This position is for the Division Director within the Division of Astronomical Sciences (AST) in the Directorate for Mathematical and Physical Sciences (MPS). For more information about AST click here For more information about MPS click here

Duties

The incumbent serves as Division Director of the Division of Astronomical Sciences (AST) in the Directorate for Mathematical and Physical Sciences. The Division Director leads a team of program officers in managing a broad portfolio of investments in astronomical sciences research and education. The incumbent has managerial and oversight responsibilities for the effective use of Division staff and resources in meeting organizational goals and objectives. This includes directing the activities of the Division, assessing the needs and trends in research and education related to the Division's programs, implementing overall strategic planning, and setting policy. The Division Director supervises and provides leadership and guidance to senior level AST staff (Deputy Division Director and Senior Advisor), AST program officers, and administrative and support personnel. The Division Director determines funding requirements, prepares and justifies budget estimates, balances program needs, allocates resources, oversees the evaluation of proposals and recommendations for awards and declinations, and represents NSF to relevant external groups. The Division Director fosters partnerships with other Divisions, Directorates, Federal agencies, scientific organizations, and the academic community. The mission of the Division of Astronomical Sciences is to support forefront research in ground-based astronomy; to help ensure the scientific excellence of the U.S. astronomical community; to provide access to world-class research facilities through merit review; to support the development of new instrumentation and next-generation facilities; and to encourage broad understanding of and diverse participation in the astronomical sciences. The Division supports research in all areas of astronomy and astrophysics and related multidisciplinary studies. Modes of support include single-investigator and collaborative awards, as well as funding for acquisition and development of astronomical instrumentation, innovative mid-scale instrumentation and scientific experiments, technology development for future ground-based facilities, and educational projects that leverage the Division's research investments to build research and workforce capacity and to increase scientific literacy. Through the national observatories and international partnerships, the Division provides support for a system of multi-aperture, research-class telescopes as well as frontier facilities that enable transformational capabilities in both radio and optical/infrared astronomy.

Requirements

Qualifications

The successful candidate will possess an established record of significant achievement in research, administration, and increasing leadership responsibility in academe, industry or government. Additionally, the Division Director must be experienced and competent in technical, financial and administrative management. The incumbent must work well with people, be an effective communicator, and be committed to continuously develop the diversity of talents and skills of the team. In addition, the ideal candidate would possess: Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) Leading Change. Demonstrated ability to bring about strategic change, both within and outside the organization, to meet organizational goals. Includes the ability to establish an organizational vision and to implement it in a continuously changing environment. Leading People. Demonstrated ability to lead people toward meeting the organization's vision, mission, and goals. Includes the ability to provide an inclusive workplace that fosters the development of others, facilitates cooperation and teamwork, and supports constructive resolution of conflicts. Results-Driven Leadership. Demonstrated ability to meet organizational goals and customer expectations. Includes the ability to make decisions that produce high-quality results by applying technical knowledge, analyzing problems, and calculating risks. Business Acumen. Demonstrated ability to manage human, financial, and information resources strategically. Building Coalitions. Demonstrated ability to build coalitions internally and with other Federal agencies, State and local governments, nonprofit and private sector organizations, foreign governments, or international organizations to achieve common goals. Mandatory Technical Qualification (MTQs) Substantial research contributions and strong evidence of scholarship in areas related to astronomical sciences as evidenced by publications, innovative leadership in research administration, and professional leadership and awards in these technical areas. Skill in balancing complex and diverse program demands and available resources in response to major advances or changing needs of science and engineering research and technology, including the management, oversight or leadership of large scientific facilities or projects. Broad understanding of universities and other institutions where research and education in science and engineering is conducted including knowledge of grant administration and fiscal management with experience in astronomical sciences support. Desired Education, strongly preferred at the Ph.D. level, or equivalent professional experience, or a combination of education and equivalent experience in astronomical sciences or a closely related field.

Education

Please refer to the Qualifications section.

Contacts

• Address NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION, DIVISION OF ASTRONOMICAL SCIENCES 2415 Eisenhower Ave Alexandria, VA 22314 US
• Name: Executive Services Branch
• Email: [email protected]