Summary

This position is for the Division Director within the Division of Astronomical Sciences (AST) in the Directorate for Mathematical and Physical Sciences (MPS).

For more information about AST click here

For more information about MPS click here

This job is open to

Senior executives
Those who meet the five Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs).
The public
U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Clarification from the agency

This position is open for a Rotational IPA assignment. Please see the "Additional Information" section for further information.

Applications will be accepted from all US citizens who meet citizenship and eligibility requirements. Please see the "Additional Information" section for further information.

***This position is also being advertised with SES Career and SES Limited Term appointment options. For more information, please click on the linked vacancy below, MPS-EXEC-2024-0002.***

This job is also open in another announcement to:

Senior executives
The public

This job is also open in another announcement to:

Senior executives
The public

Duties

The incumbent serves as Division Director of the Division of Astronomical Sciences (AST) in the Directorate for Mathematical and Physical Sciences. The Division Director leads a team of program officers in managing a broad portfolio of investments in astronomical sciences research and education. The incumbent has managerial and oversight responsibilities for the effective use of Division staff and resources in meeting organizational goals and objectives. This includes directing the activities of the Division, assessing the needs and trends in research and education related to the Division's programs, implementing overall strategic planning, and setting policy. The Division Director supervises and provides leadership and guidance to senior level AST staff (Deputy Division Director and Senior Advisor), AST program officers, and administrative and support personnel. The Division Director determines funding requirements, prepares and justifies budget estimates, balances program needs, allocates resources, oversees the evaluation of proposals and recommendations for awards and declinations, and represents NSF to relevant external groups. The Division Director fosters partnerships with other Divisions, Directorates, Federal agencies, scientific organizations, and the academic community.

The mission of the Division of Astronomical Sciences is to support forefront research in ground-based astronomy; to help ensure the scientific excellence of the U.S. astronomical community; to provide access to world-class research facilities through merit review; to support the development of new instrumentation and next-generation facilities; and to encourage broad understanding of and diverse participation in the astronomical sciences. The Division supports research in all areas of astronomy and astrophysics and related multidisciplinary studies. Modes of support include single-investigator and collaborative awards, as well as funding for acquisition and development of astronomical instrumentation, innovative mid-scale instrumentation and scientific experiments, technology development for future ground-based facilities, and educational projects that leverage the Division's research investments to build research and workforce capacity and to increase scientific literacy. Through the national observatories and international partnerships, the Division provides support for a system of multi-aperture, research-class telescopes as well as frontier facilities that enable transformational capabilities in both radio and optical/infrared astronomy.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

Key Requirements:

Background investigation may be required.
Selective Service registration required for male applicants, unless exempt.
Requires an Executive Branch Personnel Public Financial Disclosure OGE-278

Qualifications

The successful candidate will possess an established record of significant achievement in research, administration, and increasing leadership responsibility in academe, industry or government. Additionally, the Division Director must be experienced and competent in technical, financial and administrative management. The incumbent must work well with people, be an effective communicator, and be committed to continuously develop the diversity of talents and skills of the team.

In addition, the ideal candidate would possess:

Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs)

Leading Change. Demonstrated ability to bring about strategic change, both within and outside the organization, to meet organizational goals. Includes the ability to establish an organizational vision and to implement it in a continuously changing environment.

Leading People. Demonstrated ability to lead people toward meeting the organization's vision, mission, and goals. Includes the ability to provide an inclusive workplace that fosters the development of others, facilitates cooperation and teamwork, and supports constructive resolution of conflicts.

Results-Driven Leadership. Demonstrated ability to meet organizational goals and customer expectations. Includes the ability to make decisions that produce high-quality results by applying technical knowledge, analyzing problems, and calculating risks.

Business Acumen. Demonstrated ability to manage human, financial, and information resources strategically.

Building Coalitions. Demonstrated ability to build coalitions internally and with other Federal agencies, State and local governments, nonprofit and private sector organizations, foreign governments, or international organizations to achieve common goals.

Mandatory Technical Qualification (MTQs)

Substantial research contributions and strong evidence of scholarship in areas related to astronomical sciences as evidenced by publications, innovative leadership in research administration, and professional leadership and awards in these technical areas.
Skill in balancing complex and diverse program demands and available resources in response to major advances or changing needs of science and engineering research and technology, including the management, oversight or leadership of large scientific facilities or projects.
Broad understanding of universities and other institutions where research and education in science and engineering is conducted including knowledge of grant administration and fiscal management with experience in astronomical sciences support.

Desired

Education, strongly preferred at the Ph.D. level, or equivalent professional experience, or a combination of education and equivalent experience in astronomical sciences or a closely related field.

Education

Please refer to the Qualifications section.

