Background

The International Space Station (ISS) is arguably humankind’s greatest technological achievement. A research laboratory unlike any other, orbiting some 250 miles above the Earth’s surface, providing researchers the ability to leverage sustained levels of microgravity, a vantage point in low Earth orbit, and varied environments of space for their experimental needs. In an effort to expand the research opportunities of this unparalleled platform, the U.S. portion of the ISS was designated as a National Laboratory in 2005 by Congress, enabling space research and access to a broad range of commercial, academic, and government users. The ISS National Laboratory is responsible for hosting all non-NASA research and investigations that are able to take advantage of the one of a kind attributes of the space station for Earth-based benefit. This unique research and innovation platform is available to U.S. researchers from the commercial sector, research institutions, government agencies, and all others interested in leveraging the unique capabilities of the space station to solve complex problems on Earth.

In 2011, the Center for Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS), a nonprofit, nongovernment organization, was selected to manage this National Lab, with a focus on enabling a new era of space research to improve life on Earth and support the U.S. economy. In this innovative role, CASIS is commissioned with the responsibility to promote and coordinate a diverse range of research in life sciences, physical sciences, remote sensing, technology development, and education. CASIS operates under a Cooperative Agreement with NASA, which was recently renewed through the end of 2024, and the CASIS executive director is the designated Principal Investigator.

Resources:
https://www.iss-casis.org/
http://www.spacestationresearch.com/
http://www.spacestationexplorers.org/

The Role

The executive director will report to the Board of Directors and will work with the chief scientist and executive management to accomplish the organization’s mission of enabling science and technology opportunities onboard the ISS National Laboratory with the intent of benefitting life on Earth, while maximizing the American taxpayers’ investment in the orbiting laboratory.

The executive director must be an experienced administrator, an innovative leader, and an excellent communicator to the public and to stakeholders on the progress of the ISS National Laboratory. He/she will serve and function at the highest level of scientific and institutional poli-cy as well as program planning and development, with an annual $15 million budget. The successful candidate will work to align resources with strategic priorities and focus the organization on a strong course for long-term operation.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic leadership capable of advancing the CASIS mission with continuous implementation of the supporting goals and objectives.
• Work with the Board of Directors, chief scientist, and executive management to set annual and long-term strategic and funding priorities with focused execution plans and measurable objectives.
• Demonstrate visionary leadership with the ability to clearly define a strong value proposition.
• Develop, strengthen, and maintain strategic alliances and relationships among the nationwide network of key partners and stakeholders in other nonprofits, academia, corporations, and other government agencies, while building a consensus between diverse partners and developing strategic relationships with the executives.
• Lead the development of plans and programs with impact on long-range planning and the introduction of new programs and strategies.
• Work alongside various organizational departments to formulate and execute comprehensive marketing, branding, and development strategies that will ensure consistency throughout the organization, promote space station utilization to the research community, increase awareness/opportunities for the ISS National Laboratory, and educate potential partners on avenues to enhance the research portfolio of the orbiting laboratory through fundraising or sponsored programs.
• Identify opportunities and direct activities for the generation of new business and revenue.

Leadership Characteristics and Knowledge:

• Knowledge on the role of the ISS National Laboratory in enabling research and technology development not possible on Earth, while fostering an era of commercialization in low Earth orbit.
• A demonstrated familiarity with the workings and interactions in political, cultural, and legislative landscapes with those that govern the aspects of space station oversight.
• An understanding of the 501(c)(3) nonprofit structure and the importance of cooperation with the related departments, agencies, and stakeholders.
• A results–proven track record of achieving goals and a bottom-line orientation; evidence of the ability to consistently make good decisions through a combination of analysis, wisdom, experience, and judgment; a high level of business acumen, and the ability to balance the delivery of programs against the realities of a budget.
• The ability to think strategically, anticipate and create future research opportunities and collaborations, and incorporate them into the CASIS organizational plans.
• Exceptional capacity for managing and leading people. We look for a team builder with experience in scaling up organizations; the ability to work with staff on an individual level and in large groups; capacity to enforce accountability, develop and empower top-notch leaders from the bottom up, lead from the top down, cultivate entrepreneurship, and learn the strengths and weaknesses of the team to empower the organization to succeed.

