, at all technology readiness levels, to their problems. We also work with our scientists, researchers, engineers, and policy analysts to connect research funding with the non-trivial work of science and technology exploration across the national security mission space.

Responsibilities

The Program Development Office Director (PDO Director) is responsible for defining and overseeing the NSD business development strategy, including providing leadership, engaging sponsors, and supporting new funding opportunities for PNNL’s national security mission sponsors.

This senior leadership position within NSD focuses on sponsor satisfaction, program execution, and mission impact. The PDO Director provides insight and leadership critical for developing programs that are innovative, relevant, and aligned with stakeholder priorities. Engaging 1,000-plus staff and recruiting and retaining a strong R&D workforce requires the PDO Director to partner with key internal and external stakeholders to build strong relationships and enable a consistent pipeline of opportunities aligned with PNNL's strengths, facilities, capabilities, and interests.

The PDO Director works across a broad range of capabilities, programs, and funding sponsors within the Department of Energy complex, including the Special Programs, Department of War (DOW), Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Department of State (DOS), and the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) sectors. This role connects PNNL's capabilities, staff, and innovation to deliver on national security mission needs. The PDO Director also has responsibility for providing insights that help line managers steward laboratory capabilities aligned with future mission requirements. This role also helps convey the perspectives and expertise of PNNL R&D staff to federal mission stakeholders seeking to apply advanced science and technology for current and anticipated emerging needs.

  • Responsible for building a balanced portfolio of sponsor-funded programs/projects and maintains a high level of engagement and strong relationships with key senior personnel within national security sponsoring agencies to include the DOW, DHS, DOS, NNSA and the Intelligence Community.

  • Deploys the entire scientific and engineering base of the Laboratory, as appropriate, to bring the best technical solutions available to sponsors and establishes priorities for the National Security sectors.

  • Manages the development of an annual portfolio of approximately $800M in funding to support technical S&T.

  • Responsible for managing, tracking, and negotiating annual Department of Treasury ceilings for Strategic Partnership Program ceilings with the Pacific Northwest Site Office.

  • Oversees a budget of $14M of business development and unallowable expenditures associated with proposal development and relationship management.

  • Accountable for progress and reporting of strategic objectives to NSD and PNNL leadership and takes a leadership role in the execution of directorate and laboratory level objectives.

  • Assembles and guides a team of high performing sector/sub-sector managers who manage key sponsor relationships and guide/influence critical business development activities within their assigned area of responsibility.

  • Promotes a strong partnering relationship with the Program Management Office Directors in selecting and assigning key program/project managers.

  • Works with Division management across the Laboratory to support technical capability development.

This position can be based in Richland, WA; Seattle, WA; or Washington, DC.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

  • BS/BA and 15 years of demonstrated experience engaging with National Security sponsor organizations, to include DOW, DHS, DOS, NNSA, and the Intelligence Community, their operations, and technology needs -OR-

  • MS/MA or higher and 13 years of demonstrated experience engaging with National Security sponsor organizations, to include DOW, DHS, DOD, NNSA and the Intelligence Community, their operations, and technology needs.

  • Demonstrated experience as a direct people manager of professional or technical staff, including responsibility for hiring, performance management, employee development, and organizational leadership.

  • Experience establishing and advancing vision, strategy, objectives, and priorities at the directorate or business level or higher to enhance organizational performance and achieve strategic outcomes.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience managing full project and program scope from formulation stages (proposals, planning, estimating and scheduling) to project control and performance measurement, through project delivery and closeout.

  • Experience working effectively in dynamic and continually changing environments.

  • Experience developing and achieving strategic objectives in national security related business; including the development of novel concepts and approaches where little precedent exists.

  • Demonstrated experience leading others to deliver on institutional strategy. (must be leading leaders)

  • Recognition as a strategic thought leader on the current and future challenges facing the national security community.

  • History of building strong relationships with senior leaders within the national security community.

  • Demonstrated strong communications and influencing skills, for both internal and external stakeholders.

  • Demonstrated experience working within PNNL business processes and frameworks to manage project execution, contract and business development activities, commercialization efforts, and strategic performance objectives.

Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment

  • The incumbent may enter a variety of experimental laboratories, radiological areas, and high security areas.

  • Business travel (up to 25%) is required for this position.

  • Maintaining a Q/SCI security clearance is required.

Additional Information

This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a federal security clearance.

A security clearance background investigation includes review of your employment, education, financial, and criminal history, as well as interviews with you and your personal references, neighbors, and co-workers to determine trustworthiness, reliability, and loyalty to the United States. The investigation also examines your foreign connections, drug and alcohol use, foreign influence, and overall conduct.

Requirements:

  • U.S. Citizenship

  • Background Investigation: Applicants selected will be subject to a Federal background investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified matter in accordance with 10 CFR 710, Appendix B.

  • Drug Testing: All Security Clearance positions are Testing Designated Positions, which means that the applicant selected for hire is subject to pre-employment drug testing, and post-employment random drug testing. In addition, applicants must be able to demonstrate non-use of illegal drugs, including marijuana, for the 12 consecutive months preceding completion of the requisite Questionnaire for National Security Positions (QNSP).

Note: Applicants will be considered ineligible for security clearance processing by the U.S. Department of Energy if non-use of illegal drugs, including marijuana, for 12 months cannot be demonstrated.