Additional information

The position recruited under this announcement will be filled under the following appointment option:

Intergovernmental Personnel Act (IPA) Assignment: Individuals eligible for an IPA assignment with a Federal agency include employees of State and local government agencies or institutions of higher education, Indian tribal governments, and other eligible organizations in instances where such assignments would be of mutual benefit to the organizations involved. Initial assignments under IPA provisions may be made for a period up to two years, with a possible extension for up to an additional two-year period. The individual remains an employee of the home institution and NSF provides the negotiated funding toward the assignee's salary and benefits. Initial IPA assignments are made for a one-year period and may be extended by mutual agreement.

Salary : The salary noted above is based on the rate of pay for Federal Division Directors. The IPA assignment salary is based on the current salary at the IPA's home institution.

This is a rotator position.

NSF offers a chance for scientists, engineers, and educators to join us as temporary detailees - called rotators. As a rotator, you will be in a prime position to collaborate with others and increase your visibility as you survey the entire breadth of U.S. and international science, engineering, and education in real time. In addition, as a temporary detailee, you can retain your ties to your current institution and return to it with new insights and experience for your team.

Learn more about rotator programs at NSF

It is NSF policy that NSF personnel employed at or IPAs detailed to NSF are not permitted to participate in foreign government talent recruitment programs. Failure to comply with this NSF policy could result in disciplinary action up to and including removal from Federal Service or termination of an IPA assignment and referral to the Office of Inspector General. Foreign Talent Definitions

Applications will be accepted from U.S. Citizens. Recent changes in Federal Appropriations Law require Non-Citizens to meet certain eligibility criteria to be considered. Therefore, Non-Citizens must certify eligibility by signing and attaching this Citizenship Affidavit to their application. Non-Citizens who do not provide the affidavit at the time of application will not be considered eligible. Non-Citizens are not eligible for positions requiring a security clearance.

Only applications submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at will be considered.

Benefits
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. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal 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.

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

You will be evaluated on the extent and quality of your experience, education, and research relevant to the duties of the position.

Benefits
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. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal 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.
Required Documents
As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.
Required Documents:
1. Resume: Submit a resume or CV to describe your qualifications. Applicants typically provide the following information:
Full name, mailing address, and day email address and evening telephone numbers.
Educational information, including the name, city and state of your colleges or universities you attended, as well as the type and year of any degrees received.
Information about your paid and non paid work experience related to this position including:
- Job title (include series and grade, if Federal job)
- Duties and accomplishments
- Employer's name and address
- Supervisor's name and phone number (indicate if we may contact your current supervisor)
- Starting and ending dates of employment (month/year)
- Information about honors, awards, and special accomplishments
*Recommended Documents:
It is recommended you submit a cover letter or supplemental statement(s) that addresses the qualification requirements of the position. When responding to the MTQs and ECQs, you should clearly show that you possess the experience, knowledge, skills and ability to perform the duties of this position. Your examples should be clear and emphasize your level of responsibilities, scope, and complexity of the programs managed and program accomplishments with results of your actions, policy initiatives and level of contacts.
To view additional information on the preparation of ECQ statements, applicants are strongly encouraged to review the Office of Personnel Management's Guide to Executive Qualifications.
Additional Documentation:
In order to be considered for federal appointments, Non-Citizens must affirm that they meet the Appropriations Law eligibility criteria by signing and attaching this Citizenship Affidavit to their application. This also applies to individuals considered for Intergovernmental Personnel Act (IPA) assignments to NSF. Non citizens who do not provide the affidavit at the time of application will not be considered. Non-Citizens who are exempt from the Appropriations Law requirements due to their status as officers or employees of the U.S. government on December 16, 2009 must provide a statement with their application noting their exemption with documentation of proof of status as officers or employees of the U.S. government on that date. Non-Citizens are not eligible for positions requiring a security clearance.
Please review your application packet to ensure that you have submitted all documentation that you want considered.
How to Apply
Applicants must complete and submit an application online at the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) USAJOBS website at An account must be established at the OPM website following the instructions provided in order to apply for the position. Once you have completed the USAJOBS process, you will be re-directed to the USA Staffing system to complete your application process, answer the online questions, and submit all required documents. Applications submitted other than the USAJOBS online application WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED under this announcement.
- Your application and all supporting documents must be received by 11:59 pm Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the closing date of this announcement. Applicants applying online for this position will be able to apply until 11:59 pm Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the closing date of this announcement. Please allow adequate time to complete your application.
-If you encounter technical difficulties during the process, please submit a USA Staffing Help Ticket for assistance. If you have technical difficulties applying to the vacancy on the USAJOBS website, click on Contact USAJOBS. It is suggested that you do not wait until the last day to apply for a vacancy announcement. We will not accept applications other than those submitted through USAJOBS.
- As the applicant, it is your responsibility to verify that information entered, uploaded, and submitted is received and is accurate. Ensure that your application includes the required documents listed under "Required Documents" and that they are uploaded in the appropriate fields.
- If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of this application and hiring process, please notify the point of contact on this job opportunity announcement.
IMPORTANT NOTE: PLEASE DO NOT INCLUDE YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER OR DATE OF BIRTH ON YOUR APPLICATION DOCUMENTS.
Agency contact information
Executive Services Branch
Email
execsrch@nsf.gov
Address
NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION, DIVISION OF ASTRONOMICAL SCIENCES
2415 Eisenhower Ave
Alexandria, VA 22314
US
Next steps
You will receive updates throughout the process notifying you of your status.
You may check the status of your application at any time on the USAJOBS website
Applicants should click 'Track this Application' in the Applicant Dashboard to receive application updates.
Fair and Transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
- Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
- Criminal history inquiries
- Reasonable accommodation policy
- Financial suitability
- Selective Service
- New employee probationary period
- Signature and false statements
- Privacy Act
- Social security number request

