Summary The Director of Business Operations, National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI), Smithsonian Institution, in concert with the Director provides executive leadership and direction for overall planning, development and management of NZCBI's business programs and activities. Responsibilities 1. Participates with the Director to provide executive leadership and direction for overall planning, development and management of NZCBI business programs and activities. Participates or leads the formulation of long and short-range goals and objectives and issues policy guidelines. Ensures that policies are carried out effectively. Monitors strategic goals, Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and metrics to ensure that the Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute is operating at optimum performance levels. 2. Provides direct oversight of the financial health of NZCBI, monitoring the overall budget and approving out of cycle expenditures. Identifies opportunities for increased revenues, balanced with guest experience, and maximizes the use of gifts, grants, endowments, and other sources of funding to ensure a fiscally viable and financially healthy organization. 3. Establishes a leadership style that emphasizes open and clear written and oral communications. Coaches and counsels staff and encourage a team-based approach to project planning and implementation, readjusting operations to meet strategic plan initiatives, priorities and/or changing needs. 4. Develops and maintains standards and criteria for operational activities to include but not limited to Strategic Initiatives, Human Capital, Project Management, Finance and Administration, Revenue Generation, Information Technology, Visitor Operations, Education, and Volunteer Management while providing direct support to Planning and Project Management, Operations Management, Exhibits, External Affairs, Animal Care Sciences, and Conservation and Science. 5. Directs and coordinates the activities of subordinate offices and assists the Director in developing and implementing operating policy, standards, and procedures. Develops and monitors policies to achieve management objectives in areas such as strategic workforce management and equal employment opportunity. Promotes policies and procedures that foster employee engagement. 6. Directly supervises key senior supervisory staff to include the Associate Director of Strategic Initiatives, Finance and Administration, Visitor Operations, and Information Technology. Executes performance management of subordinates for both individual and organizational performance. Sets and communicates goals and expectations. Reviews and approves recommendations for personnel actions affecting subordinates. Assures that subordinate supervisors effectively carry out their performance management responsibilities. 7. Represents NZCBI, as required, at a wide variety of Smithsonian policy meetings and conferences, including Congressional hearings. Exercises delegated authority to commit NZCBI resources or make decisions affecting all NZCBI programs. 8. Consults and collaborates with and advises other Federal agencies, State, regional, and local government agencies, private associations and institutions, not-for-profit organizations, interest groups and representatives of foreign governments, zoos, and conservation organizations on agreements, requests, cooperative efforts, research, and scientific inquiries of common interest. 9. Explores and develops joint programs in cooperation with universities, federal agencies and other SI units and research facilities. Reviews and recommends appropriate action on applications or proposals for Federal or non-federal grants or contracts to finance research, acquisition, or exhibition projects. 10. At the Director's request, assumes responsibility for directing and overseeing pan-organizational projects of special interest to NZCBI. 11. Serves as Acting Director of NZCBI in the Director's absence, with full authority and responsibility for overall management of NZCBI. Requirements Conditions of Employment Pass Pre-employment Background Investigation May need to complete a Probationary Period Maintain a Bank Account for Direct Deposit/Electronic Transfer Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered with Selective Services Meets the basic qualifications and specialized experience as listed below. Qualifications BASIC QUALIFICATIONS Applicants must clearly demonstrate the necessary level of managerial and leadership skills and competence to perform successfully in this position. This includes a degree in an applicable subject matter field, or a combination of education and appropriate experience that provides knowledge comparable to that normally acquired through successful completion of a four-year course of study in an applicable subject matter field. SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE In addition, applicants must have one year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-15 level. Specialized experience is defined as the demonstrated leadership skills in managing the financial functions of a zoological park, museum, research center or cultural organization. This includes creating and overseeing financial and business policies, procedures and program goals. The applications that meet the basic qualifications will be evaluated further against the following criteria: 1. Demonstrated experience in developing, implementing short- and long-term strategic planning and development over entire business programs and activities and collaborating with mangers and senior officials on efficient and effective program execution. This should include experience in formulating and implementing strategic priorities, goal setting, establishing metrics and reporting protocols. 2. Skill in preparing operating budgets and capital expenditure plans, and in leveraging alternative funding sources to support sustainable and fiscally responsible organizational growth. 3. Skill in building cooperative relationships between colleagues and organizations within your oversight, and with stakeholders inside and outside the Institution. This includes explaining positions/solutions, both orally and in writing, and gaining acceptance by museum and/or research facility colleagues and customers/managers at all levels. 4. Skill in leading, supervising, and managing a multi-disciplinary and talented workforce, including fostering teamwork and high morale, as well as attracting, retaining, and motivating employees. Education Additional Information SUPERVISORY CONTROLS The incumbent receives administrative supervision from the Director, of National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, who provides broad outlines of basic policy, program objectives, and delegated authority and responsibility. The incumbent plans and carries out assigned responsibilities independently. The incumbent consults with the Director on major policy questions or controversial issues and keeps her/him informed of all significant programs and potential problems. Work performance is appraised in terms of overall effectiveness in the attainment of program goals and objectives. SECURITY LEVEL This position has been reviewed to determine the level of POSITION SENSITIVITY. Based on the nature of the work, the position has been determined to be Public Trust/ HIGH RISK. This designation will require (1) a pre-employment Security Agency Check (SAC) for the prospective incumbent; and (2) a subsequent comprehensive background investigation and favorable adjudication in order to continue in the position. EEO The Smithsonian Institution does not discriminate against any employee or any applicant for employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, age, membership in an employee organization or other non-merit factors. REASONABLE ACCOMODATION The Smithsonian provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities. If you need an accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the contact person listed in this announcement. The decision on granting a reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. RELOCATION Relocation expenses will not be paid.
