Vice President & Head of Mission - Chile

The Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA) is seeking a Vice President and Head of Mission for Chile. The AURA Observatory in Chile (AURA-O) oversees activities performed in Chile under the legal authority of AURA.

The Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA) is a consortium of over 40 US institutions and four international affiliates that operates world-class astronomical observatories. AURA’s role is to establish, nurture, and promote public observatories and facilities that advance innovative astronomical research. AURA is responsible for managing the operations of the Gemini Observatory, the National Optical Astronomical Observatory, the National Solar Observatory, and the construction of the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope and the Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope under cooperative agreements with the National Science Foundation and operations of the Space Telescope Science Institute under contracts with NASA.

The AURA-O Vice President and Head of Mission is responsible for planning, directing, and managing all official AURA Chilean interactions, including but not limited to Chilean government (national and local), juridical and political relationships. The VP/Head of Mission works with the AURA programs, providing country expertise, developing operational proposals, and utilizing relationships in Chile to ensure the mission of AURA is achieved. The VP/Head of Mission reports to the AURA President and has delegated authority from the President to represent the juridical entity in Chile.

The position is based in Santiago or La Serena, Chile, supported by offices in both locations, and with frequent travel within Chile and to the United States. The Vice President and Head of Mission for Chile is designated by the NSF as Key Personnel and thus requires National Science Foundation approval of the selection prior to appointment.

Responsibilities:

• Manages all official interactions with Chilean national and local authorities and with the U.S. Embassy in Santiago.
• Manages relations with the University of Chile, and other Universities and Observatories in Chile.
• Supports NSF-funded activities in Chile including official visits, organizes and facilitates NSF contacts, and analyzes Chilean legislation and regulations to determine potential impact on programs.
• Ensures compliance with all applicable laws and regulations including labor, safety, mining, land ownership and international status of the organization.
• Manages Chilean labor relations including contract negotiations and other interactions with the Chilean staff Union.
• Responsible for the adoption of social responsibility programs of AURA in Chile.
• Supports AURA and its programs with analysis and interpretation of the cultural and legal environment.
• Oversees long-range planning, development, and stewardship of AURA-owned property and assets.
• Maintains regular reporting to provide information on progress and concerns to the AURA President.
• Leads and manages the AURA-O offices in Santiago and La Serena. 

Requirements and Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in astronomy or closely related field
• Broad research experience in astronomy or related field
• Five or more years of experience in management positions including personnel and group management
• Management experience involving national and local authorities
• Excellent leadership skills are required
• Diplomatic and negotiation skills
• Fluency in both English and Spanish is required, plus (at a minimum) excellent English writing skills.

If you wish to pursue this opportunity, please submit an application via our online job board containing (PDF files preferred): a curriculum vitae or resume; information on skills, experience and accomplishments as they relate to the position; a personal statement on diversity and inclusion; and the names of three professional references. Review of the applications will begin on 22 July 2019, and the position will remain open until filled.

AURA, as a leader in the astronomical community, is committed to diversity and inclusion. AURA develops and supports programs that advance our organizational commitment to diversity, broaden participation, and encourage the advancement of diversity throughout the astronomical scientific workforce. Learn more at http://www.aura-astronomy.org/diversity

As a recipient of U.S. Government funding, AURA is considered a government contractor and is subject to Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action regulations. As an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer, AURA and all of the centers, do not discriminate based on race, sex, color, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity/gender identity expression, lawful political affiliations, veteran status, disability, and/or any other legally protected status under applicable federal, state, and local equal opportunity laws. 

Veterans, disabled individuals or wounded warriors needing assistance with the employment process should request assistance at employment@aura-astronomy.org