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Job Summary

The primary purpose of the Keck Institute for Space Studies (KISS) is to develop new planetary, Earth, and astrophysics space mission concepts and technology by bringing together a broad spectrum of scientists and engineers for sustained scientific and technical interaction. KISS is centered on the intellectual, instrumentation, and research strengths of the Caltech campus and JPL — and augments those strengths by inviting external experts from academia, government, and industry to engage in its programs. The Institute also provides opportunities for students and postdoctoral fellows to actively participate in all of its programs.

The KISS Executive Director will be responsible for all aspects of the successful operation of the Institute and will report directly to the Director of KISS. The Executive Director will supervise and manage the Program Manager and will also provide leadership and mentoring to the rest of the staff as needed.

This is an Essential Reporting position. In the event of an emergency on campus, an employee designated as essential reporting has essential job skills that are needed for response and recovery and is expected to report to Campus as soon as possible.

Essential Job Duties

• Works closely with the Director to develop long-range plans and budgets for Keck Institute programs, activities, and events, including study programs, symposia, visiting programs and Institute interactions between (and in support of) Campus and JPL (including joint programs).
• Manage and direct all aforementioned KISS programs and special events as well as public relations, public outreach (with associated material – virtual and otherwise) and outward-facing representation of the Institute via the website.
• Develop and maintain relationships with Campus, JPL, and external organizers of KISS programs and develop liaison relationships with cross-disciplinary groups within Campus and JPL, the space research community at-large, and aerospace industry.  
• Implement ongoing processes for solicitation, review and selection of KISS study proposals (and any other proposals as requested by the associated Divisions).
• Serve as an ex officio member of the Steering Committee and provide support to that committee.
• Manage and direct all KISS business operations to insure the health of the Institute programs and facilities. This includes providing direction and guidance to support staff, ensuring compliance with CIT policies and implementing ongoing processes used by KISS and HR management for the Institute.
• Manage finances of the Institute including tracking, monitoring, reporting and projections for all accounts to ensure accuracy and appropriateness of transactions.
• Generate presentations and progress reports about KISS activities and provide input for funding proposals.
• When appropriate, liaise directly with the Keck Institute Principal Division Chair and the Office of the Provost.
• Other duties as required.

Basic Qualifications

• Graduate Degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math) discipline, education, social science, or related field with 5+ years of related work experience, or a combination of education and related work experience.
• Experience in facilitation of research discussions, breakout sessions and workshops.
• Strong presentation and writing skills to represent KISS internally and externally.
• Must be comfortable with developing and creating organizational and management approaches for a wide variety of situations.
• Proven community-building experience.
• Ability to work independently with minimal direction and have demonstrated expertise in organizing and managing multiple projects.
• Demonstrated superior organizational skills, as well as superior interpersonal skills – including the ability to interact with individuals at all levels of the Campus and JPL organizations.
• Proven management/supervisorial experience.
• A positive attitude and customer focus and appreciation for the importance of diversity and inclusion are essential to success in this position.

Preferred Qualifications

• Deep knowledge of JPL and/or of Campus is highly desirable; prior experience with KISS is a plus.
• Multilingual applicants are a plus in this internationally-renowned think tank.

Required Documents

• Resume
• Cover Letter