Deputy Associate Director for DKIST

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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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…