LCO Director

This is a full-time position based at LCO, Chile.

The Carnegie Observatories (a department of Carnegie Institution of Washington (CIW) dba as the Carnegie Institution for Science) is a non-profit, world-class astronomical institution, with its office located in Pasadena, California. Websites: http://www.lco.cl; www.obs.carnegiescience.edu and http://carnegiescience.edu. Its telescopes are located in the Andes Mountains in Chile. The Observatories manages the twin 6.5-meter Magellan telescopes on behalf of a consortium of universities, as well as, a suite of telescopes, 2.5 meter and smaller.

Job Description:

The LCO Director (LD) is the Legal Representative of Carnegie Institution in Chile. He/she is a senior manager reporting directly to The Carnegie Observatories Director. The LD will be responsible for the overall day-to-day operations of LCO and the La Serena administrative facilities.

Primary responsibilities include: overseeing the LCO operations, typically done in conjunction with other scientists and technical staff, as well as, with scientists and staff at partnering organizations; overseeing the administrative activities of the Observatory, ongoing liaison with major partnering organizations, including Magellan and GMTO partners with regards to support services; coordinating activities with Carnegie Observatories in Pasadena; and other duties as assigned by the Director.

The position is based in La Serena, Chile. Domestic and international travel will be required.

Requirements:

* A degree in Physics or Astronomy and a strong background in astronomical research.

* Minimum of 10 years experience supervising support functions in a non-profit scientific organization or educational institution is required.

* Fluent in written and spoken Spanish is required.

* Experience in managing major technical and/or scientific projects.

* Knowledge of administration and procurement processes, and activities in a shop engineering environment, including major compliance requirements.

* Strong organizational skills and ability to work independently.

* Strong written and personal communication skills.

* Ability to work at 8,000 feet.

* Knowledge of Chilean business and employment law and contracts is highly desirable.

Responsibilities - a few major responsibilities of the position:

* Fiduciary and operational responsibility for LCO.

* Prepare budgets for approval, and ensure that expenses are in accordance with the approved LCO budget.

* Supervise the business office: accounting office, HR, Head of Personnel, and administration in general to comply with all CIW legal requirements. Provide periodic reports from the local business office to the administration in the US. * Lead planning activities for site improvements.

* Participate in bidding process, legal reviews and awarding contracts, in conjunction with legal advisors.

* Oversee non-technical aspects of US hires in Chile.

* Administer labor issues, including representing Carnegie at Chilean government labor offices, hiring and firing, negotiating with the employees’ union, Sindicato de Trabajadores del Observatorio Las Campanas. Ensure compliance with all safety and labor laws.

* Communicate as needed with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and maintain formal relationships with embassies.

* Work with the directors and legal representatives of other Observatories in Chile and the Chilean community in relations with the public. The National Office for the Protection of the Astronomical Sky is an example of a joint operation.

* Oversee matters related to CIW’s agreement with the University of Chile, including telescope time allocation.

Application Process:

Complete job description is contained in this advertisement – no phone calls please.

Only electronic applications submitted through our website will be considered. Thank you for submitting your application at: http://jobs.obs.carnegiescience.edu/LD

Applications will be reviewed on July 1, 2013.

Only select candidates who meet our requirements will be contacted. Carnegie is an Equal Opportunity Employer.