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