Deputy Associate Director for DKIST

The Deputy Associate Director for the NSF Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope (DKIST) is responsible for the operational management of all Maui-based functions of the DKIST Observatory located on the summit of Haleakalā. This role will oversee the day-to-day operations, ensuring the efficient and effective management of scientific and technical teams. Serving as the management representative of the DKIST Associate Director on Maui, this position plays a critical role in driving operational excellence, aligning organizational goals with strategic initiatives, and ensuring seamless coordination across all functions.

Responsibilities

Assist the DKIST Associate Director in setting the financial, technical, and managerial strategy for the effective operation of DKIST; Provide internal leadership to DKIST science and operations teams on Maui; Oversee day-to-day operations of DKIST, ensuring smooth functioning and maintenance of the telescope and associated observatory facilities on Maui; Collaborate with NSO-wide support services and AURA support services to advance the DKIST mission; Maintain strong relationships with strategic stakeholders on Maui; Foster a positive and productive work environment through effective team management; Implement strategies to enhance team collaboration and professional growth; Support the strategic planning of site operations, annual progress reports, program plans, and reporting on the Cooperative Agreement with the NSF; Provide budgetary planning and oversight of DKIST functional areas with a focus on Maui operations; Support interactions with the science community, including representing DKIST at international meetings, planning workshops, and operations of the DKIST science review process; Support DKIST's strategic and internal/external communications; Support preparations for NSO and AURA oversight committees and NSF reviews

Requirements

A PhD in physics, astronomy, or a closely related field; Leadership experience with operations and instrument programs for scientific facilities (e.g., astronomical telescopes); 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 leadership and people management skills; Experience with preparing budgets and cost account management; Excellent written and oral English communication skills; Effective technical writing and public speaking communication skills; A minimum of 10 years of experience (or equivalent combination of education plus experience) leading/managing multi-disciplinary teams in a university, an observatory, and/or an equivalent science or research organization; Experience managing large programs/contracts with commensurate budget responsibility; Must have a valid Driver's License, and a clean driving record

Nice to have

Enthusiasm for scientific discoveries and for observational astronomy; Creativity, innovation, and a dedication to serving the scientific 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 stakeholders including DKIST staff, governing board members, oversight and advisory committee members, users, and partners

Benefits

Paid time off; Retirement plan contributions; Competitive salary commensurate with experience; Attractive work environment