Deputy Division Director, Division of Astronomical Sciences, MPS

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Become a part of our mission to maintain and strengthen the vitality of the US science and engineering enterprise. For over 60 years, the National Science Foundation (NSF) has remained the premier Federal agency supporting basic research at the frontiers of discovery across all fields, as well as science and engineering education at all levels.

The Senior Executive Service (SES) covers managerial positions above GS-15 in the Federal Service. Persons appointed to the SES are eligible for health benefits, life insurance, social security, Federal retirement and thrift savings plan coverage, and participate in the Federal leave system. Career appointees are eligible for bonuses based on performance in addition to base pay. Competitive status is not required, veterans' preference does not apply and there are no grade restrictions. New appointees to the SES are required to serve a one-year probationary period. Final selection of career appointees requires the approval of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM). OPM approval will be based on the selectee's background in the following five executive core Qualification areas: (1) Leading Change, (2) Leading People, (3) Results Driven Leadership, (4) Business Acumen, and (5) Building Coalitions. These areas are incorporated in the five executive/managerial requirements for the position. Information about the leadership requirements for SES-level positions is available on the OPM website.

Duties:

Serves as Deputy Division Director in the Division of Astronomical Sciences (AST), Directorate for Mathematical and Physical Sciences (MPS). The Division contributes to NSF's mission by supporting research in all areas of astronomy and astrophysics and related multidisciplinary studies. Modes of support include single-investigator and collaborative awards, construction, operations, and maintenance of national observatories, as well as funding for acquisition and development of astronomical instrumentation, technology development of 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, including 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. Within the Division, the Deputy Division Director works with the Division Director in providing leadership and management to the Division's programs and assists the Division Director in carrying out Division-wide responsibilities such as the preparation of budget submissions for Congress, oversight and management of the Division budgets, and the recruitment of scientific staff. The incumbent also supervises and provides leadership and guidance to administrative and support personnel within the Division. Externally, the Deputy Division Director represents the Division in a variety of NSF-wide and interagency activities related to research and education, and in interactions with the community. The Deputy Division Director assumes the Division Director's role in the absence of the Division Director.

Job Requirements

Qualifications EXECUTIVE/MANAGERIAL Mandatory

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. Business Acumen. Demonstrated ability to manage human, financial, and information resources strategically.

5. Building Coalitions. Demonstrated ability to build coalitions internally and with other Federal agencies, State and local governments, non-profit or private sector organizations, foreign governments, or international organizations to achieve common goals.

PROFESSIONAL/TECHNICAL Mandatory

1. Ph.D. or equivalent professional experience or a combination of education and equivalent experience in Astronomy and Astrophysics, Physics, Engineering, or a field closely related to the areas managed by the Division.

2.Substantial research contributions and strong evidence of scholarship in one or more of the major fields in Astronomy and Astrophysics or a related field, as evidenced in publications and other professional contributions. Demonstrated professional standing in the greater scientific community as evidenced by leadership activities and awards.

3. Experience in working with major research instrumentation or large research facilities such as astronomical telescopes, including activities such as advisory or review committees, time allocation to researchers, instrument development, or facility management.

4. Broad understanding of universities and other institutions where research and education in science and engineering are conducted. Knowledge of grant and contract administration, fiscal management, and budget preparation with experience in scientific research support.

Applicants currently serving under a career Senior Executive Service (SES) appointment, eligible for reinstatement into SES, or have successfully completed a SES Candidate Development Program (CDP) approved by OPM are not required to address the Executive/Managerial Qualifications (ECQs/EMs); but a narrative statement for each of the Professional/Technical Qualifications (PTQs) is recommended.

For detailed guidance on ECQs, applicants are strongly encouraged to review the Office of Personnel Management's Guide to Executive Qualifications. Security Clearance Top Secret/SCI