Open Role
Director
Office of the Director
14 reports
National Science Foundation
National Science Foundation organizational structure (Directorate-based)
Government · Hybrid structure · 2K employees · Alexandria, VA
10
Agency head span
↓ tighter than peers (avg 12)
4.2
Avg span
moderate
3
Max depth
3 levels
Interactive org chart
National Science Foundation organizational chart
Explore the agency leadership model, component structure, and reporting layers from official public sources.
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This org chart summarizes NSF's directorate-based structure, highlighting vacant top leadership roles, senior executive offices, and the major research and education directorates that carry out the agency’s funding mission.
What to model
Use the chart to test org decisions, not just view reporting lines
Start with the public baseline, then use the scenario views and source-backed changes to ask what happens when leadership, span, or team ownership shifts.
Scenario views in the chart
- Add cross-directorate AI coordination role Model adding a Chief AI and Data Integration Officer reporting to the Director to coordinate AI investments across CISE, TIP, and other directorates.
Atlas work this supports
- Compare public operating models Use this official-source baseline to compare agencies, components, reporting layers, and field-office networks.
- Model vacancies and transitions Create planning scenarios for acting leaders, new offices, component moves, and cross-agency coordination changes.
- Keep an official source trail Track source URLs, leadership updates, and agency structure changes in one Atlas workspace for review.
The people
Key leaders and offices
12 senior leadership roles or offices from official public sources. Use this section as a current agency-leadership index, not a private-company filing table.
Directorate for Biological Sciences
Assistant Director
BIO
0 reports
Directorate for Engineering
Assistant Director
ENG
0 reports
Directorate for Geosciences
Assistant Director
GEO
0 reports
Directorate for Mathematical & Physical Sciences
Assistant Director
MPS
0 reports
Directorate for Computer & Information Science & Engineering
Assistant Director
CISE
0 reports
Directorate for Social, Behavioral & Economic Sciences
Assistant Director
SBE
0 reports
Directorate for STEM Education
Assistant Director
EDU
0 reports
Directorate for Technology, Innovation & Partnerships
Assistant Director
TIP
0 reports
Open Role
Deputy Director
Office of the Director
0 reports
Brian Stone
Chief of Staff (Performing the duties of the Director)
Executive Office of the Director
0 reports
Dr. Simon Malcomber
Chief Science Officer
Executive Office of the Director
0 reports
The operating model
How National Science Foundation divides the work
5 offices, branches, or components organize the agency mission. Tile size scales with estimated staff where public estimates exist.
Office of the Director
200 employees
p1
Provides agency-wide leadership, policy, legal, international, integrative, and communications functions.
Biological Sciences (BIO)
200 employees
p8
Supports research and education on biological systems from molecules to ecosystems.
Computer & Information Science & Engineering (CISE)
180 employees
p9
Advances computing, communications, AI, and cyberinfrastructure research.
Engineering (ENG)
220 employees
p10
Invests in engineering research, education, and innovation.
STEM Education (EDU)
150 employees
p14
Supports STEM education research and workforce development across all levels.
The agency brief
What this U.S. agency structure tells us
The National Science Foundation (NSF) is an independent federal agency established by the National Science Foundation Act of 1950. It is led by a Director and governed by the National Science Board, which sets policy and advises the President and Congress. Structurally, NSF is distinctive for its directorate-based model, organizing nearly all programmatic work through discipline-focused directorates that fund merit-reviewed research and education nationwide. The Office of the Director provides cross-cutting leadership, legal authority, international coordination, integrative activities, and public affairs, while independent oversight is provided by the Office of Inspector General. NSF does not operate laboratories at scale; instead, it funds external performers, making grant-making and peer review central to its structure and authority.
- Director and Deputy Director positions are vacant as of the current quarter
- Directorate-based structure emphasizes external research funding
- National Science Board serves as governing body
The comparison
Compare with related agencies
Compared with mission-operating agencies like NASA or NOAA, NSF is primarily a grant-making and policy-setting organization with a flatter, discipline-oriented directorate structure. Unlike NIH, which is organized around institutes with intramural research, NSF emphasizes external merit review across broadly scoped …
Current signals
What changed recently
No confirmed leadership changes beyond ongoing vacancies in the Director and Deputy Director roles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who leads National Science Foundation?
The NSF is led by a Director, appointed by the President with Senate confirmation. As of the current quarter, the Director position is vacant, with the Chief of Staff performing the duties of the Director.
What does National Science Foundation do?
NSF supports fundamental research and STEM education across all fields of science and engineering through competitive grants and cooperative agreements.
What are the major offices or components of National Science Foundation?
Major components include the Office of the Director, multiple research and education directorates (such as BIO, CISE, ENG, GEO, MPS, SBE, EDU, and TIP), and the Office of Inspector General.
Who does National Science Foundation report to?
NSF is an independent federal agency. It reports to the President and Congress and is governed by the National Science Board.
How can this org chart be used for planning or analysis?
The org chart helps policymakers, researchers, and administrators understand NSF’s governance, directorate responsibilities, and leadership spans for strategic planning and coordination.
Sources
Reference
Cite this page
If you reference this page in research, analysis, or news writing, use one of the formats below. Citation includes the SEC filing source where applicable.
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Creately. "National Science Foundation Organizational Structure." Last modified April 1, 2026. https://creately.com/org-chart/us-government/national-science-foundation/.Permanent URL: https://creately.com/org-chart/us-government/national-science-foundation/ · last updated 2026-04-01