Human Resources & Office Administration Manager

This is a regular position with a competitive, comprehensive benefits package. The position is open until filled. is conditional on successful completion of drug tests. This position requires you to submit your resume and cover letter that states why you are uniquely qualified for the position to [email protected]. Additional information about WMKO may be found on our website at www.keckobservatory.org. EEO/M/F/D/V

POSITION SPECIFICATION

The Organization

From the summit of Hawaii’s dormant Mauna Kea volcano, astronomers at the W. M. Keck Observatory probe the local and distant Universe with unprecedented power and precision.

Their instruments are the twin Keck telescopes—the world’s largest optical and infrared telescopes. Each telescope stands eight stories tall, weighs 300 tons and operates with nanometer precision. The telescopes’ primary mirrors are 10 meters in diameter and are each composed of 36 hexagonal segments that work in concert as a single piece of reflective glass.

W. M. Keck Observatory is the world’s leading ground based facility for astronomical scientific research. This is due in part to the size of the telescopes and instruments, their advanced technology and the pristine observing conditions offered by the 13,796‐foot Mauna Kea summit. Just as important though is the quality of the staff. The team, which is comprised of experts from a broad range of disciplines, is dedicated to providing excellent performance to the user community on a nightly basis and developing new capabilities to keep the observatory at the cutting edge of astronomy research. Maintaining and continued building of this team requires an expert professional.

Today Keck Observatory is a 501(c)3 supported by both public funding sources and private philanthropy. The organization is governed by the California Association for Research in Astronomy (CARA), whose Board of Directors includes representatives from the California Institute of Technology and the University of California, with liaisons from NASA and the Keck Foundation.

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The Position

The W. M. Keck Observatory is seeking a seasoned Human Resources professional who will transform and lead the Human Resources and Office Administration department into a “best in class” service‐oriented and cost‐efficient provider.

Under the general supervision of the Observatory Director, the Human Resources and Office Administration Manager will serve broad, high level observatory goals while building staff morale, insuring strong retention of top performers, recruiting excellent new staff, handling personnel issues professionally and to the benefit of WMKO, and meeting all compliance and legal requirements. They will supervise the development and implementation of a successful department in support of WMKO’s business plan and policies. There must be collaboration with the Director, Deputy Director and Observatory Council in establishing pay and benefits policies/scales that attract, retain, and reward excellent individuals and teams.

Responsibilities

 Work with the leadership team on the formulation and administration of plans and policies for HR activities for the Observatory

 Work directly with all levels of the organization on Employee Relations

 Responsible for crafting communications to staff that are clear, easily understood, interpreted and implemented, credible and perceived to be fair and pragmatic

 Participate in the development and coordination of annual and long‐term Observatory plans, budgets, and priorities to insure adequate planning for optimal allocation of resources

 Coordinate management and employee training for the Observatory and work with departments on designing and implementing career development opportunities

 Work with Observatory leadership in the coordination of periodic compensation surveys in alignment with WMKO’s fiscal requirements

 Develop a staffing plan that supports organizational needs

 Monitor HRIS (Human Resources Information Systems) Recruitment software to recruit and fill open positions

 Develop, implement and evaluate pre and post‐hire policies and procedures as well as the offer of employment process

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 Oversee the fiscal management of the recruitment budget and travel policy

 Oversee benefit administration functions, coordinate with regarding payroll/benefit‐related processing and complete all annual HR compliance reporting

 Report to the Observatory Director and supervise the Office & Human Resources Administrator, the Librarian and the Human Resources Assistant.

Desired Skills and Experience

The winning candidate will have five years of experience in a senior level HR Management position; at least ten years total of experience in human resources and ; progressive supervisory experience; Bachelor’s degree (a Masters degree is preferred) in business administration, human resources or related field or the equivalent combination of education and experience.

Thorough knowledge of all aspects of HR: Strategic Management, Workplace Planning & Employment, Human Resource Development, Total Rewards, Employee & Labor Relations, and Risk Management are required. Please have an SPHR/PHR Certification plus knowledge of the Ceridian HR platform and HRIS systems. Prior experience working in engineering, science, research or a non‐profit environment will be seen as a positive.

Special Information about working at WMKO

Candidate should be comfortable living in a charming, small town environment.

The HR Manager visits the summit every couple of weeks to work with employees there. Candidates should know that the Summit is at 14,000 feet elevation.

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Apply to: [email protected]

Hodge Partners Search Team Contact Information

Jeff Hodge Betty Hasler Trish Robbins Chairman Partner Associate 415.445.9145 O 415.445.9154 O 415.354.2142 O 415.608.8009 C 415.205.5169 C 415.699.0537 C [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]