The National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) is seeking a Business Manager to support New Mexico operations and provide business, administrative and operational leadership in support of NRAO’s New Mexico activities. The full-time position offers a salary between US$114,000 and US$138,000 and is open until filled.

NRAO is a research and development organization that plays a vital role in studying the universe. Associated Universities, Inc. (AUI) is a nonprofit organization that manages and operates the NRAO under a cooperative agreement with the National Science Foundation. The observatory is a hub for technological and scientific collaboration, operating state-of-the-art radio telescope facilities for use by the international scientific community, and has been instrumental in the study of black holes, galaxies and the early universe.

The Business Manager serves as the senior business and administrative partner to New Mexico Operations leadership and works closely with the Chief Administrative Officer and enterprise functions including Financial Planning & Analysis, Contracts & Procurement, Facilities & Infrastructure, Human Resources, Environmental, Safety & Security, and Management Information Systems. The position leads local business operations and administrative services while ensuring alignment with observatory-wide policies, standards, controls and processes, and operates with substantial independence and delegated authority.

The role supports activities at the Domenici Science Operations Center (DSOC) in Socorro and NRAO’s Albuquerque office. It is an in-person management position requiring regular presence at NRAO’s New Mexico locations, with a normal weekly expectation of at least two days in Socorro and the remainder of the workweek based at the Albuquerque office, VLA or other New Mexico locations as operational needs require.

Responsibilities include leading and coordinating business and administrative operations supporting NRAO’s New Mexico activities; serving as a senior business partner to New Mexico Operations leadership; ensuring local business activities comply with observatory policies, delegated authorities, internal controls and enterprise processes; coordinating with FP&A on budget development, forecasting, variance analysis, resource planning and financial reporting; conducting business and operational analyses; exercising delegated financial and administrative authority; coordinating with Contracts & Procurement on acquisition requirements, vendor relationships and contract administration; providing management oversight for assigned visitor services, travel support, retail/gift shop operations and other administrative services; serving as the primary New Mexico business interface with Facilities & Infrastructure; managing relationships with New Mexico Tech, contractors, vendors, utilities, government organizations and other external partners; identifying opportunities to improve administrative services and business processes; preparing management reports and analyses; and supervising, coaching, developing and evaluating assigned staff.

The Business Manager is also expected to demonstrate NRAO Administration’s behavioral competencies: reliability and ownership; prioritization and judgment; focus and execution; communication; and collaboration and service orientation.

The role requires a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and a minimum of eight years of progressively responsible experience in business operations, administration, finance, institutional operations or a closely related field, including at least three years of direct supervisory or management experience. Candidates must also have demonstrated experience managing multiple business, administrative or operational functions; analyzing business or operational issues and developing recommendations; managing employees; and using an Enterprise Resource Planning system or comparable enterprise business system. The ability to exercise independent judgment within delegated authority, establish effective working relationships across organizational and functional boundaries, and interpret and apply organizational policies, procedures, regulations and internal controls is required.

The selected candidate must successfully pass a post-offer, pre-employment background check including credit history and criminal records as a condition of employment, have a driver’s license and access to reliable transportation, and be able to travel regularly among NRAO New Mexico locations and periodically to other NRAO sites. Observatory employees must be authorized to work in the United States; the observatory presently cannot sponsor H-1B visas for this position.

Preferred qualifications include experience in a federally funded research organization, higher education, government, national laboratory, research institution or similarly complex organization; experience with government property, procurement, contract administration, fleet operations, logistics or asset management; experience leading organizational change or process improvement; experience working in a matrix organization with both local and enterprise functional responsibilities; and an advanced degree in business administration, management, finance, public administration or a related field.

Associated Universities, Inc. offers a comprehensive benefits package addressing the needs of employees and their families, with most benefits beginning on the first day of employment, subject to eligibility requirements. AUI provides excellent paid time off (13 holidays and annual accrual of up to 24 vacation days); medical, dental and vision plans effective on the first day of employment; and a retirement benefit contributing an amount equal to 10 percent of a qualified participant’s base pay with no required employee contribution.

To apply, select the “Apply” button on the listing and be prepared to upload a current CV/resume and a cover letter describing interest in and suitability for the position. AUI is an equal opportunity employer, and applicants who require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process may submit a request by emailing resumes@nrao.edu.