Testing Designated Position

This position is a Testing Designated Position (TDP). The candidate selected for this position will be subject to pre-employment and random drug testing for illegal drugs, including marijuana, consistent with the Controlled Substances Act and the PNNL Workplace Substance Abuse Program.

About PNNL

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is a world-class research institution powered by a highly educated, diverse workforce committed to the values of Integrity, Creativity, Collaboration, Impact, and Courage. Every year, scores of dynamic, driven people come to PNNL to work with renowned researchers on meaningful science, innovations and outcomes for the U.S. Department of Energy and other sponsors; here is your chance to be one of them!

At PNNL, you will find an exciting research environment and excellent benefits including health insurance, and flexible work schedules. PNNL is located in eastern Washington State—the dry side of Washington known for its stellar outdoor recreation and affordable cost of living. The Lab’s campus is only a 45-minute flight (or ~3 hour drive) from Seattle or Portland, and is serviced by the convenient PSC airport, connected to 8 major hubs.

Commitment to Excellence and Equal Employment Opportunity

Our laboratory is committed to fostering a work environment where all individuals are treated with fairness and respect while solving critical challenges in fundamental sciences, national security, and energy resiliency. We are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. PNNL considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), protected veteran status, and any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local laws.

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures and in employment. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, contact us at [email protected] .

Drug Free Workplace

PNNL is committed to a drug-free workplace supported by Workplace Substance Abuse Program (WSAP) and complies with federal laws prohibiting the possession and use of illegal drugs.

If you are offered employment at PNNL, you must pass a drug test prior to commencing employment. PNNL complies with federal law regarding illegal drug use. Under federal law, marijuana remains an illegal drug. If you test positive for any illegal controlled substance, including marijuana, your offer of employment will be withdrawn.

Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility Requirements

As a national laboratory, PNNL is responsible for adhering to the Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which require new employees to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identify Verification (PIV) Credential. To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete the applicable tier of federal background investigation post hire and receive a favorable federal adjudication. The tier of federal background investigation will be determined by job duties and national security or public trust responsibilities associated with the job. All tiers of investigation include a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last 1 to 7 years (depending on the applicable tier of investigation). Illegal drug activities include marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.

For foreign national candidates:

If you have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, you are not eligible for the PIV credential and instead will need to obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) Federal risk determination to maintain employment. Once you meet the three-year residency requirement thereafter, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment. The tier of federal background investigation required to obtain the PIV credential will be determined by job duties at the time you become eligible for the PIV credential.

Mandatory Requirements

Please be aware that the Department of Energy (DOE) prohibits DOE employees and contractors from having any affiliation with the foreign government of a country DOE has identified as a “country of risk” without explicit approval by DOE and Battelle. If you are offered a position at PNNL and currently have any affiliation with the government of one of these countries, you will be required to disclose this information and recuse yourself of that affiliation or receive approval from DOE and Battelle prior to your first day of employment.

Rockstar Rewards

Employees and their families are offered medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, robust telehealth care options, several mental health benefits, free wellness coaching, health savings account, flexible spending accounts, basic life insurance, disability insurance*, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, tuition assistance, relocation, backup childcare, legal benefits, supplemental parental bonding leave, surrogacy and adoption assistance, and fertility support. Employees are automatically enrolled in our company-funded pension plan* and may enroll in our 401 (k) savings plan with company match*. Employees may accrue up to 120 vacation hours per year and may receive ten paid holidays per year.

  • Research Associates excluded.

**All benefits are dependent upon eligibility.

Click Here For Rockstar Rewards (https://careers.pnnl.gov/rockstar-rewards)

Notice to Applicants

PNNL lists the full pay range for the position in the job posting. Starting pay is calculated from the minimum of the pay range and actual placement in the range is determined based on an individual’s relevant job-related skills, qualifications, and experience. This approach is applicable to all positions, with the exception of positions governed by collective bargaining agreements and certain limited-term positions which have specific pay rules.

As part of our commitment to fair compensation practices, we do not ask for or consider current or past salaries in making compensation offers at hire. Instead, our compensation offers are determined by the specific requirements of the position, prevailing market trends, applicable collective bargaining agreements, pay equity for the position type, and individual qualifications and skills relevant to the performance of the position.

Minimum Salary

USD $238,500.00/Yr.

Maximum Salary

USD $376,900.00/Yr.

How this job compares

Set against the 20,760 open Business Development jobs on Olive Jobs, counted November 11, 2026.

Pay
  • This posting$239–377K/yr
  • Washington median$137–200K/yr521 salary ranges
  • US median$125–197K/yr14,814 salary ranges

This range's midpoint, $308K, is 77% above the Washington median midpoint ($174K) — in the top quarter of Business Development salary ranges in Washington.

Openings
Olive Jobs lists 583 open Business Development jobs in Washington and 20,760 across the US. 13% of them nationwide are listed as remote or flexible.
Hiring the most in Washington
Experience
This posting asks for at least 13 years of experience — more than three in four Business Development postings that state a minimum ask for (median 6 years, across 16,601 postings).
Education
6,309 of the 20,760 open Business Development jobs (30%) ask for a bachelor's degree or higher.

Counted across the open, public US postings on Olive Jobs on November 11, 2026. Pay medians are the middle values of the low ends and of the high ends of postings that list both ends of a range in the same cadence (a yearly salary or an hourly rate); a range's midpoint is halfway between its ends. Pay and experience figures resting on fewer than 20 postings are left out.

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