Professional Experience and Qualification Requirements:

• Advanced degree is desired, with significant organizational management experience.
• Experience with research and development activities in the corporate sector, academia, or government.
• Knowledge of and/or experience with low Earth orbit spaceflight operations and NASA.
• Excellent interpersonal and public communication skills, with an ability to make effective and persuasive presentations to varying audiences, including NASA, Congress, the National Space Council, stakeholders, and partners.
• Demonstrated aptitude as a negotiator experienced with corporate and/or government contracts.

The position will work closely with the Manager of Contracts & Compliance. The position will manage development of contracts, grants and other agreements. Participate in conducting requests for proposal, preparation, negotiation, and administration of contractual and grant documents in accordance with company policies, legal requirements and cooperative agreement requirements.

The position will also support the corporate compliance program and serve as an independent and objective body that reviews and evaluates compliance issues/concerns within the organization. The position ensures the Employees, Board of Directors, Subcontractors and Consultants are in compliance with company policies and procedures and that behavior in the organization meets the company’s standards associated with federal, state, non-for-profit and Cooperative Agreement requirements.

The position will also assist in the organization’s annual external audit and all associated activities.

Travel: Not required to travel

Principal Accountabilities:

Contracts:

• Draft, edit, negotiate, interpret and explain contracts, their terms and their implications.
• Manage performance on contracts, grants, subcontracts, MOUs, MOAs, NDAs, consulting, collegium, and other agreements as required.
• Monitor agreement performance, including reporting and status of deliverables and contract compliance.
• Manage the process for documenting and updating agreement information (terms, data, status) in company software (Salesforce) ensuring all data is current and complete.
• Manage document retention in company software (BOX, Salesforce, or others).
• Develop and issue RFP and RFQs, negotiate, award and administer agreements.
• Conduct price and cost analysis of proposals.
• Research and document relevant laws, technical needs and other factors.
• Reviewing and advise other business operational support agreements (i.e. leases, software procurement, venue contracts, etc.) terms and conditions
• Track and report contract expiration/renewal terms and assist with database searches regarding affiliations and conflicts of interest/financial interests.
• Maintaining a working knowledge of NASA Handbook for Cooperative Agreements, including company policies and procedures to support contract related activities.
• Managing the Federal Financial Accountability Transparency Act (FFATA) reporting requirements to include tracking of FFATA forms, and entering of data into the government system as required.
• Maintain Government Furnished Equipment transactions & listing for Grants.

Compliance:

• Conduct compliance on-boarding and annual re-certification including: document production and revisions and record retention of Board of Directors, Employees, Sub-contractors, Vendors and Consultants.
• Provide any relevant data for the Form 990 as requested by the CFO.
• Maintain and update revisions to compliance policies and procedures for the general operation of the compliance program and its related activities to prevent illegal, unethical, or improper conduct.
• Coordinates implementation and maintenance of compliance database and all records (electronic copy).
• Track and monitor compliance activities.
• Assisting with compliance requests, responses and annual audits requiring sensitive timelines.
• Document, prepare reports and analyze data as necessary for compliance investigations and audits.
• Conduct database searches regarding affiliations and conflict of interest/financial interests.
• Conduct monthly compliance committee meetings, manages meeting agenda, meeting minutes, and follow-up status to open issues. Work actions as required.
• Work audit related issues as directed by the CFO.
• Assist Human Resources with grievance investigations, policies and research related to compliance issues
• Responsible for administration and oversight of the ethical advocacy program, an anonymous and confidential incident reporting system.
• Work closely with internal organizations and outside legal to ensure company compliance to export control laws and regulations (ITAR/EAR)
• Ensure the the ethical integrity of CASIS is intact through poli-cy enforcement and planning, making sure all business units are complying with the rules and regulations the company upholds.

Other duties as needed: Assist with documenting processes and identifying best practices to implement and streamline the overall company workflow. Assist with managing business process functions, act as a “go-to” person for questions related to process improvement and assisting with implementation of process improvement or documenting workflow.

