Director, Human Resources, IS-0201-14

OPENING DATE: September 18, 2026 CLOSING DATE: October 16, 2026 SERIES/GRADE: 0201/14 TYPE OF POSITION: Trust Indefinite (Non-Federal) DIVISION: Human Resource Department LOCATION: Cambridge, MA AREA OF CONSIDERATION: This position is open to all eligible candidates.

SAO is unable to provide sponsorship for this position.

What are Trust Fund Positions?

Trust Fund positions are unique to the Smithsonian. They are paid for from a variety of sources, including the Smithsonian endowment, revenue from our business activities, donations, grants and contracts. Trust employees are not part of the civil service, nor does trust fund employment lead to Federal status. The salary ranges for trust positions are generally the same as for federal positions and in many cases trust and federal employees work side by side. Trust employees have their own benefit program, which may include Health, Dental & Vision Insurance, Life Insurance, Transit/Commuter Benefits, Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance, Annual and Sick Leave, Family Friendly Leave, 403b Retirement Plan, Discounts for Smithsonian Memberships, Museum Stores and Restaurants, Credit Union, Flexible Spending Account (Health & Dependent Care).

Conditions of Employment

• Pass Pre-employment Background Check and Subsequent Background Investigation, as required.
• Complete a Probationary Period if applicable.
• Maintain a Bank Account for Direct Deposit/Electronic Transfer.
• The position is open to all candidates eligible to work in the United States.  Proof of eligibility to work in U.S. is not required to apply.
• Applicants must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement.

INTRODUCTION

The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) is at the forefront, internationally, of the scientific exploration of the universe. SAO combines its resources with those of the Harvard College Observatory to form the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics (CfA). The CfA is the best-known astrophysics center in the world. Its programs range from ground-based astronomy and astrophysics research to space-based research, the engineering and development of major scientific instrumentation for space launch and use in large ground-based facilities, and research designed to improve science education. The research objectives of SAO are carried out primarily with the support of Government and Smithsonian Institution funds, with additional philanthropic support.  Government funds are in the form of Federal appropriations or the form of contracts and grants from other agencies. In contrast, Institution funds are available to SAO through grants from the Institution's Restricted Funds, Special Purpose Funds, Bureau Activities, Business Activities, and non-Federal contracts and grants.

SUMMARY

The position provides direction to subordinate managers, supervisors, and technical specialists, exercising broad authority for the supervision and integration of complex human resources programs. The incumbent is responsible for overseeing both Federal and non-federal (Trust) hiring processes, ensuring consistency, efficiency, and compliance across categories of employment. The incumbent leads electronic initiatives and modernization efforts, driving the adoption of new HR systems, digital workflows, and process innovations to enhance efficiency, transparency, and the employee experience across the organization.

• Strategic Planning and Program Leadership
• Develop and implement human resources strategies aligned with SAO’s mission and Smithsonian priorities.
• Advises the Director, COO, and senior leadership on workforce planning, personnel matters, and organizational initiatives.
• Provide regular reporting to the SAO executive on HR processes, metrics, and progress towards goals.
• Represent the Human Resources Department on SAO wide committees, working groups, and task forces, focused on improving HR policies and practices.
• Represent SAO on Smithsonian task forces, committees, and study groups to improve HR policies and practices.
• Demonstrate authority in building and managing collegial and collaborative teams, with the Coaches, models, and provide training on strategies for building and managing collegial, collaborative teams to achieve organizational objectives.
• Coaches, models, and provides training on approaches for establishing and maintaining collegial relationships across the organization.
• Program improvements across multiple sites, ensuring compliance and consistency.
• Prepare and deliver reports on HR metrics, trends, and progress toward goals to inform senior leadership in support of strategic planning.
• Leads the effort to update HR operations by introducing electronic systems and digital tools to improve efficiency, accuracy, and enhance responsiveness and accessibility.
• Program Administration and Policy Implementation
• Ensure compliance with federal law, Smithsonian policy, and SAO’s research mission by evaluating program effectiveness and developing internal procedures and guidance for equitable application of HR policies across all programs such as employee relations, performance management, training, and benefits.
• Provide oversight of workload distribution and ensure HR systems accuracy, consistent policy application, and functional database integrity across units.
• Hiring, Classification, and Compensation
• Direct recruitment, selection, and onboarding for both Federal and non-Federal (Trust) positions across all SAO locations, including the oversight of position classification and compensation analysis to support pay equity, salary structures, and adjustments.
• Provides oversight of including promotions, transfers, reassignments, and commendations, ensuring compliance.
• Partner with hiring managers to provide smooth and efficient hiring, providing technical advice on staffing strategies for scientific and technical positions.
• Workforce Services and Support
• Supervise HR staff reviewing performance management, professional development, and HR operations; partners with the Smithsonian benefits office to ensure effective delivery of HR services.
• Deliver training, briefings, and communications on HR policies for staff and supervisors.
• Support professional development, onboarding, and retention across all workforce categories, including administrative, management, technical, scientific, and education staff.
• Manage SAO’s visa program for employees, affiliates, and dependents, providing oversight for SAO’s immigration services. Serves as the Responsible Officer for the J-1 Visa Program, advice on complex permanent residency cases and applications for O-1 visas meant for individuals with extraordinary ability.
• Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Labor Relations
• Develop and monitor equal opportunity practices and communicate EEO objectives to staff, ensuring nondiscriminatory practices in hiring, promotion, recognition, and employee development.
• Advise the Director, COO, and leadership on employee relations, disciplinary actions, grievance procedures, and third-party reviews.
• Participate in reduction-in-force (RIF) planning and employee transition support, including counseling, severance, and outplacement services; approve or recommend serious disciplinary actions, including removals.
• Immigration and International Programs
• Manage visa processing for foreign national employees and affiliates, including H-1, J-1, O-1, TN-1, and permanent residency petitions.
• Serve as the responsible officer of our J-1 program, ensuring alignment with the program goals, submitting annual reports, and overseeing day-to-day management of the program.
• Serve as liaison with the Smithsonian’s Office of Global Affairs, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Department of Labor, and Department of State.
• Advise managers and employees on visa eligibility, restrictions, and compliance requirements.
• Ensure ti