Required Documents

Required Documents:

1. Resume: Submit a resume or CV to describe your qualifications. Applicants typically provide the following information:

Full name, mailing address, and day email address and evening telephone numbers.

Educational information, including the name, city and state of your colleges or universities you attended, as well as the type and year of any degrees received.

Information about your paid and non paid work experience related to this position including:

- Job title (include series and grade, if Federal job)

- Duties and accomplishments

- Employer's name and address

- Supervisor's name and phone number (indicate if we may contact your current supervisor)

- Starting and ending dates of employment (month/year)

- Information about honors, awards, and special accomplishments

*Recommended Documents:

It is recommended you submit a cover letter or supplemental statement(s) that addresses the qualification requirements of the position. When responding to the MTQs and ECQs, you should clearly show that you possess the experience, knowledge, skills and ability to perform the duties of this position. Your examples should be clear and emphasize your level of responsibilities, scope, and complexity of the programs managed and program accomplishments with results of your actions, policy initiatives and level of contacts.

To view additional information on the preparation of ECQ statements, applicants are strongly encouraged to review the Office of Personnel Management's Guide to Executive Qualifications.

Additional Documentation:

In order to be considered for federal appointments, Non-Citizens must affirm that they meet the Appropriations Law eligibility criteria by signing and attaching this Citizenship Affidavit to their application. This also applies to individuals considered for Intergovernmental Personnel Act (IPA) assignments to NSF. Non citizens who do not provide the affidavit at the time of application will not be considered. Non-Citizens who are exempt from the Appropriations Law requirements due to their status as officers or employees of the U.S. government on December 16, 2009 must provide a statement with their application noting their exemption with documentation of proof of status as officers or employees of the U.S. government on that date. Non-Citizens are not eligible for positions requiring a security clearance.

Please review your application packet to ensure that you have submitted all documentation that you want considered.

How to Apply

Applicants must complete and submit an application online at the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) USAJOBS website at An account must be established at the OPM website following the instructions provided in order to apply for the position. Once you have completed the USAJOBS process, you will be re-directed to the USA Staffing system to complete your application process, answer the online questions, and submit all required documents. Applications submitted other than the USAJOBS online application WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED under this announcement.

- Your application and all supporting documents must be received by 11:59 pm Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the closing date of this announcement. Applicants applying online for this position will be able to apply until 11:59 pm Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the closing date of this announcement. Please allow adequate time to complete your application.

-If you encounter technical difficulties during the process, please submit a USA Staffing Help Ticket for assistance. If you have technical difficulties applying to the vacancy on the USAJOBS website, click on Contact USAJOBS. It is suggested that you do not wait until the last day to apply for a vacancy announcement. We will not accept applications other than those submitted through USAJOBS.

- As the applicant, it is your responsibility to verify that information entered, uploaded, and submitted is received and is accurate. Ensure that your application includes the required documents listed under "Required Documents" and that they are uploaded in the appropriate fields.

- If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of this application and hiring process, please notify the point of contact on this job opportunity announcement.

IMPORTANT NOTE: PLEASE DO NOT INCLUDE YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER OR DATE OF BIRTH ON YOUR APPLICATION DOCUMENTS.

Agency contact information

Executive Services Branch

Email

execsrch@nsf.gov

Address

NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION, DIVISION OF ASTRONOMICAL SCIENCES

2415 Eisenhower Ave

Alexandria, VA 22314

Next steps

You will receive updates throughout the process notifying you of your status.

You may check the status of your application at any time on the USAJOBS website

Applicants should click 'Track this Application' in the Applicant Dashboard to receive application updates.

Fair & Transparent

The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
Reasonable accommodation policy
Criminal history inquiries
Financial suitability
Selective Service
New employee probationary period
Signature and false statements
Privacy Act
Social security number request