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Director of Mt. Graham International Observatory (Safford, AZ)
Posting Number
req25838
Department
Steward Observatory
Department Website Link
https://astro.arizona.edu
Location
Outside of Tucson
Address
MGIO Base Camp, 1480 W. State Route 366, Safford, AZ 85546 USA
Position Highlights
Steward Observatory is both a century-old observatory on the University of Arizona campus and one of the University's oldest research units. Founded in 1918, the Observatory brings together students, staff, faculty, engineers, and technicians to explore the universe and share discoveries through world-class research, education, and outreach. With more than 180 professionals supporting advanced facilities, laboratories, and observatories, Steward Observatory offers a collaborative environment where technical expertise plays a critical role in advancing ground- and space-based astronomy.
Steward Observatory of the University of Arizona is seeking to fill the position of Director of the Mount Graham International Observatory (MGIO). The selected candidate will provide vision, leadership, direction and support to MGIO in all aspects of planning, programming and facilities management. The Director plans, directs, and monitors the daily operations of MGIO; reviews and approves the acquisition and allocation of capital equipment and space to meet both short- and long-term goals; and plans and manages the budget. This position reports to the Director of Steward Observatory.
Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; U of A/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to U of A recreation and cultural activities; and more!
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Duties & Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership and Operational Oversight

• Provide strategic leadership and executive oversight of the daily operations of the MGIO, ensuring alignment with Steward Observatory and the University of Arizona priorities.
• Maintaining continuous communication with supervisory staff across custodial, operations, and administrative functions to ensure alignment with current program plan directives.
• Monitor interdepartmental relationships and proactively address potential issues, adjusting personnel and operational plans as needed to sustain efficient, coordinated operations.
• Foster regular communication with all staff to ensure alignment on organizational goals, promote shared understanding of priorities, and support coordinated efforts toward achieving common objectives.
• Establish operational goals, policies, and performance standards to support the mission objectives, regulatory compliance, and long-term sustainability.

Workforce Leadership and Human CapitalManagement

• Direct a multidisciplinary workforce composed of technical, professional, and administrative staff.
• Oversee all aspects of human capital management, including organizational planning, recruitment and hiring, workforce development, training, scheduling, performance management, and annual evaluations.
• Foster a high-performance, collaborative work environment that promotes accountability, professional growth, and operational excellence.

FacilitiesOperations, Vendor Management, and Contract Oversight

• Collaborate with the MGIO Council and key stakeholders to plan, prioritize, and ensure the delivery of comprehensive logistical, maintenance, and custodial services that support the safe, efficient, and continuous operation of MGIO facilities.
• Lead the procurement, negotiation, and management of external vendor relations and service contracts.
• Oversee contract performance, ensure compliance with institutional policies and safety standards, and coordinate to minimize operational disruptions and maintain critical infrastructure reliability.

Program Planning,Budget Management, and Compliance

• Lead the development, implementation, and ongoing oversight of the annual MGIO Program Plan, establishing priorities, goals, and resource allocations that support scientific operations, infrastructure needs, and organizational initiatives.
• Provide oversight and management of the MGIO budget, including planning, monitoring, forecasting, and adjusting expenditures to ensure fiscal responsibility and alignment with operational priorities and long-term objectives.
• Ensure compliance with University policies and applicable regulations.

Government,Community, and Professional Engagement

• Serve as the primary liaison between MGIO and local, county, state, and federal agencies; the community; and professional forums, leading high-level communication, coordination, and negotiations to ensure compliance, foster partnerships, and support operational and strategic objectives.
• Perform additional duties as assigned, consistent with the scope and responsibilities of senior leadership role, including special projects, strategic initiatives, and organization priorities as described by executive leadership.

PhysicalRequirements

• Ability to work long, irregular shifts and have the ability to take occasional after-hours call-outs, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Ability to lift and transport up to 50 lbs and routinely climb stairs and ladders at altitude.
• Ability to work for extended periods of time at remote sites at elevations up to 11,000 feet.
• Ability to work in extreme mountain weather conditions.

Knowledge,Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)

• Knowledge of engineering principles and procedures.
• Knowledge of facilities maintenance and operations.
• Ability to perform duties with a high degree ofindependence and limited or minimal supervision.
• Excellent leadership, interpersonal, and supervisoryskills, with the ability to mentor and manage staff, foster cooperation, and encourage a collaborative workingenvironment.
• Ability to work effectively with a wide range of people at all levels of theorganization and with a variety of external stakeholders.
• Ability to plan and manage projects.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work nights and weekends, including occasionalovernight stays at telescope sites.
• Proficiency using Windows and Microsoft Office.

This job posting reflects the general nature and level of work expected of the selected candidate(s). It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The institution reserves the right to amend or update this description as organizational priorities and institutional needs evolve.
Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in science or engineering or equivalentdiscipline
• Minimum of 7 years of related work experience, including 3 yearsof managerial experience, or equivalent combination of education and workexperience.
• Must have a valid driver's license and ability to drive according to the University Fleet Safety Policy.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with medium-voltage (25 kV) power transmission and distribution systems.
• Experience working in higher education environments.
• Experience in public outreach and education.
• Experience collaborating with local city, county, state, and federal agencies.
• Experience or interest in astronomy.
• Experience in public speaking on topics relevant to MGIO.

FLSA
Exempt
Full Time/Part Time
Full Time
Number of Hours Worked per Week
40
Job FTE
1.0
Work Calendar
Fiscal
Job Category
Organizational Administration
Benefits Eligible
Yes - Full Benefits
Rate of Pay
$75,540 - $98,201
Compensation Type
salary at 1.0 full-time equivalency (FTE)
Grade
10
Compensation Guidance
The Rate of Pay Field represents the University of Arizona's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. The University considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, and internal equity.
The Grade Range represent a full range of career compensation growth over time. The university offers compensation growth opportunities within its career architecture. To learn more about compensation, please review our Applicant Compensation Guide and our Total Rewards Calculator.
Career Stream and Level
M3
Job Family
Administrative Operations
Job Function
Organizational Administration
Type of criminal background check required:
Fingerprint criminal background check (security sensitive due to job duties)
Number of Vacancies
1
Target Hire Date
Expected End Date
Contact Information for Candidates
Dennis Zaritsky
Deputy Director, Steward Observatory
dfz@arizona.edu
Open Date
5/1/2026
Open Until Filled
Yes
Documents Needed to Apply
Resume and Cover Letter
Special Instructions to Applicant
Notice of Availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report
In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act (Clery Act), each year the University of Arizona releases an Annual Security Report (ASR) for each of the University's campuses.Thesereports disclose information including Clery crime statistics for the previous three calendar years and policies, procedures, and programs the University uses to keep students and employees safe, including how to report crimes or other emergencies and resources for crime victims. As a campus with residential housing facilities, the Main Campus ASR also includes a combined Annual Fire Safety report with information on fire statistics and fire safety systems, policies, and procedures.
Paper copies of the Reports can be obtained by contacting the University Compliance Office at cleryact@arizona.edu.