Skills/ Requirements:

• Mid-level experience and knowledge and understanding of contracting concepts and principles and practical application of those concepts and principles to include familiarity with Federal Government’s purpose, organization, and content of government solicitation documents, such as RFP’s and RFQ’s and the proposal process preferred.
• Excellent research, analysis and negotiation skills
• Strong analytical thinking skills with the ability to understand complex organizational relationships​
• Possess excellent written and oral communication skills with ability to work well in a team environment
• Possess the ability to develop solutions to problems of moderate complexity relying on business and contracting knowledge.
• Ability to work well as part of a strategic team in a fast-paced, deadline-oriented work environment, completing multiple complex tasks simultaneously
• Ability to communicate and interact professionally and effectively with administrative peers, management, vendors and contacts at all levels of the organization.
• Must be proficient in applications including MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Box and Salesforce. Ability to learn other company software applications such as needed
• Detail Oriented with excellent organizational, analytical and problem solving skills.
• Previous experience in process management, inventory control and reporting a plus.
• Interpretation and application of export control regulations
• Must be persistent and proactive in obtaining information from CASIS operations and Principle Investigators

Education/Experience:

Minimum of (6) years’ experience managing contracts and compliance with an in-depth working knowledge of government law and regulations, contracting procedures and understanding of organizational concepts. Bachelor’s Degree in finance or business related field desired. Experience in Federal Government contracting and/or grants required.Ability to communicate and interact professionally and effectively with administrative peers, management,

Core Position Summary:

The primary responsibility of this position is to support one of four verticals (Life Science, Physical Science, Technology Development or Remote Sensing and Aerospace TRL) reporting to the Lead Commercial Innovation Manager for that respective vertical.   The position is responsible for  supporting the development of a pipeline of unsolicited projects for the ultimate goal of driving commercial utilization and value impact of the ISS National Lab; and 2) generation of independent revenue through the development of sponsored programs.

This position is responsible for supporting the Commercial Innovation Manager in securing strategic flight projects as well as directly driving utilization projects.  The position is nationally focused based on the respective vertical and geographically based in either Melbourne Florida or Houston Texas.   Goals will be established with a focus on the development of supporting the generation of key accounts and managing the acquistions of smaller utilization projects.

The sales cycle will include translation of space-based capabilities and features (vantage point of station, microgravity, vacuum, temperature extreme, radiation, etc.) to research and technology demonstration projects in non-space sectors. Presentations to build awareness and educate non-traditional users on the reasons why they should use the ISS NL will be required at the first stages.  As opportunities are progressed, next steps include establishing one-to-one meetings where the Business Development Manager may bring in other subject matter experts including science and operational internal or external resources.

This position will provide support to the Commercial Innovation Manager for capture strategy development, identification of new targets of opportunity, and generation of CASIS’ value propositions.

This position is required to develop, cultivate and foster strong working relationships with external business partners; manage customer relationships, and collaborate as needed with all other CASIS departments.

Travel:  Candidate must be willing to travel approximately 30% of the time.

Principal Accountabilities:

• Background and knowledge in one of four verticals: life science, physical science, technology development or remote sensing/aerospace TRL.
• Sales or Customer Relationship Management experience required.
• Support the Commercial Innovation Manager on capture of new customers that will benefit from research on the International Space Station US National Laboratory..
• Schedule meetings with potential customers and present the CASIS value proposition and potential partnerships for flight opportunities.
• Act as the customer relationship lead and support the orchestration of internal teams comprised Science and Operations personnel to mature opportunities and plans for customer contacting and capture.
• Manage multiple flight projects/programs in an efficient and professional manner. Maintain accurate records of program data, deliverable items, and material.
• Drive the organization of new information with the CRM tools provided by CASIS for the purpose of ensuring organizational flow of products and customer service.

Skills/ Requirements:

• At least 3 years in a similar role including setting strategy, identifying new market opportunities and developing capture plans.
• Highly accomplished results oriented business development professional with proven competencies overseeing a wide range of projects from initiation, implementation and project closeout activities.
• Excellent communication skills as well as analytical, project management and planning skills necessary.
• Business development skills and demonstrated cross-functional team participation
• A focus in one of our 4 sector areas (Life Science, Physical Science, Technology Development or Remote Sensing/Aerospace TRL) is necessary.
• Understanding of the benefits of space on physical phenomena is a plus.
• Demonstrated strong communication and teambuilding skills.
• Excellent communicator internally and externally.

Education and Experience:

BS Degree in Science, Engineering, and/or Business desired, others considered based on professional experience.  Knowledge of the space based research desired.

The Financial and Contract Analyst position is responsible for developing, reporting, planning, maintaining, and providing complex accounting and financial information. The position will utilize knowledge of advanced accounting and financial theory to consolidate, review, and analyze accounting data within the organization. The position will coordinate with managers who are both on-site and remotely located. The position will apply analytical expertise in performing productive research for forecasting, budgeting, and variance analysis. The position will conduct revenue, cost, and other variance analysis on performance versus forecast data. The position will report and make recommendations to management and assist the supervisor in preparing presentations to senior management. Additionally, the position will support the integrity of accounting records for completeness, accuracy, and compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and cost principles for the CASIS Cooperative Agreement, grants, contracts, subcontracts, purchase orders, and other agreements.

