Observatory Director: Mount Graham Ops & Strategy

University of Arizona; Safford, Northern (AZ, KY); Hybrid; USD 76,000 - 98,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Life insurance

Paid vacation and holidays

Tuition reduction for employee and/or

Retirement plans

Job summary

Steward Observatory at the University of Arizona seeks a Director for the Mount Graham International Observatory (MGIO). The role provides vision, leadership, and management of MGIO's daily operations, budgeting, and capital planning, reporting to the Steward Observatory Director.

The successful candidate will lead a multidisciplinary team, coordinate with campus and external partners, ensure safety and operational excellence, and advance scientific priorities for MGIO and related facilities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in science or engineering or equivalent
• Minimum of 7 years of related work experience, including 3 years of managerial experience
• Must have a valid driver’s license and ability to drive per Fleet Safety Policy

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and executive oversight of MGIO daily operations
• Direct a multidisciplinary workforce and manage human capital processes
• Oversee facilities operations, vendor management, and service contracts
• Lead MGIO budget planning, forecasting, and compliance with policies
• Serve as liaison with local, state, and federal agencies and external partners

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Operations management

Stakeholder engagement

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in science or engineering

Tools

Windows

Microsoft Office

Job description

Steward Observatory at the University of Arizona seeks a Director for the Mount Graham International Observatory (MGIO). The role provides vision, leadership, and management of MGIO's daily operations, budgeting, and capital planning, reporting to the Steward Observatory Director.

The successful candidate will lead a multidisciplinary team, coordinate with campus and external partners, ensure safety and operational excellence, and advance scientific priorities for MGIO and related facilities.