Upcoming Job Announcement: SMD Assistant Deputy Associate Administrator for Exploration: Open July 30 – August 3

The Exploration Science Strategy and Integration Office (ESSIO) within the Science Mission Directorate (SMD) is seeking a skilled individual to serve as the Assistant Deputy Associate Administrator for Exploration (ADAAX) at Headquarters in Washington, DC. The incumbent will work as part of a diverse and agile team whose core values include excellence, integrity, transparency, teamwork and a growth mindset toward stewarding the nation’s space-based science program.

Responsibilities

The ADAAX will focus on assisting in formulation and execution of an integrated science strategy for exploration within SMD, through cross-Agency collaboration with the Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate (HEOMD), Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD), and the NASA Field Centers.

Specifically, the ADAAX will:

·        Implement commercial initiatives for lunar delivery service on behalf of NASA to land and operate science instruments, technology development payloads, and exploration payloads on the Moon.

·        Provide solutions that are strategic and tactical, and are innovative as well as implementable, in alignment with the priorities of NASA.

·        Oversee peer reviews to select science investigation and instruments

·        Collaboratively define a long-term vision for the program and work collaboratively to implement it in a fast-paced environment, while leading diverse teams using influence rather than supervisory authority.

·        Communicate, engage, and build consensus with multiple stakeholders, including the scientific community, external advisory committees, senior NASA leaders, programs and projects at NASA Centers, and the public.

NASA recognizes that candidates with non-traditional career paths, or individuals who are at earlier stages of their careers may have demonstrated experience in different ways. NASA encourages applications from such individuals.

Application Process

The job announcement will open for applications at https://www.usajobs.gov/ on Friday, July 30, and will close on Tuesday, August 3. The announcement number will be HQ-21-DE-11129758-DT.

This will be a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) announcement, so it will only be open for 3 workdays. The short announcement period is due to the type of hiring authority being used, which streamlines the hiring process and assists with rapidly filling competitive positions. It is not a reflection of the openness of the position. This competitive announcement will be open to all U.S. Citizens and Status candidates.

Advance notice of the vacancy is being provided to allow interested individuals to prepare. In order to apply for this position, you will only need to (i) submit your resume and a transcript and (ii) answer the screening questions and supplemental information through USAJOBS. 

Given the short period the announcement will be open, it is a good idea to log into USAJOBS before the job announcement opens and update your username, password, CV/resume, etc., to facilitate the timely submission of an application.

A transcript demonstrating that you meet the education requirements for a Federal physical scientist will be required at the time of application. Given the short period that the announcement will be open, it is a good idea to obtain a transcript in advance.  While a transcript is the preferred proof of qualifying education, any of the following items will be accepted initially as proof of education:

·        An unofficial transcript,

·        A copy of an official transcript,

·        A copy of a degree (i.e., a picture or scan), or

·        A list of courses.

Candidates interested in being notified when this job opportunity is posted on USAJOBS and opened for three days are encouraged to sign up for a notification using the features of the USAJOBS website.

Questions may be directed to Leo Gomez at leopoldo.gomez@nasa.gov.