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Manager Keck Observatory Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Our Mission & Values At Keck Observatory, our work is driven by a shared commitment to advancing ... Systems Engineering and Project Management * Work with multi-disciplined teams to support systems ...

Mechanical Engineer I

Kamuela, HI · On-site

$94K - $114K/yr

At Keck Observatory, our work is driven by a shared commitment to advancing scientific discovery ... Systems Engineering and Project Management * Work with multi-disciplined teams to support systems ...

$183K - $229K/yr

M. Keck Observatory, our mission is to expand humanity's understanding of the universe--while ... Identify, assess, and manage financial risks to protect organizational assets and sustainability.

Mechanical Engineer II

Kamuela, HI · On-site

$108K - $132K/yr

At Keck Observatory, our work is driven by a shared commitment to advancing scientific discovery ... Systems Engineering and Project Management * Coordinate and lead multi-disciplined teams to ...

Application Developer

Pasadena, CA · On-site

$40 - $47/hr

... Keck Observatory Archive (KOA) development team. Come be a part of the team that is helping ... Automating and improving the management of our development environment through improved CI/CM ...

In addition, the SSC will support the operations of the Coronagraph Instrument, manage the Roman ... Caltech also operates large-scale research facilities such as the Palomar Observatory, Keck ...

Manager Keck Observatory information

What is the difference between Manager Keck Observatory vs Observatory Operations Manager?

AspectManager Keck ObservatoryObservatory Operations Manager
CredentialsAdvanced degree in astronomy, physics, or related field; management experienceDegree in astronomy, physics, or engineering; operational management experience
Work EnvironmentResearch-focused observatory, overseeing scientific and technical staffOperational site management, coordinating technical and administrative teams
Employer & IndustryResearch institutions, universities, observatoriesResearch facilities, astronomical observatories, science centers

The Manager Keck Observatory primarily oversees scientific research, technical operations, and staff management at the Keck Observatory. In contrast, the Observatory Operations Manager focuses on the day-to-day operational logistics, maintenance, and administrative functions of the observatory. Both roles require relevant technical credentials and experience, but their focus areas differ—research leadership versus operational management.

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Infographic showing various Manager Keck Observatory job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 26% Internship, 15% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 50% Nights, and 4% Summer. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution.
Chief Financial Officer

$183K - $229K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

Help Shape the Future of Discovery

At W. M. Keck Observatory, our mission is to expand humanity's understanding of the universe-while honoring our responsibility to the land, community, and future generations.
As we look ahead to our Keck 2035 vision, we're seeking a Chief Financial Officer to help guide the Observatory through its next chapter-ensuring we remain strong, sustainable, and ready to support world-class science.
This is more than a finance position-it's a leadership opportunity to help shape the future of an institution at the forefront of discovery.
As CFO, you'll be a key partner to the Director and executive team, helping align financial strategy with mission priorities. You'll oversee the full spectrum of financial operations while also thinking ahead-bringing insight, foresight, and stewardship to every decision.
Our Mission & Values

At Keck Observatory, our work is driven by a shared commitment to advancing scientific discovery while honoring our responsibility to people, place, and community.
We are guided by core values rooted in:
  • Stewardship - We care for our people, facilities, environment, and community with integrity and long-term responsibility. 
  • Service - We prioritize collective impact, supporting one another, the global astronomy community, and our local Hawaii community to achieve shared goals. 
  • Collaboration & Inclusion - We work across disciplines and perspectives to solve complex challenges and advance discovery together. 
  • Excellence & Safety - We deliver high-quality work while maintaining a strong commitment to operational excellence and safety in everything we do. 
Why Choose W. M. Keck Observatory:
  • Competitive starting annual compensation ranging from $183,141 to $229,714.
  • Generous benefits package, including 4 weeks of annual paid vacation.
  • Robust 403(b) retirement plan featuring an 8% employer contribution with a 4% mandatory employee contribution.
  • Tuition assistance for dependent children grades K-12 attending private school on Hawai'i Island.
  • Comprehensive employer-provided health insurance, with a variety of coverage options available to employees.
  • Opportunity to be part of a dedicated team advancing the frontiers of astronomy


Financial Leadership and Strategy

  • Lead the Finance Department and establish priorities, performance expectations, and accountability for finance leadership roles.
  • Partner with the Director and senior leadership to align financial strategy with organizational objectives and long-term plans.
  • Identify, assess, and manage financial risks to protect organizational assets and sustainability.
Financial Planning, Budgeting, and Analysis

  • Lead and ensure the development of annual budgets, multi-year financial plans, forecasts, and scenario analyses.
  • Review and approve planning assumptions, resource allocations, and financial strategies prior to presentation to the Board of Directors.
  • Ensure clear, accurate, and timely financial reporting to leadership and the Board.
  • Partners with the Chief Human Resources Officer to ensure compensation programs are financially sustainable and aligned with organizational and Board expectations.
Financial Reporting, Controls, and Compliance

  • Maintain accountability for the accuracy and integrity of financial statements and financial reporting.
  • Ensure a strong system of internal controls and compliance with GAAP, Uniform Guidance, applicable federal regulations, and organizational policies.
  • Oversee audit readiness and support successful completion of external financial and compliance audits.
Treasury and Financial Risk Management

  • Direct treasury strategy, cash management, liquidity planning, and financial risk management activities.
  • Monitor financial position and ensure prudent stewardship of organizational resources.
Sponsored Awards and Restricted Funds Oversight

  • Ensure appropriate financial oversight of sponsored awards, grants, and restricted funds, including compliance with financial reporting and audit requirements.
  • Maintain responsibility for indirect cost rate development, documentation, and approvals.

Finance Systems and Data Enablement

  • Provide leadership over finance systems strategy to ensure systems support reliable financial operations, reporting, data integrity, and audit requirements.
  • Ensure financial dashboards, analytics, and reporting tools effectively support decision-making.

Board and Committee Support

  • Serve as the primary financial staff liaison to the Board of Directors and its Finance and Audit & Compliance Committees.
  • Support the Board in evaluating significant financial strategies and long-term commitments, including potential capital investments, partnerships, or operating arrangements.

Continuity, Mentorship, and Capacity Building

  • Ensure continuity of critical finance functions during periods of recruitment, onboarding, or staff development.
  • Provide mentoring, guidance, and support to finance leadership and staff to build capability and confidence over time.
  • When necessary, assume or support execution of key financial tasks to mitigate risk, meet deadlines, and maintain compliance, with the intent of transitioning responsibilities as organizational capacity matures.

Fiduciary Responsibilities

  • Serve as a fiduciary for the organization's retirement plan, ensuring compliance, due diligence, and prudent financial oversight.

 Education
  •  Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or a related field.
Experience

  • Minimum of ten (10) years of progressive senior financial leadership experience, preferably in a nonprofit, research, or federally funded environment.
  • Minimum of five (5) years of supervisory experience.