Regional Director, STARS (IS-0301-13)

Application Deadline: 16 June 2025

Department: Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Amado, AZ

Compensation: $107,382 - $139,598 / year

Description

OPENING DATE: 05/13/2025
CLOSING DATE: 06/16/2025
SERIES/GRADE: 0301/13
TYPE OF POSITION: Trust Indefinite (Non-Federal)
DIVISION: Director's Office
LOCATION:  Amado, AZ
AREA OF CONSIDERATION: This position is open to all eligible candidates.
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, 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. 

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 Regional Director implements the Smithsonian STARS program across a defined geographical region. The Regional Director oversees the work of a multidisciplinary team—including communications, curriculum development, and front-line astronomy outreach staff—and serves as the point person for coordination with state and local education officials, community leaders, and stakeholders. Reporting to the STARS Executive Director, the Regional Director ensures that program delivery is consistent, timely, well-integrated with local needs, and aligned with school calendars and funding parameters.

MAJOR DUTIES

Regional Leadership and Team Oversight● Lead and manage all Smithsonian STARS program operations within their dedicated geographical region.●  Lead and supervise a cross-functional team, including communications, curriculum development, and front-line astronomy outreach staff, while tracking individual and team progress across key areas such as curriculum rollout, outreach campaigns, professional development, telescope delivery, school engagement, and teacher training.● Develop and maintain consistent program delivery and educator engagement based on state and local school calendars, budgetary constraints, and delivery timelines.● Provide monthly progress reports and updates to the Executive Director and participate in cross-regional leadership meetings.Education, Public Outreach, and Logistics Program Management●  Oversee the regional implementation of educational activities including teacher training, curriculum delivery, and student engagement events.●  Manage public outreach activities