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DEI Programs Manager – NOIRLab full_time

NSF’s NOIRLab is the preeminent US national center for ground-based, nighttime optical and infrared astronomy. NOIRLab is a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC) which operates as a matrix organization, providing services across a range of programs: Gemini, Rubin, MSO (CTIO and KPNO), and CSDC; with facilities in three geographic locations: Arizona, Chile and Hawai’i. The mission of NOIRLab is to enable breakthrough discoveries in astrophysics by developing and operating state-of-the-art ground-based observatories and providing data products and services for a diverse and inclusive community.

As a member of the NORILab leadership team, the DEI Programs Manager – NOIRLab will work closely with leaders across the NOIRLab Programs to shape the organization’s culture into one that promotes diversity, equity, inclusion, and the ongoing development of a community-based science model. A core responsibility is to ensure the development, implementation, and achievement of programs and initiatives across NOIRLab and its Programs that visibly demonstrate a commitment to equity in Research & Science, Engineering, Technology, Mathematics and other key Administrative and Management Support disciplines, to enable a welcoming and productive culture and workplace, and align with the NOIRLab strategic plan. Responsible for working with the current Deputy Programs Coordinator (a part-time support role) and the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee to develop goals and objectives for the Program Operating Plan (POP) and Long-range Plan (LRP). Provide leadership, strategic vision, and oversight for NOIRLab’s broadening staff participation in DEI initiatives. Work with AURA’s Chief Diversity Officer (CDO) in a supporting role in developing strategic planning for AURA and its Centers. Work closely with the NOIRLab Directorate and Communication, Education, and Engagement (CEE) team across all multiple sites (Arizona, Hawai‘i, Chile, etc.) as well as with internal groups that have been created by employees.

Essential Functions:

  • Leading in the area of diversity, equity and inclusion at NOIRLab to all levels of the organization, through modeling behavior, providing related guidance and communication, and creating strategic goals.
  • Developing and managing NOIRLab-wide DEI programs to encourage a work environment that is equitable and inclusive for all individuals and supports recruitment and retention efforts, coordinating directly with Human Resources and the Community Engagement and Education team.
  • Responsible for achieving DEI program goals and tracking related program metrics.
  • Identifying institutional barriers to equity and inclusion and working with leadership to remove those barriers to ensure full and equitable participation for existing and future staff.
  • Organizing training in such areas as cultural competency, gender equity, race/ethnicity, disability, harassment, and other topics designed to increase awareness and support of the organization’s values. They will lead these training activities themselves as appropriate or bring in experts from the respective field.
  • Collaborating with the AURA Chief Diversity Officer (CDO) in AURA-driven strategic planning and aligning NOIRLab with the AURA level. Serving on the AURA Equity and Inclusion Council (EIC) acting as a representative for NOIRLab regarding DEI.
  • Meeting routinely with NOIRLab managers to provide guidance on program goals and concerns, as well as with staff, internal working groups, self-organized groups, and
  • site-specific management teams to improve and build upon our mechanisms for receiving employee input and understanding DEI concerns.
  • Representing NOIRLab in a wide variety of external situations, including professional meetings, committees, panels, and related conferences and workshops, as well as co-chairing the DEI Committee.
  • Developing collaborative relationships with the broad science community, universities, observatories, and professional association and societies; these collaborations are designed to maximize opportunities for underrepresented people to choose, and thrive in, STEM careers.
  • Supporting workforce development in NOIRLab’s host communities, with a special focus on underprivileged and Indigenous groups.
  • Pursuing opportunities for external funding to support the underprivileged and inclusion-related student programs or workshops/conferences.
  • Travel (local, domestic and some international) as required for this position. This includes the sites of NOIRLab in La Serena, Chile; Tucson, Arizona; and Hilo, Hawai‘i.

