Careers @ MSU

Working/Functional Title

FRIB Chief Administrative Officer

Position Summary

Michigan State University operates FRIB as a user facility for the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Science (DOE-SC), supporting the mission of the DOE-SC Office of Nuclear Physics.

As one of 28 DOE-SC user facilities, FRIB provides researchers with one of the most advanced tools of modern science to study rare isotopes or short-lived nuclei not normally found on Earth. FRIB hosts what is designed to be the most powerful heavy-ion accelerator, enabling scientists to make discoveries about the properties of rare isotopes, nuclear astrophysics, fundamental interactions, and applications for society, including in medicine, homeland security, and industry. 

User facility operation is supported by the DOE-SC Office of Nuclear Physics. MSU’s nuclear physics graduate program is a top-ranked program nationally, according to U.S. News & World Report.

This position affords an exciting opportunity to become part of the world-class FRIB Laboratory that enables unique discovery opportunities in nuclear science.

The FRIB Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) reports to the Laboratory Director and is a member of the FRIB executive leadership team. The CAO leads critical administrative functions, balances and tracks multiple client priorities, and delivers high-quality performance results in alignment with Laboratory goals and initiatives.

The Chief Administrative Officer:

• Manages a portfolio of administrative functions that include the following:
  • Accounting Group;
  • Administrative Support Department;
  • Communications Department;
  • Export Control and Trade Sanctions Compliance Program;
  • Human Resources Department; and
  • Physical Security Program.
• Works with the Laboratory Director to drive the continuous improvement of administrative services delivery by setting and meeting performance metrics, anticipating challenges, assessing and mitigating risks, making informed decisions, and solving complex problems in a constantly evolving environment.
• Is accountable for effectively planning, organizing and coordinating teams, workflows, resources, and the day-to-day operations of these administrative functions, ensuring that work is executed efficiently, on time, and within budget, and reducing non-value-added activities.
• Tracks, monitors, and manages schedules and deadlines for streamlined and smooth workflows.
• Disseminates and displays clear and transparent reports describing performance against metrics and goals for all administrative functions.
• Adapts quickly to changing circumstances, solves complicated and unexpected problems, and adjusts strategies to ensure the successful completion of high-impact work.
• Develops and fosters strong collaborative relationships with internal and external stakeholders and high-performing teams within robust and inclusive work conditions.
• Implements and integrates U.S. Department of Energy Office of Science (DOE-SC) policies and expectations with federal, state, local, and MSU policies, processes, and practices, resulting in well-managed administrative functions and programs to sustain FRIB’s capabilities and reputation as a highly respected DOE-SC scientific user facility.

FRIB CAO Competencies: 

• Strategic Planning and Execution – The CAO is expected to make key decisions and play a significant role in developing the administrative direction of the laboratory. The CAO must be a strategic thinker who can spot opportunities, devise solutions, and develop scalable programs to make significant contributions to the organization.
• Project Management – The CAO will work with senior managers to drive the execution of projects from start to finish. From a high-level point of view, the CAO will ensure that deadlines and objectives are met. 
• Organization Skills- The CAO will direct several administrative functions that keep the laboratory running; as such, the CAO must be able to multitask and pivot quickly to manage competing interests skillfully.
• Communication Skills- The CAO will regularly explain business plans to managers, lead meetings, and present crucial organizational updates to the Laboratory Director.
• Ethical Practices- The CAO must possess the ability to support and uphold the values of the organization while balancing and mitigating risk.
• Critical Evaluation- The CAO will create, develop, analyze, summarize, and present information to make business decisions, establish program metrics to assess the efficacy and efficiency of various laboratory programs and processes, and make recommendations at a high level of quality and implementation.

Impact of FRIB CAO

The CAO is responsible for the delivery of positive outcomes associated with a variety of administrative and regulatory functions. Ineffective leadership and decisions made with regard to program delivery and execution, project management, implementation of any of the above, interpretation or application of laws, contracts or regulations, data and information analysis and statistical or financial projections or interpretations would significantly impact the ability of FRIB to accomplish its mission and goals; could irreparably damage relationships with federal funding agencies as well as with other external and internal stakeholders; and could have a long-term negative impact on the finances and reputation of the University.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Degree

Other -PhD, JD, MS, or similar

Minimum Requirements

• Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing an advanced science or professional degree.
• 10 or more years of related and progressively more responsible work experience in administration, project management, or program development or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience leading, coordinating, and managing multiple administrative functions, ensuring deadlines, budgets, and deliverables are met.
• Working collaboratively with many groups to drive streamlined workflows and processes and resolve potential bottlenecks.
• Experience ensuring adherence to and timely updates of policies, regulations, and procedures, as well as preparation of detailed reporting for stakeholders and relevant external groups.
• Experience articulating and communicating complex ideas clearly and effectively to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Experience establishing clear performance metrics for departments, teams, and individuals, conducting periodic assessments, and providing transparent feedback to ensure goals are being achieved and adjusting as necessary to keep projects on track.
• Experience building durable and collaborative relationships, ensuring constructive interactions and anticipating and addressing conflicts as they arise while quickly integrating new information and challenges in fast-paced situations.
• Experience making sound decisions with reasoned and data-driven foundations under pressure while managing multiple priorities and stakeholders.
• Proven ability to manage diverse teams and deliver performance results on time and under pressure.
• Familiarity with working in an environment subject to multiple regulatory frameworks.
• Experience with DOE Office of Science SC preferred.

Required Application Materials

• CV
• Cover Letter
• Contact information for reference letter writers

Special Instructions

Questions regarding the position can be directed to Sarah Powell (powells@frib.msu.edu)

Review of Applications Begins On

10/07/2024

Website

www.frib.msu.edu

MSU Statement

Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.