Vice President/head of Mission

Versión en Español después de la versión en Ingles_

The Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA) is a consortium of over 40 US institutions and three international affiliates that operates world-class astronomical observatories. AURA’s role is to establish, nurture, and promote public observatories and facilities that advance innovative astronomical research. Under cooperative agreements with the National Science Foundation (NSF) AURA is responsible for managing the operations of the NSF’s NOIRLab, the National Solar Observatory, and the construction of the Vera C. Rubin Observatory; and, under contracts with NASA, AURA is responsible for managing the operations of the Space Telescope Science Institute.

This time, the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA) is seeking a **Vice President and Head of Mission** for Chile. The AURA Observatory in Chile (AURA-O) oversees activities performed in Chile under the legal authority of AURA.

The AURA-O Vice President and Head of Mission is responsible for planning, directing, and managing all official AURA Chilean interactions, including but not limited to Chilean government (national and local), juridical and political relationships. The VP/Head of Mission works with the AURA programs, providing country expertise, developing operational proposals, and utilizing relationships in Chile to ensure the mission of AURA is achieved. The VP/Head of Mission reports to the AURA President and has delegated authority from the President to represent the juridical entity in Chile.

The position is based in Santiago or La Serena, Chile, supported by offices in both locations, and with frequent travel within Chile and to the United States. The Vice President and Head of Mission for Chile is designated by the NSF as Key Personnel and thus requires National Science Foundation approval of the selection prior to appointment.

**Essential Functions**:

- Manages all official interactions with Chilean national and local authorities and with the U.S. Embassy in Santiago.
- Manages relations with the University of Chile, and other Universities and Observatories in Chile.
- Supports NSF-funded activities in Chile including official visits, organizes and facilitates NSF contacts, and analyzes Chilean legislation and regulations to determine potential impact on programs.
- Supports programs being conducted in Chile by various elements of AURA including NOIRLab and Rubin Observatory. Maintains regular contact with the leadership of AURA Centers conducting business in Chile.
- Oversees all AURA activities in Chile to ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations including labor, safety, mining, land ownership and international status of the organization, and with the spirit of AURA’s juridical status.
- Is responsible for safety, environmental compliance, and long-term site protection from potentially adverse local development.
- Jointly oversees interactions between U.S. regulations and Chilean obligations.
- Manages Chilean labor relations including contract negotiations and other interactions with the Chilean staff Union.
- Is responsible for the adoption of social responsibility programs of AURA in Chile.
- Supports AURA and its programs with analysis and interpretation of the cultural and legal environment.
- Oversees long-range planning, development, stewardship, and use of AURA-owned property and assets.
- Maintains regular reporting to provide information on progress and concerns to the AURA President, AURA Vice Presidents and Chief of Staff.
- Leads and manages the AURA-O offices in Santiago and La Serena.

**Other Functions**:

- Other duties as assigned.
- All AURA employees are responsible for the proper management and control of all AURA property within their work area, whether assigned to them or someone else. This responsibility includes reporting any known missing, stolen, or non-working property in their work area to their supervisor or the AURA Property Officer.
- 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.

**Required Education/Experience/Skills/Abilities**:

- Professional degree in Science, Business, Public Administration, or related fields.
- Fluency (spoken and written) in both English and Spanish is required.
- Five or more years of experience in senior positions including personnel and team management.
- Strong interest in science with the ability to communicate technical topics to non-scientists.
- Leadership experience involving national and local authorities.
- Excellent leadership skills.
- Diplomatic and negotiation skills with diverse groups.

**Physical Requirements**:
There are basic physical requirements that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals wit