Description

Director of Human Resources 
Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO)
Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian

The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO), part of the Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian (CfA), is one of the world's leading astrophysics research institutions. Our scientists, engineers, and staff advance discoveries that deepen our understanding of the universe through groundbreaking research, innovative technology, and international scientific collaboration.

We are seeking an experienced and forward-thinking Director of Human Resources to lead the people programs that support our scientific mission.

Reporting to the Chief Operations Officer, the Director serves as the senior HR leader for SAO, overseeing workforce strategy, talent acquisition, employee and labor relations, compensation, organizational development, immigration programs, and HR operations. The position advises senior leadership on workforce planning, organizational effectiveness, and complex personnel matters while ensuring compliance with federal regulations and Smithsonian policies.

The Director leads a team of HR professionals supporting a diverse workforce of scientists, engineers, technical specialists, educators, and administrative staff located across multiple sites and observatories. The role also drives HR modernization initiatives, leveraging technology, analytics, and process improvements to enhance efficiency and the employee experience.

The successful candidate will be a strategic leader, trusted advisor, and collaborative partner with experience managing complex HR programs in a dynamic, mission-driven environment.

Key Areas of Responsibility

Workforce strategy and organizational planning
Recruitment, hiring, classification, and compensation
Employee and labor relations
Performance management and professional development
Immigration and international scholar programs
HR technology, analytics, and process improvement
Policy development, compliance, and risk management
This is a unique opportunity to help shape the workforce that supports one of the world's premier scientific research organizations.

Requirements

Qualification Requirements
Required Experience 

One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS/IS-13 level leading human resources programs and advising management on staffing, employee relations, classification, compensation, and organizational issues. Information regarding Federal qualification standards is available through the OPM General Schedule Qualification Standards.  See here for requirements : https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/#url=Group-Standards.  This position is Human Resources Management Series 0201. 

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Expert knowledge of human resources principles, policies, and practices.
Knowledge of Federal staffing, classification, employee relations, and compensation programs.
Ability to advise senior leaders on complex workforce and organizational issues.
Strong leadership, supervisory, and team-building skills.
Experience leading process improvement and organizational change initiatives.
Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
Ability to analyze workforce data and use metrics to support decision-making.
Preferred Qualifications

Experience in a scientific, research, higher education, or federally funded organization.
Experience with immigration and international scholar programs.
Experience with HR systems modernization, workforce analytics, or digital transformation initiatives.