Director, Science Directorate

Summary The incumbent serves as Director of the Science Directorate at NASA Ames Research Center (ARC), providing executive leadership of a multidisciplinary organization conducting basic and applied scientific research, science instrument design and development, and flight project operations in the areas of astrophysics, space biosciences, Earth sciences, planetary sciences, and exobiology. Responsibilities The Director, Science Directorate: Provides strategic direction, leadership, and executive oversight for the Directorate's scientific portfolio, establishing meaningful goals, near- and long-term priorities, and innovative initiatives that support NASA's mission and Agency strategic objectives. Assesses the portfolio against programmatic considerations and adjusts strategy and tactical plans accordingly. Plans, directs, integrates, and evaluates all aspects of the Directorate's research, technology, and flight activities; continuously assesses the portfolio against evolving Agency priorities, scientific opportunities, budgetary considerations, and programmatic risks; and adjusts strategic and operational plans to ensure mission success. Advocates, establishes, strengthens, and maintains collaborative relationships across NASA Centers, NASA Headquarters, other Federal agencies, industry, academia, and domestic and international partners to advance scientific research, technology development, and mission objectives. Establishes and communicates Directorate policies and organizational priorities, and exercises executive responsibility for the management of personnel, facilities, laboratories, financial resources, and institutional capabilities. Advises and supports the Center Director and collaborates with Center leadership to develop and execute the Center's research, technology, and institutional strategies, ensuring alignment with Agency priorities and the effective accomplishment of Headquarters and Center goals. Supports and encourages efforts in technology transfer, public-private partnerships, and commercialization to the maximum extent possible. Serves as an expert scientific consultant for NASA and a Science spokesperson for ARC. Requirements Conditions of Employment 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(s) related to this position. If your 2-page resume does not reflect demonstrated evidence of the ECQs and MTQ(s), 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(s). Only your 2-page resume will be accepted and considered. Any additional documents submitted will not be accepted. EXECUTIVE CORE QUALIFICATIONS (ECQs) For more information on the ECQs, please visit OPM's ECQ webpage. 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(s). MTQ: Demonstrated experience leading a multidisciplinary scientific organization, providing strategic direction for complex scientific research portfolios across disciplines such as astrophysics, Earth science, planetary science, space biosciences, exobiology, or related scientific fields. This includes experience leading the formulation, budgeting, scheduling, execution, integration, and evaluation of scientific projects and programs. Competencies: Program/Project Management and Research 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 This position has a positive education requirement. To be eligible, you must clearly state in your resume the following: degree, major and/or minor, and college/university. A college or university degree generally must be from an accredited (or pre-accredited) college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For a list of schools which meet these criteria, please refer to Department of Education Accreditation page. A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major study in engineering, physical science, mathematics, life sciences, computer science, or other field of science is required. An official transcript will be required if you are selected. SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show that the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs. These education credentials must be deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, click here. Additional Information Veterans' preference is not applicable to the SES.