Center Associate Director AFRC

NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration; Palmdale (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration's Armstrong Flight Research Center seeks the Center Associate Director, the third in command, to lead flight research and center operations, integrate plans with agency strategy, and ensure mission success.

The role requires SES qualifications, ECQs and MTQ demonstrated in a 2-page resume, oversight of facilities, budgeting, and staff management, with a path for career leadership within the federal system.

Qualifications

• ECQs and MTQ must be demonstrated in the 2-page resume.
• Experience leading a multi-site organization with infrastructure management.
• No separate ECQs or MTQ documents are accepted; resume suffices.

Responsibilities

• Provide executive leadership across center operations and programs.
• Direct budget, facilities, testing, and support contracts.
• Collaborate with other senior leaders to align with Agency strategy.
• Review progress and ensure cost and schedule alignment.

Skills

Executive Leadership

Strategic Planning

Budget Management

Change Management

Job description

Summary

The Center Associate Director (CAD) for NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center (AFRC) is the third position in command and control of the Center. The incumbent is essential and crucial for the successful implementation and execution of the roles, responsibilities, and authorities of the Center of Excellence for Flight Test and Aircraft Operations at the Center.

Duties

• The incumbent is a member of the Center Leadership Council, collaborating with Center organizations to ensure that all Center plans are well-integrated within the Center; and Agency strategy and operating plan. The incumbent plans, directs, and coordinates the Center's management operations necessary to support flight research, experimental aircraft testing, and advancing aerospace technology.
• Responsible for executive leadership overall direction, and management of the Center and its assigned programs and activities and strategic integration of the Center institution in alignment with Agency level direction. Has delegated authority for all center responsibilities in the absence of the Center Director and Deputy Director.
• Responsible for all facets of the Center's operations, programmatic, institutional, and workforce responsibilities. This includes overseeing the implementation of, and provides budgetary oversight and management for facilities, testing, and center operations support contracts. Advocates for resources to ensure strong technical capability in strategic areas consistent with Center's roles and mission.
• Interacts and interfaces with other Center Associate Directors, Associate Administrators, and/or Officials-in-Charge for Mission Support Directorates, such as Human Capital, Procurement, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) Engagement, and Communication.
• Provides executive leadership to institutional management on matters that require the involvement and decisions of the Center Director; assures that effective management tools are utilized and program participants are aware of respective assignments, schedules, infrastructure planning and requirements, cost allotments, procurement strategies. Reviews and analyzes the progress of activities and projects relative to cost and schedule status; issues directives when required, with particular emphasis given to resources requirements and utilization; participates with project managers and other Center managers in determining solutions to major problems or issues; provides executive leadership to the total operation at the Center for institutional issues.
• Reviews Center management policies, systems, methods, and techniques, identifying areas for improvement and taking action to effect such improvements; leads and coordinates detailed studies and analysis of key Center organizational structures, operations, functions, and activities for the Director.
• Provides study data and information with recommended management actions to accomplish and implement objectives. Responsible for compliance with occupational safety and health standards, orders, rules and regulations applicable to the area of responsibility.
• Implements Center strategic plans that satisfy long-term technical demands that ensure mission success of the Center. Utilizes Center strategic plans to advance the Center's mission of advancing technology and science and through flight. Ensures Center partnership pursuits are aligned with Center strategic plans.
• Provides executive leadership and oversight to mission support areas and organizations such as: Facilities Engineering, Operations and Maintenance, Logistics Management, Environmental Management and Protective Services, Export Control Management, Mission Support Integration, and Medical and Health. Responsibilities include planning, directing, and coordinating the Center's management operations necessary to support NASA missions, to include aeronautics, Earth and space science and aerospace technology efforts.
• Provides an integrated institutional assets management function for the Center; amplifying the focus on keeping the Center's overhead costs low while revitalizing the Center's infrastructure to meet the needs of future NASA missions. Provides executive leadership and guidance to develop, implement and sustain the Center's infrastructure while reducing cost and maintaining safety, security, and quality of life.

