Director, Human Resource, IS-0201-14

Smithsonian Institution•Cambridge, MA

14h•$141,041 - $183,353

About The Position

OPENING DATE: January 7, 2026 CLOSING DATE: February 6, 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. If you previously applied for Job Posting #26-07, you are not required to reapply. Your application will continue to be reviewed. 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. OVERVIEW 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.

Requirements

Candidates must possess at least one year of specialized experience at or above the grade 13 level in similar positions, such as demonstrated skill in implementing HR policies and procedures across multiple areas, such as staffing, classification, and employee relations, proficiency in applying federal position classification standards and guidance, and working knowledge of immigration law as it relates to employment and workforce management.
Mastery of HR principles, concepts, and regulations; deep knowledge across classification, staffing, employee relations, compensation, performance management, training, and HR systems.
Expert knowledge of federal position classification, including application of OPM standards and guidance.
In-depth understanding of or ability to learn research operations, with the ability to align HR policies and practices to support research goals.
Advanced ability to assess and translate legislative changes into actionable HR strategies.
Skill in coordinating multiple complex HR activities across geographically dispersed teams.
Expert written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain, advocate, implement policies, and constructively resolve disputes
Ability to stay abreast of changes in employment and immigration law and apply them effectively to SAO programs.
Demonstrated authority in building and managing collegial, collaborative teams, with the ability to coach supervisors and provide institution-wide training.
Expertise in establishing and sustaining collegial relationships across all organizational levels, with the ability to model effective practices and mentor supervisors.
Expert knowledge of delegated examining procedures, principles, and merit system requirements to ensure compliance with Federal hiring laws and regulations, and the ability to advise on competitive hiring practices.
Education completed outside the United States must be deemed equivalent to higher education programs of U.S. Institutions by an organization that specializes in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials. This documentation is the responsibility of the applicant and should be included as part of your application package.
Any false statement in your application may result in rejection of your application and may also result in termination after employment begins.