Division Administrator (IS-0301-13/14)

Application Deadline: 2 December 2024

Department: Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Cambridge, MA

Compensation: $116,820 - $151,870 / year

Description

OPENING DATE: November 5, 2024
CLOSING DATE: December 2, 2024
TYPE OF POSITION: Trust Indefinite (Non-Federal)
DIVISION: Solar, Stellar, and Planetary Sciences 
LOCATION: Cambridge, MA
AREA OF CONSIDERATION: This position is open to all eligible candidates.

This is a career ladder opportunity with promotion potential to grade 14. The candidate may be non-competitively promoted to grade 14 upon the supervisor's recommendation based on classification requirements, satisfactory performance, and employee qualifications. 
What are Trust Fund Positions?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, Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center (Childcare), Flexible Spending Account (Health & Dependent Care). 
Conditions of Employment

• Pass Pre-employment Background Check and Subsequent Background Investigation, as required.
• Complete a Probationary Period if applicable. 
• Maintain a Bank Account for Direct Deposit/Electronic Transfer.
• The position is open to all candidates eligible to work in the United States.  Proof of eligibility to work in U.S. is not required to apply.
• Applicants must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement. 
• Required to file SI Form 1085, Confidential Financial Disclosure Report 

OVERVIEW

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
The purpose of the position is to manage all the non-scientific aspects of the Division’s broad program of astrophysical research, and specifically to administer its sponsored project, human resources, and financial functions; supervise its administrative staff; provide effective administrative liaison within SAO and to HCO; and support the Division Chair (DC) and other Observatory senior management in long-range planning and special projects as assigned. The incumbent is responsible for developing, coordinating, and maintaining a comprehensive system of administrative and financial staff services, including contract administration, accounting/budgeting/forecasting, management and program analysis, evaluation of programs, proposal preparation, procurement, and personnel administration. The Division Administrator is expected to create an atmosphere in which scientific research can thrive by understanding the needs of the scientific staff and working cooperatively with this staff.      

MAJOR DUTIES

• Participates with the SSP Division Chair and Division senior scientists in near- and long-term division and project planning, including staffing, funding, space, and other resources’ requirements. Coor