Requirements

• The individual selected will be required to file an 'Executive Branch Personnel Financial Disclosure Report' (OGE-278e) within 30 days of appointment and annually from then on.
• Initial Senior Executive Service (SES) Career appointee is subject to a one-year probationary period.
• Successful completion of a background investigation commensurate with the risk and sensitivity level of the position.
• Successful completion of pre-employment and random drug testing may be required.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance as required by the position.
• Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
• Must meet qualifications requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
• Complete a Declaration for Federal Employment to determine your suitability for Federal employment, at the time requested by the agency.

Qualifications

As a basic requirement for entry into the Senior Executive Service (SES) under a career appointment, you must clearly articulate and describe within your 2-page resume that you possess the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) and Mandatory Technical Qualifications MTQ related to this position. If your 2-page resume does not reflect demonstrated evidence of the ECQs and MTQ, you may be disqualified. Any additional pages over the 2-page limit will not be reviewed.

Your resume should include evidence of progressively responsible supervisory, managerial, or professional experience which involved management of a program or organization of significant scope and complexity, normally obtained over several years by serving in positions at the GS-15 level or equivalent.

If you are (1) currently serving under a career SES appointment, (2) eligible for reinstatement into the SES (this means you were previously employed as a Career SES employee and you successfully completed a one-year probationary period), or (3) have successfully completed a SES Candidate Development Program (CDP) and certified by OPM, you do not need to address the ECQs in your resume. However, your resume must clearly state that you are a current career SES, eligible for SES reinstatement, or SES CDP certified and year of certification.

Please DO NOT submit separate documents addressing the ECQs or MTQ. Only your 2-page resume will be accepted and considered. Any additional documents submitted will not be accepted.

EXECUTIVE CORE QUALIFICATIONS (ECQs)

ECQ 1 - Commitment to the Rule of Law and the Principles of the American Founding

This core qualification requires a demonstrated knowledge of the American system of government, commitment to uphold the Constitution and the rule of law, and commitment to serve the American people. Competencies: Knowledge of the American System of Government, Commitment to the Rule of Law, and Civic-Mindedness.

ECQ 2 - Driving Efficiency

This core qualification involves the demonstrated ability to strategically and efficiently manage resources, budget effectively, cut wasteful spending, and pursue efficiency through process and technological upgrades. Competencies: Fiscal Responsibility, Managing Resources, Leveraging Technology.

ECQ 3 - Merit and Competence

This core qualification involves the demonstrated knowledge, ability and technical competence to effectively and reliably produce work that is of exceptional quality. Competencies: Technical Skill, Problem Solving, Agility and Resilience.

ECQ 4 - Leading People

This core qualification involves the demonstrated ability to lead and inspire a group toward meeting the organization's vision, mission, and goals, and to drive a high-performance, high-accountability culture. This includes, when necessary, the ability to lead people through change and to hold individuals accountable. Competencies: Accountability, Developing Others, Executive Judgment.

ECQ 5 - Achieving Results

This core qualification involves the demonstrated ability to achieve both individual and organizational results, and to align results to stated goals from superiors. Competencies: Operational Mindset, Innovation, Strategic Thinking.

MANDATORY TECHNICAL QUALIFICATION (MTQ)

Your resume must include accomplishments that address the MTQ.

MTQ

Demonstrated experience developing and executing facility master plans for the cost-effective optimization of physical assets and investment strategies aligned with organizational mission and goals, and leading and managing a multi-faceted organization responsible for infrastructure management and the operations and maintenance of facilities, which may include aircraft hangars and runways, engineering, facility services, project management, environmental management programs, logistics support services, real property and space utilization, and export control. Competencies: Master Planning, Technical Work and Team Management.

Your application package must be in your own words. Experience statements copied from a position description, vacancy announcement, or other reference material constitutes plagiarism and may result in disqualification and losing consideration for the job. Please visit https://www.nasa.gov/careers/how-to-apply/#Artificial-Intelligence to review NASA's guidance on the use of artificial intelligent (AI) or AI-assisted tools during the application process.

Education

No Educational Requirement

Additional information

Veterans' preference is not applicable to the SES.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding.

Review our benefits.

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.