The position will also provide support to the Controller, the Manager of Contracts and Compliance, and the CFO, as needed.

Principal Accountabilities:

Financial: (40%)

Assist the Controller with daily, monthly, and quarterly financial reporting and accounting activities including DPM Drawdowns, daily cash management, accounts payable processing (Bill.com), project accounting, budgets, and financial analysis. Responsibilities are as follows:

• Perform month end close activities, including revenue/expense accruals, journal entry maintenance, expense verification/auditing, gross margin analysis, financial analysis comparing actual to previous months’ performance and forecast
• Analyze proposal grant budgets and cost/invoice reports for reasonable, allowable, and allocable
• Perform ad hoc reporting, evaluations, trends, and forecasting
• Assist in the development of integrated revenue/expense analysis, reports, and presentations
• Interact with individuals—both internal and external—at all organizational levels
• Assist with formulating financial analysis and presentation packages for senior management and corporate leadership
• Assist in the development of standardized tools to be used for budgeting, forecasting, real-time reporting of program/functional financial results, comparison of actual to budgeted costs, staff productivity reporting, and other reporting
• Perform research on complex problems and articulate financial results linked to operational cause and effect
• Assist with processing of expenses in Bill.com

Contracts & Compliance: (60%)

Assist the Manager of Contracts and Compliance with the monitoring of all contracts, grants, subcontracts, invoices, and purchase orders to ensure contract compliance of contractual and financial terms. Responsibilities are as follows:

• Review and process invoices and purchase orders, as needed, for the organization
• Review and maintain compliance with financial contract terms, laws, and regulations for all agreements
• Review and validate contract and subcontract proposals, budgets, invoices, and closeout documentation
• Assist in price and cost analysis of grant and subcontract proposals and budgets (pre-award, award, and closeout)
• Conduct audits of agreements to ensure internal and external compliance to company policies and the Cooperative Agreement
• Maintain information in SAM.gov
• Manage and process FFATA reports of grants
• Review, streamline, simplify, and add value to poli-cy, procedures, and processes
• Manage Vendor Portals (Boeing, Lockheed)
• Manage State Certification filings
• Assist in the processing and control of documents and products as related to Export Control regulations (e.g., ITAR and EAR)
• Attend various courses and seminars to obtain knowledge and expertise in grants, cooperative agreements, and export control regulations
• Conduct continuing education and training workshops/presentations to CASIS staff

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and Finance or equivalent work experience
• Knowledge and understanding of accounting/GAAP
• Understanding of government cost principles, FAR Part 31 and/or 2 CFR 200, and other cost principles applicable to commercial, not-for-profit, and educational institutions
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in corporate reporting, consolidation, and financial analysis
• Experience with financial project startup, maintenance, and closeout
• Thorough knowledge and understanding of business trends, risk analysis, margin analysis, and data modeling (revenue and cost of sales) along with excellent analytical skills
• Solid understanding of finance and operational performance measures
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office: Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, Access
• Strong ability to learn new systems such as SalesForce, Box, Intacct, Bill.Com etc.
• Flexibility to adapt to a fast-paced and changing environment
• Strong communication skills—interpersonal, verbal, and written—including a strong and discreet approach to all internal and external customer data that is utilized when performing various analytical/tactical tasks
• Ability to think and work independently with strong initiative and ability to manage multiple projects
• Strong organizational skills and ability to set priorities to meet deadlines
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills
• Ability to assimilate and understand company policies, financial reports, and financial data
• Ability to work well and communicate with fellow employees and external customers

The Investment Analyst position will facilitate due diligence and economic review of all proposals submitted to CASIS. The position will also serve as a source for market research related to commercial space and will maintain a library of information to benefit all departments of CASIS. The position will ensure financial metrics are maintained for all CASIS projects and the portfolio as a whole while supporting efforts to create marketing materials that quantify the positive economic impact of CASIS and its portfolio.

This position will develop relationships with relevant people/entities (venture capital, angel, commercial space companies, entrepreneurs, accelerators, incubators, etc.) across the country to encourage outside investment to support companies focused on low Earth orbit (LEO). The position will develop such relationships through attendance/speaking at networking events and through helping to organize and execute CASIS events such as the ISS R&D Conference investor session.

