Observatory Jobs in Hawaii (NOW HIRING)

The Canada-France-Hawaiʻi Telescope Corporation (CFHT) invites applications and nominations for the position of Executive Director. This is an exceptional opportunity for a visionary scientific and organizational leader to guide one of the world's premier astronomical observatories through a pivotal chapter in its history - one that demands both scientific ambition and a deep, genuine commitment to the people and places of Hawaiʻi.

Located on the summit of Maunakea on Hawaiʻi Island at an altitude of 4,200 meters, CFHT's 3.6-meter telescope is a world-class facility making outstanding scientific contributions through wide-field, high-angular-resolution imaging and spectroscopic programs across a broad range of astronomical disciplines. CFHT is a non-profit corporation incorporated in the State of Hawaiʻi, with partner organizations including the National Research Council of Canada, the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique of France, and the University of Hawaiʻi. The observatory employs approximately 45 staff and operates with an annual budget of approximately $10 million USD.

CFHT is at a defining moment. The observatory's long-term future on Maunakea depends on securing continued site access through a new lease authorization process under the newly established Maunakea Stewardship and Oversight Authority (MKSOA) - a body created by Hawaiʻi Act 255 (2022) to assume governance of Maunakea from the University of Hawaiʻi. The incoming Executive Director will play a central role in this process, engaging collaboratively with MKSOA, the Native Hawaiian community, and other Maunakea stakeholders to build the trust and relationships that are essential to CFHT's continued presence on the mountain.

The Executive Director reports directly to the Board of Directors and carries full responsibility for the Corporation's scientific, operational, financial, and community affairs. The role encompasses five broad areas of leadership:

• Scientific Leadership & Observatory Operations - Directing all aspects of telescope operations and scientific programming; leading instrument development; and serving as CFHT's primary interface with its global community of users and scientific partners.
• Organizational & Financial Management - Overseeing the full operational and administrative functions of the Corporation, including budget development, resource allocation, workforce leadership, and Board relations.
• Strategic Development & Partnership Engagement - Developing and articulating a compelling long-term vision for CFHT in collaboration with the Board; managing relationships with international partners and associate organizations; and serving as a compelling public ambassador for the observatory.
• Maunakea Access, Community Relations & Cultural Stewardship - Leading CFHT's engagement with MKSOA and efforts to secure site access and lease authorization beyond 2033; engaging authentically with the full range of Hawaiʻi community stakeholders; and championing community outreach and education programs.
• Organizational Culture, Safety & Environmental Stewardship - Promoting a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace; guiding the Corporation's Environmental, Health & Safety program; and fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement.

The successful candidate will bring:

• A graduate degree (Master's or doctoral level) in astronomy, astrophysics, engineering, or a closely related field, or equivalent demonstrated leadership experience in a science or technology-intensive organization.
• Broad knowledge of astronomy, including familiarity with optical and infrared observational techniques and instrumentation.
• Demonstrated experience managing a scientific research facility, technical organization, or comparable institution in a team-oriented, international environment.
• Very strong communication skills and a proven ability to inspire, motivate, and make compelling public presentations; demonstrated skills in institutional and international relations.
• The ability to think and act strategically, with a track record of translating vision into results.
• Demonstrated cultural competency and a genuine commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, with experience engaging authentically across diverse communities - a quality of particular importance given CFHT's responsibilities on Maunakea.

The following are desirable but not required:

• Doctoral degree (Ph.D.) in astronomy, astrophysics, or a closely related discipline.
• Previous experience as director or senior leader of an astronomical observatory or comparable scientific facility.
• Familiarity with the governance landscape of Maunakea, including the role and mandate of MKSOA.
• An understanding of Hawaiʻi cultural context, including the significance of Maunakea to the Native Hawaiian community.

The Executive Director is expected to be resident on Hawaiʻi Island, within commuting distance of CFHT Headquarters in Waimea (Kamuela). CFHT offers a competitive compensation package commensurate with experience, including a comprehensive benefits package. The appointment is for a five-year term, renewable upon review by the Board of Directors.

To comply with the requirement to work occasionally at the observatory's summit altitude of 4,200 meters, the successful candidate must pass a post-offer high-altitude medical examination. Documentation verifying eligibility for employment in the United States will be required at the commencement of work.

A few things we'd like prospective candidates to know:

Equal Opportunity Employer

CFHT is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO), and all qualified individuals are encouraged to apply. Federal law prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, or genetic information.

Confidentiality

Applications will be held in strict confidence by the CFHT Board of Directors and the Search Committee. References will not be contacted without the prior knowledge and consent of the applicant.

Multicultural Practices

CFHT conducts all operations with the utmost respect for Maunakea's status as a place of profound cultural and spiritual significance to the Native Hawaiian people, and as a Traditional Cultural Property and District on the National Register of Historic Places. The incoming Executive Director will be expected to approach this responsibility with genuine commitment and cultural humility, recognizing that the relationship between astronomy and the Hawaiian community requires ongoing care, authenticity, and respect.