Director Planetary Science Division
What you'd do
NASA's Planetary Science Division drives robotic exploration of the solar system-excluding the Sun and Earth-to understand planetary origins, evolution, and the potential for life. Planetary Science Division funds flagship missions like Mars rovers, Europa Clipper, and Dragonfly, manages planetary data, oversees planetary defense, and leads sample-return efforts, guided by the Planetary Science Decadal Survey.
Major duties
The Director Planetary Science Division: Establishes guidance and objectives as a basis for the planning and formulation of a national program in planetary science, including technology development, planetary mission development, mission operations, and data analysis. Directs the planning and implementation of a balanced national planetary science program that is responsive to the priorities of the of the scientific community as established through a rigorous Decadal Survey process. In concert with overall Science Mission Directorate (SMD) strategic planning, implements and manages a program for flight experiments and science investigations for solar system exploration. Develops budgets, policies, and priorities for the planetary science programs, including providing scientific and technical leadership required to guide implementation of relevant programs with the university community, private industry, NASA Centers, other government research laboratories, and Federally Funded Research and Development Centers. Ensures an effective program of research and analysis of planetary science data and dissemination of results to the public and to the scientific community through scientific publications, symposia, colloquia, press releases, and press conferences. Serves as liaison with the scientific community through advisory committees, working groups, and other entities such as the National Academy of Sciences; coordinates the requirements of the Planetary Science studies with the international community and other Federal agencies. Prepares rationale and justification to support the annual budget request for programs in the Planetary Science Division. In coordination with other SMD Divisions, develops and presents periodic reviews and reporting, including weekly, monthly, and quarterly project and program reviews, as required. Formulates future programs and develops a feasible strategy for the implementation of these programs that is consistent with available resources, in conjunction with a robust technology development program coordinated with the other Divisions within SMD.
What you need to qualify
As a basic requirement for entry into the Senior Executive Service (SES) under a career appointment, you must clearly articulate and describe within your 2-page resume that you possess the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) and Mandatory Technical Qualifications MTQ(s) related to this position. If your 2-page resume does not reflect demonstrated evidence of the ECQs and MTQ(s), you may be disqualified. Any additional pages over the 2-page limit will not be reviewed. Your resume should include evidence of progressively responsible supervisory, managerial, or professional experience which involved management of a program or organization of significant scope and complexity, normally obtained over several years by serving in positions at the GS-15 level or equivalent. If you are (1) currently serving under a career SES appointment, (2) eligible for reinstatement into the SES (this means you were previously employed as a Career SES employee and you successfully completed a one-year probationary period), OR (3) have successfully completed a SES Candidate Development Program (CDP) and certified by OPM,? you do not need to address the ECQs in your resume. However, your resume must clearly state that you are a current career SES, eligible for SES reinstatement, or SES CDP certified and year of certification. Please DO NOT submit separate documents addressing the ECQs or MTQ(s). Only your 2-page resume will be accepted and considered. Any additional documents submitted will not be accepted. EXECUTIVE CORE QUALIFICATIONS (ECQs) For more information on the ECQs, please visit OPM's ECQ webpage. ECQ 1 - Commitment to the Rule of Law and the Principles of the American Founding: This core qualification requires a demonstrated knowledge of the American system of government, commitment to uphold the Constitution and the rule of law, and commitment to serve the American people. Competencies: Knowledge of the American System of Government, Commitment to the Rule of Law, and Civic-Mindedness ECQ 2 - Driving Efficiency: This core qualification involves the demonstrated ability to strategically and efficiently manage resources, budget effectively, cut wasteful spending, and pursue efficiency through process and technological upgrades. Competencies: Fiscal Responsibility, Managing Resources, Leveraging Technology ECQ 3 - Merit and Competence: This core qualification involves the demonstrated knowledge, ability and technical competence to effectively and reliably produce work that is of exceptional quality. Competencies: Technical Skill, Problem Solving, Agility and Resilience ECQ 4 - Leading People: This core qualification involves the demonstrated ability to lead and inspire a group toward meeting the organization's vision, mission, and goals, and to drive a high-performance, high-accountability culture. This includes, when necessary, the ability to lead people through change and to hold individuals accountable. Competencies: Accountability, Developing Others, Executive Judgment ECQ 5 - Achieving Results - This core qualification involves the demonstrated ability to achieve both individual and organizational results, and to align results to stated goals from superiors. Competencies: Operational Mindset, Innovation, Strategic Thinking MANDATORY TECHNICAL QUALIFICATION (MTQ): Your resume must include accomplishments that address the MTQ(s). MTQ 1 - Demonstrated experience leading/managing planetary science programs (with activities such as experimental, observational, theoretical studies, and modeling of: planets, planetary satellites, asteroids, comets, meteoroids, and other objects, media, and phenomena in the solar system as well as their formation, composition, and evolution), including leading multidisciplinary teams across research, mission planning, and/or mission execution. Experience includes establishing science program objectives, developing strategies and budgets, and providing scientific or technical leadership across science stakeholder communities to ensure alignment with priorities and needs. Competencies: Planetary Science, Strategic Thinking Your application package must be in your own words. Experience statements copied from a position description, vacancy announcement, or other reference material constitutes plagiarism and may result in disqualification and losing consideration for the job. NASA prohibits the use of artificial intelligence (AI) or AI-assisted tool in drafting application and assessment responses. Please visit https://www.nasa.gov/careers/how-to-apply/#Artificial-Intelligence to review NASA's guidance on the use of AI tools during the application process.
Before you apply
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