Director, Human Resource

Department: Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory

Location: Cambridge, MA

Compensation: $141,041 - $183,353 / year

Final date to receive applications: 1 December 2025

Series/Grade: 0201/14

Type of Position: Trust Indefinite (Non‑Federal)

The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) is at the forefront of the scientific exploration of the universe, partnering with Harvard College Observatory to form the Harvard‑Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics (CfA). This position provides direction to subordinate managers, supervisors, and technical specialists, exercising broad authority for the supervision and integration of complex human resources programs. The incumbent oversees both Federal and non‑Federal (Trust) hiring processes, ensuring consistency, efficiency, and compliance across categories of employment.

The incumbent leads electronic initiatives and modernization efforts, driving the adoption of new HR systems, digital workflows, and process innovations to enhance efficiency, transparency, and the employee experience across the organization.

• Strategic Planning and Program Leadership – Develop and implement human resources strategies aligned with SAO’s mission and Smithsonian priorities; advise senior leadership on workforce planning, personnel matters, and organizational initiatives; provide regular reporting on HR processes and metrics; represent the Human Resources Department on SAO‑wide committees and Smithsonian task forces; coach and model collegial team building; lead the effort to update HR operations with electronic systems and digital tools.
• Program Administration and Policy Implementation – Ensure compliance with federal law, Smithsonian policy, and SAO’s research mission; evaluate program effectiveness; develop internal procedures and guidance for equitable HR policy application; oversee workload distribution and HR system accuracy.
• Hiring, Classification, and Compensation – Direct recruitment, selection, and onboarding for Federal and non‑Federal positions; oversee position classification and compensation analysis to support pay equity and adjustments; provide oversight of promotions, transfers, and reassignments.
• Workforce Services and Support – Supervise HR staff reviewing performance management and professional development; partner with Smithsonian benefits office; deliver training and communications on HR policies; support onboarding and retention across all workforce categories; manage SAO’s visa program and serve as Responsible Officer for the J‑1 Visa Program.
• EEO and Labor Relations – Develop and monitor equal‑opportunity practices; advise on employee relations and disciplinary actions; participate in RIF planning and employee transition support.
• Immigration and International Programs – Manage visa processing for foreign nationals; serve as liaison with Smithsonian Office of Global Affairs, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Department of Labor, and Department of State.
• Risk Management and HR Technology – Ensure compliance with workplace safety standards; lead implementation of HR technology systems; drive modernization and electronic initiatives; use workforce data and analytics to inform decisions on staffing, retention, and compensation.
• Other duties as assigned.

Basic Requirements: At least one year of specialized experience at or above the grade 13 level in similar positions, with demonstrated skill in implementing HR policies and procedures across multiple areas, staffing, classification, employee relations, federal position classification, and immigration law.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Mastery of HR principles, concepts, and regulations; deep knowledge across classification, staffing, employee relations, compensation, performance management, training, and HR systems.
• Expert knowledge of federal position classification, including application of OPM standards and guidance.
• In‑depth understanding of research operations and ability to align HR policies to support research goals.
• Advanced ability to assess and translate legislative changes into actionable HR strategies.
• Skill in coordinating multiple complex HR activities…