Director, Human Resources, IS-0201-14

Smithsonian Institution•Cambridge, MA

8d•$142,452 - $185,193•Onsite

About The Position

The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) is seeking a Director, Human Resources to provide direction to subordinate managers, supervisors, and technical specialists. This role involves broad authority for the supervision and integration of complex human resources programs, including overseeing both Federal and non-federal (Trust) hiring processes. The incumbent will lead 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. SAO is an internationally recognized leader in scientific exploration of the universe, forming part of the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics (CfA).

Requirements

At least one year of specialized experience at or above the grade 13 level in similar positions.
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.
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.
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.
Eligible to work in the United States.

Nice To Haves

Ability to align HR policies and practices to support research goals.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement human resources strategies aligned with SAO’s mission and Smithsonian priorities.
Advise 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 ability to coach, model, and provide training on strategies for building and managing collegial, collaborative teams to achieve organizational objectives.
Coach, model, and provide training on approaches for establishing and maintaining collegial relationships across the organization.
Oversee 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.
Lead the effort to update HR operations by introducing electronic systems and digital tools to improve efficiency, accuracy, and enhance responsiveness and accessibility.
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.
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.
Provide oversight of 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.
Supervise HR staff reviewing performance management, professional development, and HR operations; partner 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.
Serve as the Responsible Officer for the J-1 Visa Program, advise on complex permanent residency cases and applications for O-1 visas meant for individuals with extraordinary ability.
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.
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 timely renewal of visas and monitor institutional compliance with federal regulations.
Ensure compliance with workplace safety standards, Smithsonian policies, and applicable employment regulations.
Partner with supervisors and safety officers to identify and mitigate workplace risks.
Oversee HR recordkeeping and ensure confidentiality, data security, and regulatory compliance.
Lead implementation and management of HR technology systems to improve service delivery.
Drive modernization and electronic initiatives, including integration of advanced HR platforms, employee self-service tools, and digital communications.
Use workforce data and HR analytics to inform decision-making on staffing, retention, compensation, and organizational effectiveness.
Engage with colleagues in the Smithsonian’s Office of General Counsel, Office of Human Resources, and the Office of Global Affairs to ensure SAO maintains compliance and engagement with Federal Laws, OPM policies, Smithsonian Directives, and other related policies and procedures.
Perform other duties as assigned.