Applications are invited for the position of Executive Director of the Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope (CFHT). Located on Maunakea, Hawai’i, the 3.6m CFHT has historically been a world leader in wide-field optical and near infrared imaging and, with the recently commissioned instruments SPIRou and SITELLE, now also plays important roles in the search for exoplanets around low-mass stars and the study of emission line objects in the nearby and distant universe. We are seeking an innovative and creative leader who, while maximizing the scientific output of the current instrumentation suite, will usher CFHT into a new era of scientific discoveries by taking a proactive role in the advancement of the Maunakea Spectroscopic Explorer (MSE), endorsed by the CFHT Partners and Board of Directors as the most scientifically impactful future redevelopment of the site. The new CFHT Executive Director will also represent CFHT within the Maunakea Observatories in all negotiations regarding the renewal of the Maunakea Master Lease and CFHT sublease.
CFHT has a staff of approximately 50 and operates with a US$8M annual budget. The Executive Director is appointed by the Board of the CFHT Corporation, a non-profit organization incorporated in the State of Hawaii. Current members of the Corporation are the National Research Council of Canada, the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique of France, and the University of Hawaii. The Executive Director is responsible to the Board for managing all aspects of the Corporation, including the operation of the telescope, the implementation of the observatory’s scientific and technical program, the appointment of personnel, the preparation of budgets, the administration of financial affairs, communications, and the negotiations of international agreements. The Executive Director is also responsible for pursuing extramural funding and potential associate partners, as directed by the Board.
Applicants must hold a Ph.D. in Astronomy or a closely related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience. The successful applicant will be committed to promote, within the Observatory, a diverse, inclusive environment and a sense of belonging, and to foster a culture of understanding and reconciliation with the native Hawaiian community. In addition, the following qualifications are considered desirable:
● Strong scientific leadership and an established record of research achievement;
● Successful experience in administration and management, including overseeing the technical and/or scientific enterprise of an observatory or other astronomy institute;
● Proven skills in institutional and international relations;
● Excellent interpersonal, communication and listening skills, and a proven record of effective communications with governing bodies, staff, funding agencies, local community, and the astronomical community at large;
● Proven ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams;
● Successful experience in acting as an ambassador on behalf of their organization and/or of the community at large;
● Experience with the development, procurement or deployment of new instrumentation.
The Executive Director is expected to reside on Hawai’i Island, and to take office in the CFHT Headquarters located in Waimea (Kamuela). A competitive salary will be offered and the Corporation provides a comprehensive benefit package. The starting date for the position is negotiable, and could be as early as September 2021. The Executive Director term is five years and can be extended upon review.
Post Offer / Employment conditions: To comply with the requirement to work occasionally at the observatory’s altitude of 4200 meters, the applicant must pass a post-offer high altitude medical exam. Documentation to verify eligibility for employment in the United States will have to be furnished at the start of work.
How to apply: All applicants must submit their application through our confidential online portal at https://cfht.applicantpro.com/jobs/ . The full position description may also be downloaded at that site. Applications should include a Cover Letter, a Curriculum Vitae, a statement on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, and the names of at least three references who may be contacted for confidential evaluations. Review of applications will begin on July 1, 2021, and the position will remain open until filled. All applications will be confidential to the CFHT Board of Directors and Search Committee. Potential applicants with questions about the position or the search are encouraged to contact the Chair of the Search Committee at employment@cfht.hawaii.edu.
CFHT is committed to diversity and inclusion, and is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.
