TITLE: Project Coordinator

LOCATION: Alexandria, VA , Hybrid, or Remote

DATE PREPARED: October 4, 2024

FLSA STATUS: Contract; Non-exempt

DIVISION: Missing Children Division

DEPARTMENT: Special Programs

TRAVEL REQUIREMENT:
As requested by management.

HOURS and SCHEDULE:
Monday– Friday, 8:30am to 5:00pm (37.5 hours within five (5) days per week); unless otherwise required or approved by management. This position is tied to the Alexandria, VA office but hybrid or fully remote options will be considered for a highly qualified candidate.

REPORTS TO:
Thispositionreportsto the ForensicService Unit Program Manager.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:
None.

RESPONSIBILITY FOR PUBLIC CONTACT:
Daily contact requiring courtesy, discretion, and sound judgment.

LICENSING AND CERTIFICATION:
Must be eligible to apply for VCIN certification which requires either U.S. citizenship or having been a lawful resident of the U.S. for the past 10 consecutive years. Must obtain VCIN certification within three (3) months of hire and maintain certification including completion of all required training. VCIN certification requires background screening, to include fingerprinting, criminal history check, and professional references.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
Thisposition is responsible for coordinating resources within NCMEC’s biometric and forensic programs applied to unidentified deceased child cases. Position will be working in a collaborative team environment, consulting on DNA testing strategies, forensic genetic genealogy workflows, tracking and measuring project objectives, and serving as a liaison with internal and external stakeholders.

In addition, this position will also be supporting the mission of NCMEC at the direction of the Executive Director of Special Programs and the Vice President of the Missing Children Division (MCD).

This contract position is grant funded and will be completed by September 30, 2026.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:Position is responsible for the following:

• Daily administration of biometric resources on unidentified deceased child cases to include DNA, dentals, and fingerprints.
• Document activity in comprehensive reports and supplemental documents for review and quality assurance, to include pertaining to the budget and operational aspects of the project.
• Serve as NCMEC’s representative to external stakeholders, i.e. laboratories and forensic professionals, by facilitating and tracking submissions, ensuring results are uploaded into national databases, and documenting results.
• Review available evidence in unidentified deceased child cases to determine which would benefit from the use of DNA testing for CODIS and forensic genetic genealogy.
• Guide the development of strategies pertaining to the application of forensic genetic genealogy on missing & unidentified person case work.
• Liaison between law enforcement, medical examiners, coroners, and other external stakeholders by facilitating communications, coordinating resources, troubleshooting challenges, and maintaining professional relationships.
• Provide administrative support for the evidence submission process to a lab or forensic professional on behalf of law enforcement, medical examiners, and coroners.
• Perform administrative support such as electronic case file organization and data entry.
• Thispositionrequiresthe abilitytoaccessanduseNCIC/Nletsdata after successfully completing VCIN certification.
• Promote the mission of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and the cause of protecting children worldwide.
• Promote a professional image and communicate with others in a courteous manner, to include responding promptly when returning telephone calls, emails and other correspondence.
• Maintain strict confidentiality of all sensitive case related information.
• Conform with, abide by, and enforce all regulations, policies, work procedures and instructions.
• Other duties as assigned to further the mission of NCMEC.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in Forensic Science, Biology, Biotechnology, Criminal Justice or related field.
• Minimum of two (2) years of work experience employed in forensics, crime scene investigations, law enforcement or related field.
• Experience identifying, coordinating, and applying resources to violent crimes against persons, missing children, medico-legal death investigations, crime scene experience, cold case investigations, or in support of a similar program.
• Must have maintained an acceptable time and attendance record for a period of no less than one year.

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND ABILITIES:Must possess the following:

• Knowledge of various DNA testing technologies utilized in forensic genetic genealogy and the genealogical databases utilized by law enforcement.
• Advanced knowledge, understanding, and ability in the operation of Microsoft Office Suite programs (spreadsheets, PowerPoint presentations), social media networks, and collaborative video conferencing platforms.
• Demonstrated success in a hybrid environment including remote work.
• Knowledge of criminal justice systems including knowledge of law enforcement procedures and methodology pertaining to missing person, homicides, and crime scene investigations.
• Knowledgeable of evidence collection, preservation, and selection.
• Understanding utilization of national databases such as CODIS, NGI, and NamUs.
• Strong commitment to team environment with the ability to contribute to and support leadership’s program objectives.
• Dynamic, creative results-oriented problem solver, skilled at evaluating options and generating solutions.
• Confident, articulate, and professional verbal communication skills.
• Comprehensive, factual and detailed written communication skills.
• Ability to prioritize, manage, and multi-task in a fast-paced work environment.
• Produce work product with a high degree of accuracy, organization, and keen attention to detail.
• Self-starter, highly motivated, accountable, and able to work with minimal supervision and direction.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to maintain integrity and confidentiality of highly sensitive material and information.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.
The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children is an EO employer - M/F/Veteran/Disability/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity.