Posting 24-74

AREA OF CONSIDERATION:  This position is open to all eligible candidates.

What are Trust Fund Positions?

Trust Fund positions are unique to the Smithsonian. They are paid for from a variety of sources, including the Smithsonian endowment, revenue from our business activities, donations, grants and contracts. Trust employees are not part of the civil service, nor does trust fund employment lead to Federal status. The salary ranges for trust positions are generally the same as for federal positions and in many cases trust and federal employees work side by side. Trust employees have their own benefit program and may include Health, Dental & Vision Insurance, Life Insurance, Transit/Commuter Benefits, Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance, Annual and Sick Leave, Family Friendly Leave, 403b Retirement Plan, Discounts for Smithsonian Memberships, Museum Stores and Restaurants, Credit Union, Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center (Childcare), Flexible Spending Account (Health & Dependent Care). 

Conditions of Employment

• 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.
• The position is open to all candidates eligible to work in the United States.  Proof of eligibility to work in U.S. is not required to apply.
• Applicants must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement. 

INTRODUCTION
The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) is at the forefront, internationally, of the scientific exploration of the universe. SAO combines its resources with those of the Harvard College Observatory to form the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics (CfA). The CfA is the best-known astrophysics center in the world. Its programs range from ground-based astronomy and astrophysics research to space-based research, the engineering and development of major scientific instrumentation for space launch and use in large ground-based facilities, and research designed to improve science education. The research objectives of SAO are carried out primarily with the support of Government and Smithsonian Institution funds, with additional philanthropic support.  Government funds are in the form of Federal appropriations or the form of contracts and grants from other agencies. In contrast, Institution funds are available to SAO through grants from the Institution's Restricted Funds, Special Purpose Funds, Bureau Activities, Business Activities, and non-Federal contracts and grants. 

SUMMARY
The Data Analytics Manager for Sponsored Research will lead a staff team responsible for reporting and data analytics and partner with the COO and SAO executive leadership team to support strategic decision-making and operational efficiency in managing federally funded research projects. This role encompasses overseeing analytics tools like Tableau and PeopleSoft, among others, to enable robust reporting, performance analysis, and monitoring of grants and contracts. Focusing on incorporating modern data management tools and practices, the manager works closely with the research administration team, project managers, and division administrators to ensure that data-driven insights inform the planning, execution, and evaluation of sponsored research projects, optimizing their performance and compliance.
 

MAJOR DUTIES

Responsibilities: 

• Data Management and Analytics: Lead the collection, analysis, and interpretation of data, employing Tableau, PeopleSoft, and additional tools for dynamic reporting and dashboards. Develop Tableau dashboards and data sources for comprehensive reporting and targeted departmental needs.
• Strategic Reporting and Technical Solutions: Create and maintain essential reports and dashboards for internal stakeholders to support strategic decisions. Research, design, and implement technical solutions, including integrating EVM methodologies to assess project performance, forecast future trends, and facilitate corrective actions.
• Earned Value Management (EVM) Implementation: Implement EVM practices to provide a quantitative approach to assessing project performance, including cost and schedule variance analysis. This involves setting baseline metrics, tracking performance, and analyzing variances to guide strategic decision-making.
• Grant and Contract Monitoring: Oversee systems for monitoring grants and contracts, ensuring compliance with federal regulations and organizational policies. Manage Tableau servers and software, incorporating EVM data into reporting structures where applicable.
• Collaboration, Training, and Mentoring: Engage with stakeholders to weave analytics and EVM practices into the fabric of project management. Train and mentor new Tableau users and project managers in applying data analytics and EVM principles.

