Trust Fund positions are unique to the Smithsonian. They are paid for from a variety of sources, including the Smithsonian endowment, revenue from our business activities, donations, grants and contracts. Trust employees are not part of the civil service, nor does trust fund employment lead to Federal status. The salary ranges for trust positions are generally the same as for federal positions and in many cases trust and federal employees work side by side. Trust employees have their own benefit program, which may include Health, Dental & Vision Insurance, Life Insurance, Transit/Commuter Benefits, Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance, Annual and Sick Leave, Family Friendly Leave, 403b Retirement Plan, Discounts for Smithsonian Memberships, Museum Stores and Restaurants, Credit Union, Flexible Spending Account (Health & Dependent Care). 

INTRODUCTION
The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) is at the forefront, internationally, of the scientific exploration of the universe. SAO combines its resources with those of the Harvard College Observatory to form the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics (CfA). The CfA is the best-known astrophysics center in the world. Its programs range from ground-based astronomy and astrophysics research to space-based research, the engineering and development of major scientific instrumentation for space launch and use in large ground-based facilities, and research designed to improve science education. The research objectives of SAO are carried out primarily with the support of Government and Smithsonian Institution funds, with additional philanthropic support.  Government funds are in the form of Federal appropriations or the form of contracts and grants from other agencies. In contrast, Institution funds are available to SAO through grants from the Institution's Restricted Funds, Special Purpose Funds, Bureau Activities, Business Activities, and non-Federal contracts and grants. 

SUMMARY
This position is that of Manager for Administration, Finance, and Operations at the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO). SAO is part of a joint institution known as the Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian (CfA), in conjunction with the Harvard College Observatory (HCO). SAO is a diverse astrophysical institution in which more than 600 scientists are engaged in a broad program of research in astronomy, astrophysics, and Earth and space sciences.

Within the broader Smithsonian mission, SAO scientists are dedicated to increasing knowledge of the physical processes that shape the natural world and to disseminating this knowledge to the scientific community, teachers and students, and the public.

SAO is internationally recognized for leadership in the scientific exploration of the universe. Its programs range from ground-based and space-based astronomy and astrophysics research to the engineering and development of major scientific instrumentation for space launch and large ground-based facilities, and research designed to improve science education. SAO’s research objectives are conducted primarily with support from Government and Smithsonian Institution funds, with additional philanthropic support.

The purpose of this position is to provide senior-level administrative, financial, and operational leadership to the Office of the Director, supporting the SAO Director, Deputy Director, Ch