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. The role is accountable for the overall success of the observatory’s operations, fostering collaboration and maintaining high standards in both scientific and technical performance.
Essential Functions:
The DKIST Deputy Associate Director will support and assist the DKIST Associate Director (AD) in the discharge of their duties and assist with internal and external affairs of the observatory, including:
Management:
- Assist the DKIST AD 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 in Administration, IT, Business Administration, and EPO for the smooth operation of DKIST facilities
- Collaborate with AURA support services including Human Resources and Central Administration 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
Strategic and Budget Planning:
Support the DKIST AD in the strategic planning of site operations, preparation of the annual progress reports, program plans, and the reporting on the Cooperative Agreement with the NSF.
Provide budgetary planning and oversight of DKIST functional areas with a focus on Maui operations.
Communications and Governance:
Support interactions with science community, including but not limited to representing DKIST at international meetings, planning of workshops, and operations of DKIST science review process.
Support DKIST’s strategic communications, internal and 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
Preferences:
- 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
Work Environment:
This position operates in a professional office environment and routinely utilizes standard office equipment, including computers, phones, and copiers. The work environment is generally quiet and may involve working in close proximity to others, depending on the needs of the specific function. Occasional work at 10,000 feet elevation, sometimes during inclement weather, is required.
Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and talk or hear
- The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms and stoop; kneel; crouch; or crawl
- The employee must regularly lift and /or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds
- Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, depth perception, ability to differentiate colors, and ability to adjust focus
- Must possess – sufficient mobility, strength, or dexterity in both arms and hands and both legs to a) reach upward, sideways, downward to work with paper files; b) sufficient mobility and dexterity to utilize computer systems, fax machines, copiers, and other office machines
- Must possess – 1) ability to read and understand instructions, drawings, safety guides, and other written materials necessary to perform job; 2) sufficient visual capacity to perform the applicable functions without assistance of visual aids other than contact lens or eyeglasses; 3) sufficient spoken aural capacity to hear and understand instructions, warning bells, fire alarms, or shouted instructions without assistance of auditory aids other than a hearing aid; and 4) ability to impart information orally so that others understand and can respond appropriately
- Travel within the Hawaiian Islands, to the U.S. mainland, and some international travel may be necessary
Salary Range: $200,900.00 – $253,300.00. The final salary will depend on skills, qualifications and experience.
AURA offers an excellent benefits package including paid time off and retirement plan contributions, competitive salary commensurate with experience, and a very attractive work environment. Details on benefits can be found at https://hr.aura-astronomy.org/benefits-by-location/
Applications received by Monday, April 27, 2026 will receive priority consideration. This position will remain open until filled.
Please submit a cover letter and a CV or resume, PDF files preferred. Please name any attachments with the following format: Lastname Docname.
Application documents that are not uploaded as part of the application may be sent to Talent@aura-astronomy.org.
Please enter 3 professional references in your application (references will only be contacted later in the recruitment process).
Veterans, disabled individuals or wounded warriors needing assistance with the employment process should request assistance at Talent@aura-astronomy.org
The Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA) is a consortium of 49 US institutions and 3 international affiliates that operates world-class astronomical observatories for the National Science Foundation and NASA. AURA’s role is to establish, nurture, and promote public observatories and facilities that advance innovative astronomical research. In addition, AURA is deeply committed to public and educational outreach, and to diversity throughout the astronomical and scientific workforce. AURA carries out its role through its astronomical facilities.
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 does 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. The statements below as well as the requests for self-identification are required pursuant to these regulations. We encourage your participation in meeting these federal reporting requirements which are included for protection and to assist us in our recordkeeping and reporting. Your responses are kept strictly confidential.
Application link:
https://recruiting2.ultipro.com/SPA1004AURA/JobBoard/57b96f30-6a4b-42cc-8f73-d417a17b54e9/OpportunityDetail?opportunityId=ef7a09b7-4de2-4601-b866-9af72cd446c1
