HR Division Head- NSF

Be a part of history! AURA discoveries change the way we view our universe. The Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy, Inc. (AURA), a nonprofit incorporated in 1957, operates as a consortium of 46 US institutions and 4 international affiliates responsible for the construction, operation and maintenance of world-class astronomical observatories and research centers. With an annual budget of approximately $300 million, AURA’s role is to establish, cultivate and promote public observatories and facilities that advance innovative astronomical research.

AURA is seeking a strategic HR leader to lead HR services for our 700+ employees across our continental U.S. and Hawaii locations supporting the National Science Foundation. This position will be based out of our NOIRLab center in Tucson, Arizona.

Reporting to AURA’s Head of Human Resources, the HR Division Head will be in charge of defining the people vision and goals for US-based NSF employees. You will be defining new and innovative ways to hire, engage, evaluate, and develop staff while navigating the compliance complexities and operational rigor that is required of an academically oriented, not-for-profit, government contractor.

Essential Functions: 

• Provide overall leadership and guidance to the HR function by overseeing all areas of HR for NSF funded centers.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships internally, externally, and with the communities-at-large.
• Implement sound human resources management and collaborative problem-solving to achieve management and employee
• Operate effectively as a strategic partner in organizational decision-making, functioning as an enthusiastic strategic business advisor to senior leaders in each business unit on key organizational and management issues.

• Establish trust as a strategic thought leader, influencer, and change agent responsible for implementing people-oriented initiatives and cultural change across multiple centers.
• Lead, engage, and support a high-performing Human Resources team across locations in Arizona, Colorado, and Hawaii.
• Develop and implement HR plans, strategy, and structure that effectively supports the organization’s mission, strategic vision, and business objectives.
• Develop and implement comprehensive compensation and benefits, performance management recruitment plans that are competitive and cost-effective for the organization.
• Drive greater consistency in policy, procedures, and operations across the AURA footprint.
• Actively seek opportunities to enhance the effectiveness of technology and available resources and ensure they are aligned with the organization’s need and
• Responsible for ensuring compliance with government award terms and conditions assigned to this position or subordinates of this position as defined in the Vela Award Management system, https://cas.aura-astronomy.org/Awards.

Required Education/Experience/Skills/Abilities:

• 15+ years of progressively responsible Human Resources experience with at least 5 years in a management/supervisory capacity.
• Proven ability to maintain effective relationships at all levels via strong leadership, relationship management, service delivery, communication skills, global and cultural awareness, critical evaluation, change management, communication, and the ability to negotiate and influence.
• Demonstrated ability to partner with executives to identify and deliver innovative and customer-centric HR services across the entire employee lifecycle, including: recruitment, employee relations, wage and salary administration, benefits administration, training, performance management, talent management and succession planning, leadership and employee development, employment and labor law compliance, and HR strategic planning.
• Working knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources or related field

Preferred Education/Experience/Skills/Abilities:

• Government contracting experience
• Master’s degree in Human Resources or related field
• SPHR and/or SHRM-SCP certification
• Experience working with remote, multi-locational teams
• Global employment
• Experience with international unions
• HR experience in an academic and/or technical/scientific work environment
• Bi-lingual (English/Spanish)

Applicants should submit the following materials in a single PDF file: a cover letter and resume. Candidates should take advantage of the cover letter and the summary to describe their particular interest in being a strategic leader at AURA.

Please only use this link to apply: https://stsci.slideroom.com/#/permalink/program/77759/YplGjtjd1r

Applications received by April 12, 2024, will receive full consideration. The position will remain open until filled.

The diversity of the AURA staff enhances the dynamic and collegial atmosphere of our community and reflects our commitment to inclusivity in the broadest sense. Accordingly, women, minorities, veterans, and disabled individuals are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.

As an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer, AURA does not discriminate because of race, sex, color, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, lawful political affiliations, veteran status, or mental or physical handicap. Veterans, disabled or wounded warriors needing assistance with the employment process can contact us at careers@stsci.edu. Salaries and benefits are commensurate with those of AURA member universities.

Included Benefits: 

• Medical, dental, prescription, and vision- 85% premiums paid by employer
• Employer-sponsored Retirement Plan: 10% direct company contribution
• Vacation: Up to 5 weeks of paid vacation a year
• Sick Leave: Up to 12 sick days a year
• Paid Holidays: 8 regular holidays and 2 personal holidays
• Employee Voluntary Retirement Savings Plan
• Flexible Work Schedules / Telecommuting Options Available
• Free Parking
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Company-paid Life, Short-term Disability, and Long-term Disability