Ames National Laboratory Chief Operations Officer

Job Group:
Professional & Scientific

Required Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree and 10 years of related experience

Preferred Qualifications:
· Experience working with the Department of Energy, including the Department of Energy’s national laboratories, and their mission and operations.
· Experience administering a major federal government management and operations contract, understanding and managing a scientific facility, overseeing compliance management, general operational processes, and federal reporting.
· Experience working with the administration of a major research University.
· An advanced degree in business administration, engineering, physical sciences, or related fields that will inform the operations of the Laboratory.
· Demonstrated experience leading and managing a highly-integrated organization, providing effective oversight and guidance of operational, people management, and administrative matters.
· Experience hiring, developing, mentoring, and coaching staff for high performance.
· Experience assessing and implementing change management of new concepts for continuous improvement and process redesign.
· Experience influencing both internal and external key stakeholders and decision-makers with supporting data and metrics.
· Experience facilitating complex decisions requiring integrated input from a broad set of stakeholders.
· Demonstrated ability to interact effectively with diverse populations and at all levels.
· Experience with business system digital integration, financial management systems such as Workday or Deltek Costpoint, or other systems that promote effective practices.

Job Description:

Ames National Laboratory is seeking a dynamic organizational leader to serve as the Chief Operations Officer (COO). The successful candidate will demonstrate a proven track record of strategic leadership, operational excellence, and financial stewardship. The candidate will be responsible for motivating and managing high-performing teams to support the Laboratory’s scientific mission and will effectively shepherd Lab resources to achieve institutional goals and objectives.

Ames National Laboratory is a U. S. Department of Energy (DOE) National Laboratory managed by Iowa State University (ISU) and designated a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC). Roughly 95% of the Laboratory’s funding comes from federal and state support, creating a special relationship of stewardship and trust with the public. Therefore, the COO is expected to exercise, model, and ensure the highest standards of business and operations accountability and transparency, demonstrating our responsibility to the DOE mission and to citizens who support our research.

Reporting to the Laboratory Director, the COO has the primary responsibility of leading the day-to-day business operations of the Laboratory in accordance with the strategic plan and operating and capital budgets. The annual budget of the Laboratory is approximately $65M which supports 450 employees executing its scientific mission to deliver critical materials solutions to the Nation. The COO provides vision, leadership, and direction to operations and business functions, and is primarily responsible for the administration and compliance of the contract between the Department of Energy and Iowa State University of Science and Technology for the operation of Ames National Laboratory. The COO leads and manages most operations of the Laboratory, including: Business Services consisting of Finance (Accounting, Budgeting, and Travel Services); Materials, Transportation, & Property; Procurement; Information Technology; Facilities and Engineering Services; General Counsel; Human Resources; Environment Safety & Health; Security and Emergency Services; and Occupational Medicine; and overseeing a staff of 100+ employees and managers. The COO coordinates with research leadership to ensure delivery on the mission and programs of the Laboratory.

Appointment Type:
Regular

Number of Months Employed Per Year:
12 Month Work Period

Time Type:
Full time

Pay Grade:
PS814

Application Instructions:

To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:
1) Resume/Curriculum Vitae
2) Letter of Application/Cover Letter

3) List of Professional References
If you have questions regarding this application process, please email [email protected] or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.
Why Choose ISU?
Iowa State University is committed to fostering a workplace of belonging, where diversity is celebrated and equity is a core value. Our Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work life benefits, including medical and dental; as well as:
• Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
• Generous vacation, holiday and sick time and leave plans
• Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
• Life insurance and long-term disability
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Various voluntary benefits and discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellbeing program
• This job may also be eligible for flexible work schedules and flexible workplace options that may include flexible working hours and a hybrid working environment.

Original Posting Date:
February 13, 2024

Posting Close Date:
March 12, 2024

Job Requisition Number:
R14020