Other Functions:

  • Other duties as assigned

Required Education/Experience/Skills/Abilities:

  • A bachelor’s degree in Diversity and Inclusion, Social Justice, Social Science, Education, Organizational Psychology, Human Resources-Business Management, or a related field.
  • Five or more years of experience successfully leading programs in the field of equity in education or diversity and inclusion in an organization.
  • Knowledge of diversity, equity and inclusion methodologies and research.
  • Experience advocating and educating with respect to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
  • Knowledge and experience in fieldwork with local communities, including engaging diverse groups in defining and implementing plans and actions.
  • Experience with strategy and program development, management principles, and practices toward organizational change.
  • Ability to cultivate and develop collaborative working relationships with internal and external partners. Ability to negotiate, influence and build consensus.
  • Skill in analyzing, measuring, and reporting on the efficacy of DEI programs and activities and creating presentations to communicate this information.
  • Ability to serve as an internal resource and consultant.
  • Understanding of, sensitivity to, and respect for diverse academic, socio-economic, ethnic, religious, and cultural backgrounds as well as identities, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, etc. of staff.
  • Strong interpersonal communication skills, emotional intelligence, and ability to mediate between different points of view.
  • Ability to lead others in directions that support diversity and inclusion.
  • Demonstrated passion in the diversity and inclusion field.
  • Ability to mentor students and volunteers from NOIRLab’s local communities and instruct others in productive mentorship.
  • Ability to collaborate across sites, departments, and/or disciplines.
  • Interest to learn conversational Spanish is highly desirable.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and talk, or hear.
  • The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms and stoop; kneel; crouch; or crawl.
  • The employee must regularly lift and /or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
  • Must possess – sufficient mobility, strength, or dexterity in both arms and hands and both legs to a) reach upward, sideways, downward to work with paper files; b) sufficient mobility and dexterity to utilize computer systems, fax machines, copiers, and other office machines.
  • Must possess – 1) ability to read and understand instructions, drawings, safety guides, and other written materials necessary to perform job; 2) sufficient visual capacity to perform the applicable functions without assistance of visual aids other than eye contacts or eye glasses; 3) sufficient spoken aural capacity to hear and understand instructions, warning bells, fire alarms, or shouted instructions without assistance of auditory aids other than a hearing aid; and 4) ability to impart information orally so that others understand and can respond appropriately

The position will remain open until it is filled. To be considered in the first round of reviews, please submit your application by November 10, 2023.

Update as of 10.24.23 — Please note that application date has been extended.

  • Please submit a cover letter and a CV or resume, PDF files preferred. Please name any attachments with the following format: Lastname Docname. 
  • Application documents that are not uploaded as part of the application may be sent to employment@aura-astronomy.org. 
  • Please enter 3 professional references in your application (references will only be contacted later in the recruitment process). 

Veterans, disabled individuals or wounded warriors needing assistance with the employment process should request assistance at employment@aura-astronomy.org 

The Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA) is a consortium of 47 US institutions and 3 international affiliates that operates world-class astronomical observatories for the National Science Foundation and NASA. AURA’s role is to establish, nurture, and promote public observatories and facilities that advance innovative astronomical research. In addition, AURA is deeply committed to public and educational outreach, and to diversity throughout the astronomical and scientific workforce. AURA carries out its role through its astronomical facilities. 

AURA offers an excellent benefits package including paid time off and retirement plan contributions, competitive salary commensurate with experience, and a very attractive work environment. Details on benefits can be found at https://hr.aura-astronomy.org/employee-benefits-guide/ 

Consistent with the actions of the Biden Administration, as of 12 May 2023, AURA will no longer require COVID-19 vaccination of its employees in the U.S. AURA employees in the U.S. may be subject to COVID-19 vaccination requirements from other entities, such as host institutions or partner affiliations. 

As a recipient of U.S. Government funding, AURA is considered a government contractor and is subject to Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action regulations. As an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer, AURA does not discriminate based on race, sex, color, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity/gender identity expression, lawful political affiliations, veteran status, disability, and/or any other legally protected status under applicable federal, state, and local equal opportunity laws. The statements below as well as the requests for self-identification are required pursuant to these regulations. We encourage your participation in meeting these federal reporting requirements which are included for protection and to assist us in our recordkeeping and reporting. Your responses are kept strictly confidential.

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