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Associated Universities, Incorporated (AUI) is seeking an Assistant Vice President for Administration. AUI is a not-for-profit research management organization that operates the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) under a Cooperative Agreement with the National Science Foundation (NSF).

AUI is the North American Executive for building and operating the Atacama Large Millimeter Array (ALMA), an international astronomy facility under construction in Chile. It is also part of the governance of other research endeavors, including the Virtual Astronomical Observatory and the CCAT Observatory. This position is located at our Corporate headquarters in Washington, D.C. and requires frequent national and international travel.

The Assistant Vice President for Administration will assist the Vice President for Administration in a wide range of policy and administrative corporate functions including contracting, legal, risk management, environmental, health, safety, security, and facilities planning. He/she is also the primary point of contact for strategic Human Resources leadership for AUI, overseeing HR policies and operations in the corporate office and at AUI’s Research Centers, including facilities in the United States and in Chile.

Administrative Responsibilities:

Participate in corporate strategic planning activities;

Ensure that AUI administrative policies established by the Board are implemented consistently throughout the Corporation, and are consistent with Government regulations, orders and guidance;

Maintain effective working relationships and lines of communication with the senior administrative personnel at AUI operating units;

Maintain effective liaison with the AUI Controller on corporate financial and audit matters, including development of Corporate financial plans;

Ensure that the AUI fulfills all obligatory and prudent environmental, safety and health responsibilities;

Participate in drafting and negotiating AUI contractual agreements with funding sources, and maintain good relations with these organizations and agencies;

Work with outside counsel, in maintaining cognizance of legal activities affecting AUI; and

Support the VP-Programs in the development and implementation of Corporate policies on technology transfer and patents and licensing programs at AUI Research Centers.

Human Resources Responsibilities:

Provide leadership in shaping the culture of the organization which is structured to attract and retain world-class workforce;

Provide leadership in developing and implementing workplace diversity programs;

Continually review benefit program for effectiveness, efficiency and cost control, proposing and implementing changes as required;

Ensure compensation policies are internally consistent/equitable and competitively structured with respect to peer organizations;

Take a lead role in negotiating agreements with labor organizations; and

Review government regulations, orders and guidance for possible HR policy implications.

Qualifications:

• A minimum of ten years of administrative management experience with a non-profit research and/or education organization; strong overall project and program management experience;
• Demonstrated operational credibility and experience in leading change and/or other strategic operational experience, as part of, or in addition to, HR-specific roles;
• Masters level degree required and a minimum of ten years of international experience in matters of employment law, employee relations, organizational development and planning, change management, compensation and benefits. Experience with a scientific/engineering workforce is highly desirable;
• Self-assured and assertive team player with highly developed analytical skills on people issues, and the ability to collaborate on administrative issues and operational matters are critical to as part of a small corporate team;
• A demonstrated ability to make quick, well-considered decisions aligning HR practices with the organization’s challenges and strategic direction;
• Exceptional verbal reasoning and an ability to communicate effectively with all organizational levels and cross-culturally;
• Excellent organizational skills and a developed appreciation of the internal mechanics of organizations;
• Evidence of the practice of a high level of confidentiality;
• Demonstrated ability to introduce innovative and creative management practices;
• Fluent spoken and written Spanish will be a plus.

To apply for this vacancy, please send a cover letter, CV/resume and the contact information for three references to Miriam Satin, Executive Assistant to the President, Associated Universities, Inc., 1400 16th Street, NW, Suite 730, Washington, DC 20036 or by email at: asstvpadmin@aui.edu

Review of applications will begin immediately; however, resumes will be accepted until the position is filled.  AUI is an Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer.

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