Overview

National Radio Astronomy ObservatoryTitle: Business ManagerLocation: 1011 Lopezville Rd, Socorro, NM 87801, USA• 5651 Balloon Fiesta Pkwy, Albuquerque, NM 87113, USARequisition Number: 296Job Family: Business OperationsPay Type: SalaryRequired Education: MGT Position Description: Position Summary The National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) is a prestigious research and development organization that plays a vital role in studying the universe. Associated Universities, Inc. (AUI) is a nonprofit organization that manages and operates the NRAO under a cooperative agreement with the National Science Foundation . The Observatory is a hub for technological and scientific collaboration, operating state-of-the-art radio telescope facilities for use by the international scientific community. The Observatory has been instrumental in the study of black holes, galaxies, and the early universe. NRAO is seeking a Business Manager to support New Mexico operations and provide business, administrative, and operational leadership in support of NRAO's New Mexico activities. The Business Manager serves as the senior business and administrative partner to New Mexico Operations leadership and works closely with the Chief Administrative Officer and enterprise functions including Financial Planning & Analysis, Contracts & Procurement, Facilities & Infrastructure, Human Resources, Environmental, Safety & Security, and Management Information Systems. The position leads local business operations and administrative services while ensuring alignment with Observatory-wide policies, standards, controls, and processes. The Business Manager operates with substantial independence and delegated authority and is expected to demonstrate strong management, judgment, communication, collaboration, and accountability The position supports activities at the Domenici Science Operations Center (DSOC) in Socorro and NRAO's Albuquerque office. This is an in-person management position requiring regular presence at NRAO's New Mexico locations. The normal weekly expectation is at least two days in Socorro, with the remainder of the workweek based at the Albuquerque office, VLA, or other New Mexico locations as operational needs require. Meetings, business priorities, and other operational requirements may require a different location distribution in a given week and take precedence over the normal schedule. What You Will be Doing: Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: Lead and coordinate business and administrative operations supporting NRAO's New Mexico activities. Serve as a senior business partner to New Mexico Operations leadership, providing analysis, recommendations, administrative support, and implementation of approved decisions. Ensure local business activities comply with Observatory policies, delegated authorities, internal controls, and enterprise processes. Coordinate with FP&A on budget development, forecasting, variance analysis, resource planning, and financial reporting. Conduct business and operational analyses, evaluate alternatives and impacts, and provide recommendations to appropriate decision-makers. Exercise delegated financial and administrative authority within established policies and approval thresholds. Coordinate with Contracts & Procurement on acquisition requirements, vendor relationships, and contract administration. Provide management oversight for assigned visitor services, travel support, retail/Gift Shop operations, and other administrative services. Serve as the primary New Mexico business interface with Facilities & Infrastructure and support local facilities requirements, leases, utilities, landlords, maintenance coordination, and implementation of approved projects. Manage relationships with New Mexico Tech, contractors, vendors, utilities, government organizations, and other external partners as appropriate. Identify opportunities to improve administrative services and business processes and lead implementation of ap