Operations Coordinator, IS-0301-11

Smithsonian Institution•Amado, AZ

34d•$76,095 - $98,928•Remote

About The Position

The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) is seeking an Operations Coordinator for the STARS program, an initiative focused on delivering telescopes, STEM curricula, and professional development to rural and tribal schools across the U.S. This role is crucial for the program's launch in Arizona and its future national expansion. The Operations Coordinator will provide oversight and personnel management to ensure the program's operational integrity and reporting accuracy. While classified as remote, the incumbent must reside in Arizona to oversee storage facilities and shipping hubs. Trust Fund positions at the Smithsonian are paid from various sources and do not lead to Federal status, but offer a comparable salary range and benefits program.

Requirements

Minimum of one year specialized experience equivalent to at least grade 9 in the normal line of progression for this occupation. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped the applicant with the particular competencies/knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position, such as coordinating and overseeing operational schedules and maintaining the inventory of a program's assets to ensure the program's requirements are met.
OR Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree
OR 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree
OR a combination of education and experience
Proven ability to lead remote or mobile teams and manage personnel across a large geographic area.
Experience and knowledge in inventory management and project coordination tools.
Ability to understand astronomical equipment or sensitive scientific.
Ability to collaborate effectively with people from various communities, such as teachers, administrators, and team members.
Experience and knowledge working with K-12 education systems.
Skills and knowledge with communities of practice, professional learning networks, or educator support groups.
Experience and knowledge in STEM, particularly astronomy/planetary science and/or telescope, educational programs.
Must reside in Arizona.
Eligible to work in the United States.

Nice To Haves

Possibility of extension of an additional year.

Responsibilities

Provide direct supervision, guidance, and daily support to the field-based Program Delivery and Engagement teams.
Manage the master implementation calendar for multiple field engagement teams, ensuring efficient routing to school sites.
Maintain a comprehensive inventory of all program assets, including Celestron Nexstar 6SE telescopes and accessory kits.
Coordinate the packing and advanced shipping of telescope kits to school sites; perform regular quality control checks at the Arizona storage facility.
Serve as the primary point of contact for storage facility management and shipping carriers.
Aggregate delivery team data into high-level progress reports for the Executive Director, tracking state-wide participant demographics, equipment performance, and programming milestones.
Oversee the maintenance schedules and compliance records for the program's GSA vehicle fleet.
Coordinate day-to-day operational activities across multiple functional areas to ensure mission continuity.
Develop, implement, and monitor operational workflows, schedules, and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
Serve as the primary point of contact for internal and external stakeholders regarding operational requirements.
Performs other duties as assigned.