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Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy · 1 day ago

Deputy Director, International Gemini Observatory

Tucson, AZ

Full-time

Hybrid

Director/Executive

$171K/yr - $195K/yr

7+ years exp

The Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy is seeking a Deputy Director for the International Gemini Observatory to lead a team of scientists and engineers in groundbreaking astrophysics discoveries. This role involves managing operations, strategic planning, and overseeing communications while collaborating with various stakeholders in the observatory's governance.

Non Profit

H1B Sponsor Likely

Responsibilities

Support and assist the Gemini Director in the discharge of their duties and assist with internal and external affairs of the Observatory, including:

Providing internal leadership to Gemini Observatory

Oversee day-to-day operations and make operational decisions in support of Gemini’s mission

Resolving personnel and staff management issues and serving as a liaison with AURA Human Resources for retention and recruitment

Representing the Gemini program at National meetings and with AURA, NOIRLab, and Gemini governance bodies, liaising with the Gemini Participants on their requirements for the Observatory

Assist in the tracking and management of ongoing contracting actions

Serve as a key member of the Gemini Observatory Directorate and a member of the NOIRLab Management Team

Support the Director in the strategic planning of observatory affairs, preparation of the annual program operating plan and budget, and the reporting on the Cooperative Support Agreement with the NSF

Prepare and report on the Director and Deputy Director budgets

Provide oversight of the Gemini Portfolio Management Office (GPMO)

In partnership with Director and NOIRLab’s Communications, Education & Engagement (CEE) team support the Observatory’s strategic communications as well as internal and external communications

Lead and coordinate preparations for oversight committees; assisting the Director in preparing for the Science and Technology Advisory Committee meeting, the Gemini Board meeting, the NOIRLab Management Oversight Council, and NSF Reviews

Must be willing to travel internationally extensively

Must be willing to spend significant time at all Gemini sites (Hawaii, Chile, and Tucson)

Other duties as assigned

Qualification

PhD in astronomyStrategic planningLeadership experienceGround-based observatory operationsPersonnel managementTechnical writingPublic speakingTeam environmentAnalytical thinkingInnovationSpanish languageCreativity

Required

PhD in astronomy or closely related field

Internationally recognized scientist with broad interests beyond the field of research

Familiarity with ground-based and/or space-based observatory operations

Demonstrated strategic and analytical thinking skills

Motivation and ability to identify and implement new strategic directions for the Observatory in a team environment

Strong personnel-staff management skills

Excellent written and oral communication skills

Effective technical writing and public speaking communication skills

At least 7+ years of PhD experience as research scientist, astrophysicist, or other related scientific field-discipline

With a minimum of 3+ years of experience working in a leadership position (in a university, an observatory, and/or an equivalent science or research organization)

Extensive experience in people, personnel-staff management, and leadership skills

Preferred

Enthusiasm for scientific discoveries and for observational astronomy

Knowledge of Spanish is an asset

Creativity, innovation, and a dedication to serving the community

Excellent people management skills and building high performance teams

Aptitude for dealing with strategic and tactical problems and issues

Ability to communicate with a wide variety of Gemini staff, Board members, oversight and advisory committee members, and users throughout the Gemini partnership

Benefits

Paid time off

Retirement contributions

Competitive salary commensurate with experience

Very attractive work environment

Company

Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy

AURA is a consortium of 40 US institutions and 6 international affiliates that operates world-class astronomical observatories.

Founded in 1957

Washington, District of Columbia, USA

1001-5000 employees

http://aura-astronomy.org

H1B Sponsorship

Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)

Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship

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Trends of Total Sponsorships

2025 (13)

2024 (13)

2023 (9)

2022 (14)

2021 (10)

2020 (11)