Director, Space Telescope Programs

University of Arizona

life insurance, vision insurance, sick time

United States, Arizona, Tucson

Sep 22, 2024

Director, Space Telescope Programs
Posting Number	req20142
Department	Steward Observatory
Department Website Link	https://www.as.arizona.edu/
Location	Main Campus
Address	Tucson, AZ USA
Position Highlights	Steward Observatory seeks an experienced project manager to implement transformative space-based astrophysics payload development on aggressive schedules and with tailored risk profiles. The project manager reports directly to the Payload lead Ewan Douglas and works closely with integrated product teams developing optical systems instruments for a large space telescope project. The program manager responsibilities include: team building, management of scope, schedule and budget of UA tasks, and oversight of subcontractors. Outstanding UA benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; UA/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to UA recreation and cultural activities; and more! The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs. For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocations services, please click here.
Duties & Responsibilities	Directs the strategies and oversee business activities including cost projection, budgeting, task management, contract management, cost tracking, and regulatory compliance for a comprehensive project starting at $50 million, overall $150 million. Creating the annual budget submission and allocating resources for successful project execution. Manage and resolve financial, budgetary, and technical discrepancies across the integrated project. Manage and mitigate project risks. Develop project road-maps, task planning, and execute strategic programs incorporating multiple stakeholders across the university (Lunar & Planetary Lab, Steward Observatory, Optical Sciences) and external agencies. Analyze, design, and implement process improvements to increase program efficiency utilizing best practices, appropriate methodologies, and current and emerging trends. Maintain efficient and sufficient documentation required. Conduct scientific, technical, and programmatic reviews providing effective solutions as needed. Manage suppliers to meet program budgetary and timeline requirements. Provide interdisciplinary leadership and direction to various product teams charged with building space instrument hardware and software subsystems to maintain an aggressive schedule. Negotiate and support recruitment, including cross-functional project hires. Coaches and develops staff to enhance skills and expertise. Contribute to pay recommendations to direct, dotted line, and interdepartmental teams. Generate and present reports to leadership and program sponsors. Provide formal and informal briefings for external and internal stakeholders. Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities: Skills in task management of teams using digital tools. Proven ability to work across diverse and geographically separated teams. Outstanding scientific and technical communication and leadership skills. Ability to plan and execute all parts of a spaceflight project life-cycle. Skills in proposal development, program requirements development, and program risk management. Skills with space flight program and mission assurance requirements and best practices. Software development or scientific programming knowledge.
Minimum Qualifications	Bachelor's degree in a STEM field 9 years of related work experience, including 5 years of managerial experience, or equivalent combination of education and work experience. Extensive experience managing complex projects and large teams. Federal regulations require that the incumbent be a U.S. citizen, legal permanent resident, or have another protected status under 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) to be ITAR/EAR compliant.
Preferred Qualifications	10 years of experience with building space hardware, scientific instruments, or other complex electromechanical prototypes, such as prototype automobiles, watercraft, aircraft, or robots. Related master's degree and 7 years related experience OR related PhD and 5 years related experience. Formal training in astronomy, aerospace engineering, system engineering, and/or optical systems. Project management professional certificate. Experience in regulatory compliance and export control, including ITAR.
FLSA	Exempt
Full Time/Part Time	Full Time
Number of Hours Worked per Week	40
Job FTE	1.0
Work Calendar	Fiscal
Job Category	Research
Benefits Eligible	Yes - Full Benefits
Rate of Pay	$139,102 - $180,833
Compensation Type	salary at 1.0 full-time equivalency (FTE)
Grade	14
Compensation Guidance	The Rate of Pay Field represents the University of Arizona's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. The University considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, and internal equity. The Grade Range Minimum, Midpoint, and Maximum Fields listed below represent a full range of career compensation growth over time in this position and grade. Each unit typically sets starting pay between minimum and midpoint upon hire. The university offers compensation growth opportunities within its career architecture. To learn more about compensation, please review our Applicant Compensation Guide and our Total Rewards Calculator.
Grade Range Minimum	$139102
Grade Range Midpoint	$180833
Grade Range Maximum	$222564
Career Stream and Level	M4
Job Family	Research Program Admin
Job Function	Research
Type of criminal background check required:	Name-based criminal background check (non-security sensitive)
Number of Vacancies	1
Target Hire Date
Expected End Date
Contact Information for Candidates	so-humanresources@list.arizona.edu
Open Date	7/26/2024
Open Until Filled	Yes
Documents Needed to Apply	Resume and Cover Letter
Special Instructions to Applicant
Diversity Statement	At the University of Arizona, we value our inclusive climate because we know that diversity in experiences and perspectives is vital to advancing innovation, critical thinking, solving complex problems, and creating an inclusive academic community. As a Hispanic-serving institution, we translate these values into action by seeking individuals who have experience and expertise working with diverse students, colleagues, and constituencies. Because we seek a workforce with a wide range of perspectives and experiences, we provide equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or genetic information. As an Employer of National Service, we also welcome alumni of AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other national service programs and others who will help us advance our Inclusive Excellence initiative aimed at creating a university that values student, staff and faculty engagement in addressing issues of diversity and inclusiveness.
Notice of Availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report	In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act), each year the University of Arizona releases an Annual Security Report (ASR) for each of the University's campuses.Thesereports disclose information including Clery crime statistics for the previous three calendar years and policies, procedures, and programs the University uses to keep students and employees safe, including how to report crimes or other emergencies and resources for crime victims. As a campus with residential housing facilities, the Main Campus ASR also includes a combined Annual Fire Safety report with information on fire statistics and fire safety systems, policies, and procedures. Paper copies of the Reports can be obtained by contacting the University Compliance Office at cleryact@arizona.edu.