Overview: The National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) is a $434 million dollar observatory project supported by the National Science Foundation, and dedicated to understanding how changes in climate, land use and invasive species impact ecology. For the next three decades NEON will collect a comprehensive range of ecological data on a continental scale across 20 eco-climatic domains representing US ecosystems. NEON will use cutting edge technology including an airborne observation platform that will capture images of regional landscapes and vegetation; mobile, relocatable, and fixed data collection sites with automated ground sensors to monitor soil and atmosphere; and trained field crews who will observe and sample populations of diverse organisms and collect soil and water data. A leading edge cyberinfrastructure will calibrate, store and publish this information. The Observatory will be the first of its kind designed to detect and enable forecasting of ecological change at continental scales. A 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation NEON, Inc. is responsible for the construction and operation of the Observatory.
Summary: Reporting to the NEON, Inc. Chief Executive Officer, the NEON Observatory Director is responsible for leading the Observatory and ensuring that the Observatory fulfills its scientific and educational mission. The Director leads a multi-disciplinary scientific, education, and technical staff to provide highly reliable data, infrastructure, and scientific resources to a diversity of stakeholders. The Director is responsible for developing and managing the annual observatory budget, work plan, and reporting to the NSF. NEON Director Role: Lead, maintain and operate a transformative, research Observatory to fulfill its scientific and educational mission. Serve as the principal NEON, Inc. spokesperson to the scientific communities on matters related to NEON science and Observatory capabilities Serve as Co-PI with NEON, Inc. CEO on Observatory funding awards from NSF or other Federal Agencies Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Report to the NEON, Inc. CEO and is responsible for the National Ecological Observatory Develop, operate and maintain a high-quality ecological Observatory for the use by the scientific community and Observatory stakeholders Responsible for the overall scientific usability and cost effectiveness of NEON in all aspects of the operation of the Observatory and for keeping NEON at the forefront of ecological science technology and instrumentation. In carrying out this responsibility, the NEON Director, exercises strong scientific leadership and promotes the fulfillment of the NEON mission Ensure the science requirements and research enabling capabilities as approved by the NEON, Inc. Board are met Ensures the effective and efficient operation of the NEON Observatory and prepares for short and long term needs through strategic analysis and planning Assemble and lead a high quality scientific and technical staff Responsible for overseeing efficient transition of Observatory activities into maintenance and operations according to milestones established by Project Manager and construction budget Responsible for operating the Observatory in a manner consistent with policy and award guidelines established by the NEON, Inc. Board and NSF, and as appropriate to recommend modifications to policies and awards Lead and manage the implementation of Observatory activities, including data collection, data processing, access to data products, engagement of scientific users, and maintenance of observatory infrastructure. Develop and lead the technical and scientific enterprise of the Observatory Ensures effective communications between NEON and the scientific and technical advisory bodies Responsible for establishing productive relationships and for ensuring the management and operations of the Observatory are sensitive to the needs of all partners including national agencies, governments, industry and other private sector entities relevant to NEON Provide highly complex and unique scientific advice and assessment to operate the Observatory Ensure the continued financial viability of the NEON Observatory through sound fiscal management Develop NEON resources and programs to ensure NEON becomes and remains a competitive and cutting edge scientific facility Serve as the principal interface for programmatic matters between NEON, Inc. and the appropriate NSF Program Office and exercise substantial delegated responsibility for such interface with contractual matters Education and Required Experience: PhD with at least 10 years of scientific expertise in Ecology or related discipline to the NEON Science mission and an established record of achievement in these disciplines Demonstrated strong scientific leadership, wide-ranging experience, and advanced scientific knowledge of ecological science Proven track record in leading a large scientific program and/or the operation and management of a research facility Supervised an organization of 20+ people Proven track record in leading, developing, motivating, managing and retaining diverse scientific, education, and technical staff 7+ years recent experience in federal, institutional and international relations Deep and demonstrated experience in program budgeting and fiscal management Preferred Experience: Track record of effectively leading a complex array of science and education programs with the ability to leverage strengths across program areas Ability to synthesize and communicate a broad range of scientific, educational, and technical issues to different audiences Skills and Abilities: Analytical and decisive decision maker with the ability to prioritize and communicate to staff key objectives and tactics necessary to achieve Observatory goals Ability to influence and educate internal and external stakeholders and constituencies and negotiate appropriate decisions and outcomes Ability to use a combination of analytical, experimental, and theoretical approaches to solving problems in the sub-disciplines of NEON science Sensitive to diversity issues Experience working closely with senior management and Board of Directors. Commitment to delivering and executing quality data-driven programs Action-oriented, entrepreneurial, flexible, and innovative approach to operational management High Emotional Intelligence Ability to coach a multi-disciplinary staff to develop effective, collaborative and high-performance teams to develop and implement Observatory programs NEON, Inc. is inviting applications for this position and is also soliciting nominations from the community-at- large. Applications will be reviewed beginning October 12, 2012. All applications will be held in confidence. Applications must include: a curriculum vitae, information on relevant experience and accomplishments, and the names of three professional references. APPLY: http://www.neoninc.org/ Upload Cover Letter, Resume and References - if asked to provide, as ONE document NEON Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, Minorities, Veterans and Disabled Persons are encouraged to apply.
