Assistant Director for Facilities and Administration

Position Summary

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) announces an employment opportunity for an Assistant Director for Facilities and Administration.

The Assistant Director for Facilities and Administration is the chief administrative officer for the Observatory and is responsible for business administration and other Observatory support services. The role is also responsible for the management and oversight of the following administrative areas: Procurement, Safety, Facilities Planning, Management Information Systems, Technology Transfer and the oversight of and coordination with the site Business Offices, and other service divisions as may be assigned. An essential and ongoing requirement is to optimize business systems and increase their cost effectiveness. As part of NRAO Operations, the AD will work with the Joint Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array Observatory (JAO), a joint facility of NRAO located in the Atacama Desert of northern Chile, the European Southern Observatory (ESO), and the National Astronomical Observatories of Japan (NAOJ) to address the administrative and budgetary issues concerning the operation and construction of ALMA.

The AD will also work closely with the Associated Universities, Inc. (AUI) executive office on business, administrative, and auditing matters. AUI is the non-profit organization that manages NRAO on behalf of the National Science Foundation under a cooperative agreement.

The location for the position will be based at our headquarters in Charlottesville, VA. A telework arrangement may be considered.

In addition to competitive pay, NRAO provides excellent paid time off benefits (vacation and sick leave). Medical, dental and vision plans are effective on the first day of employment. NRAO’s retirement benefit contributes an amount equal to 10 percent of a qualified participant’s base pay. No contribution is required of the employee; we also offer an optional supplemental, tax-deferred plan for employee retirement contributions.

Job Duties Summary

Responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

• Responsible for all programmatic, technical, and personnel aspects of the Facilities and Administration department including: Central Information Services, Contracts & Procurement; Environment, Safety & Security; Management Information Services; Technology Transfer; and Charlottesville Facilities & Services.  Acts as a close collaborator to and/or head of:  the AUI Retirement Plans Committee; AUI Benefit Committee member; ALMA budgetary and fiscal issues, including relationships with Heads of Administration at ESO, NAOJ, JAO.  Represents NRAO at ALMA Heads of Administration Advisory Group quarterly and special meetings. Is a key contact with AUI officers and the AUI Fiscal Division. Oversees facilities in Charlottesville (UVA Landlord) on Edgemont Road and Boxwood Lane (R Hewitt).  Is the primary contact with UVA departments of Facilities Management and Real Estate Management.  Advises on the Central Development Laboratory (CDL) building matters and Landlord relations.  Responsible for Edgemont Road office space allocation. Provides programmatic management involving oversight of development planning and budgets of the various groups including regular reporting on development status, compliance with deadlines, with periodic presentations to senior management or advisory bodies in formal or informal reviews including quarterly status reports and NSF Program Review meetings.

• Responsible for providing coherent and dependable planning across the department, following also the Observatory project management procedures. Particularly, focusing on projects that have an observatory wide perspective, while keeping orderly but pro-active interactions with the other departments that act as stakeholders. Provides technical expertise and management, particularly on projects that concern different department groups and/or are particularly visible, promotes discussion and collaboration among groups while maintaining a consistent view and quality of implementation across the site/department or Observatory. As part of the technical management, this position leads processes that maintains and extends cross-observatory procedural standards and development of best practices. Personnel management concerns building and maintaining a culture of trust, mutual collaboration, accountability, and excellence within the department/division and with the Stakeholders. Seek to increase the diversity and inclusion of the department workforce through robust recruiting and onboarding practices. The administrative part of this work involves review of timesheets and periodic performance reviews, including interacting with the Human Resources and Business departments of the Observatory when necessary. Effectively communicates technical and strategic information to (and among) group leads, stakeholders and others. Facilitates and participates in top-level technical discussions and decision-making process.

Provides consultancy and support on request of the Observatory Director and other senior management on any matters that are relevant for NRAO and in fulfilling its mission. Effectively communicate NRAO mission and accomplishments to target audiences.

• Proactive compliance with all safety procedures.

Work Environment

Work is typically performed in a research and development environment. Must be able to travel both domestically and internationally by air carrier.

Minimum Education

Master’s degree or an equivalent combination of experience and education.

Minimum Experience

At least seven years of experience in a relevant field of work.

Preferred Education

Masters of Business Administration

Certified Public Accountant certification

Preferred Experience

A demonstrated background in observatory operations or management and the ability to work closely with site managers and scientific staff members are also highly desirable.

Competency Summary

Must possess excellent analytical, communication and organizational skills. Must be able to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing. Strong leadership ability is required.

Additional Requirement

The Observatory has determined that all employees who intend to be physically present in the facilities and employees who work in safety sensitive positions are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 in accordance with our AUI vaccine policy and provide proof of full vaccination prior to your start date. A selected applicant may request consideration for an accommodation for a disability or a sincerely held religious belief.

You may apply at our careers page at www.careers.nrao.edu.  Please be prepared to upload your current CV/Resume and a cover letter describing interest and suitability for the position. Applications are being reviewed and the vacancy will remain open until filled.

AUI is an equal opportunity employer. Women, Minorities, Vietnam-Era Veterans, Disabled Veterans, Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities are encouraged to apply. To view our complete statement, please visit http://jobs.jobvite.com/nrao/jobs. If you require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process due to a disability, you may submit your request by sending an email to resumes@nrao.edu.

The NRAO is an equal opportunity employer (M/F/D/V)