Supervisory and Other Duties:

• Provides overall human resources management to direct reports, including interviewing and hiring new team members; determining training needs and arranging for training as appropriate by planning and assigning work, setting priorities, establishing deadlines, providing follow-up, supervising day-to-day awards activities, developing performance standards; reviewing performance (probationary and annual); recommending performance awards; recommending and taking necessary disciplinary action; giving advice, counsel, and instruction to team members; and approving leave.
• Responsible for coordinating with appropriate SAO and SI departments on enhancements to and operation of the systems and processes within their domain.
• Maintain communications with all Division Administrators, Program Managers, and Department Managers within SAO regarding their satisfaction with research administrative services and data related services.
• Provide expertise to the SAO Executive Leadership team in developing policies and procedures governing our sponsored research enterprise.
• Evaluate processes, recommend changes, and implement enhancements that will benefit the team in support of SAO’s strategies and key initiatives.
• Set schedules for accomplishing duties discussed above and ensure all stakeholders are aware of the schedule of activities, following up as needed to ensure decision makers' availability and providing ample time for internal reviews and input.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Basic Requirements:
Candidates must possess at least one year of specialized experience at or above the grade (12 ) level in similar positions.  Specialized experience is experience that has provided the knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the work of the position.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities required:

• Advanced knowledge of SQL, Tableau, and a demonstrated capability to effectively engage with stakeholders. Familiarity with SQL development, Tableau development, data analysis, and specifically, experience with implementing and managing EVM systems. 
• Advanced knowledge of Kimball Data Modeling, SSIS, or other ETL tools, and/or Master Data Management is desirable. Prior exposure to a higher education or academic research environment is beneficial.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, effective stakeholder engagement across all levels of the organization, proficiency in data visualization and the development of dynamic reports and dashboards, and a solid understanding of EVM principles and their application in project management are crucial.
• Advanced knowledge of the application of EVM techniques and management disciplines for such tools as Deltek Cobra, Empower, and PeopleSoft or equivalent tools; and have experience with Microsoft Office Tools including Microsoft Project and Acumen FUSE or equivalent business applications.
• Working knowledge of contracts, grants transactions, applicable financial systems, and related policy, accounting, and regulatory compliance requirements, including Federal Acquisition Regulation [FAR], NASA FAR Supplement [NFS], NASA Handbooks and Guidebooks, applicable Parts of the Code of Federal Regulations [CFR], applicable Office of Management and Budget [OMB] Guidance, and all other applicable regulations and policies. 
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a diverse environment, service-oriented mindset, willingness to learn new technologies and strong communication skills. Highly self-motivated and directed, with a commitment to professional development.
• Ability to work with efficiency and tact.

Any false statement in your application may result in your application being rejected and may also result in termination after employment begins.

 The Smithsonian Institution values and seeks a diverse workforce. Join us in "Inspiring Generations through Knowledge and Discovery."

 Resume/CV should include a description of your paid and non-paid work experience that is related to this job; starting and ending dates of job (month and year); and average number of hours worked per week. College Transcript should be provided if using education for qualification.  

What To Expect Next: Once the vacancy announcement closes, a review of your resume will be compared against the qualification and experience requirements related to this job. After review of applicant resumes is complete, qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
The Smithsonian Institution provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation should contact hr@cfa.harvard.edu. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.  To learn more, please review the Smithsonian’s Accommodation Procedures.

The Smithsonian Institution is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe that a workforce comprising a variety of educational, cultural, and experiential backgrounds support and enhance our daily work life and contribute to the richness of our exhibitions and programs. See Smithsonian EEO program information: www.si.edu/oeema.

The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity in our workplace. Please visit the SAO website at http://www.cfa.harvard.edu/

About Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory

The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory is joined by Harvard College Observatory to form the Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian.  The Center is a collaboration between Harvard and Smithsonian designed to ask — and ultimately answer — humanity’s greatest unresolved questions about the nature of the universe.   Founded in 1973, the Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian is an ongoing collaboration designed to foster innovation and propel discovery.  Our mission is to advance knowledge of the Universe through research in astronomy and astrophysics and in related areas of fundamental physics and geophysics.

At the CfA, scientists in a broad range of disciplines study the universe at every scale, from every wavelength, and using telescopes and instruments that span and orbit the globe, all with a single purpose: making groundbreaking discoveries that advance human knowledge.

How to Apply:  Please use the following link to visit Smithsonian's Career Page:  Smithsonian Institution Job Opportunities Site