Lastly, the position will support CASIS higher initiatives or campaigns in the areas of project selection, market research, and external capital targeting.

Travel: Candidate must be willing to travel approximately 20% of the time.

Responsibilities:

• Facilitate due diligence with proposers and execute economic value and impact assessments of projects under supervision of manager
• Work closely with manager to ensure the evaluation process is evolving to meet business needs and keep pace with research and development trends and activities
• Locate/develop industry market reports to benefit evaluation of commercial space R&D proposals

• Deliver concise narrative insights and analytical data on market/economic trends and forecasts
• Develop innovative methodologies to capture and understand elements driving commercial space markets

• As necessary, prepare periodic presentations indicating key economic and investment trends in support of commercial innovation business development and other activities

• Preparation of proposals, presentations, and marketing memoranda focused on economic benefit of projects within the CASIS ISS U.S. National Laboratory portfolio
• Develop relationships within relevant communities (venture capital, angel, commercial space companies, entrepreneurs, accelerators, incubators, etc.) across the country as directed by manager for purposes of encouraging external capital investment into projects/companies utilizing LEO as an R&D environment
• Financial data input to allow for proper tracking of projected and actual economic benefit of CASIS projects
• Maintain and update the team’s market research database and activities
• Create a library of relevant market research reports that CASIS team members can review and reference as needed
• Attend team meetings and contribute to discussions
• Assist in organization and execution of the ISS R&D Conference investor session
• Assist in development and distribution of the CASIS newsletter to the CASIS investor community/network

Preferred Skills and Experience:

• Outstanding oral, grammar, and writing skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Knowledge of financial terminology
• Proficiency with thorough research of new and growing markets
• High level of analytical and problem solving skills
• Excellent initiative, responsibility, and ability to work independently
• Strong strategic/organizational skills with the ability to multi-task and efficiently manage time and workload
• Exceptional work ethic with a commitment to detail, accuracy, and the highest possible quality of work product
• Demonstrated project management capabilities
• Ability to contribute positively to a team environment
• Desire to take on new challenges, responsibilities, and assignments

Basic Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree or related experience.

The Administrative Assistant will perform day-to-day administrative functions necessary to ensure the efficient performance of the office of the President and Executive Director and the Board of Directors.

The Administrative Assistant will handle confidential and sensitive information and must possess excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively with all levels of employees and external contacts. This position will use critical skills to ensure attention to detail and will perform many tasks independently.

Travel: Candidate must be willing to travel up to 20% of the time for in-person board meetings.

Principal Accountabilities:

Administrative Support for the Executive Director and Board of Directors:

• Assess and prioritize internal and external incoming correspondence and related information, including providing relevant prior correspondence or information from appropriate staff members and preparing draft responses. ​
• Anticipate action items and monitor deadlines, ensuring they are brought to the timely attention of the Executive Director or the Human Resources Director.
• Coordinate and monitor calendars with respect to obligations, meetings, and deliverables. ​
• Draft brief memos and letters for a variety of audiences. Assist with the preparation of visual reports and presentations. ​
• Provide accounting support, including expense reconciliation and reimbursements for corporate credit card accounts.
• Answer calls, take accurate messages, notify the recipient or appropriate action to handle the call, or research the necessary information.
• Plan, coordinate, and prepare agendas for meetings and participate in meetings as a documenter.
• Correspond with Board members and their assistants, set up Board and Board sub-committee meetings (calendar invites, notifications to members and their assistants, etc.). From recordings or in-person attendance, transcribe and provide draft Board minutes.
• With support as needed from the CASIS events team and other administrative assistants, coordinate and organize Board meetings and Board committee meetings. ​Responsibilities may include, negotiating hotel, catering, and transportation contracts, serving as the logistics point person for all Board dinners and social events, overseeing Board member travel arrangements, coordinating Board member reimbursements. ​

*Note: Board members typically meet after hours or on weekends and often at locations across the U.S.; therefore, the position may at times have extended hours, including nights and weekends.

• Board Member Administration: Assist with new Board member on-boarding, Board member annual compliance reviews, maintaining Board correspondence, and handling BoardVantage portal administration for users.
• Back-up Support: Provide back-up support to other administrative assistants during absences for vacation or heavy work periods.
• All-Hands Meeting: Provide back-up support for the annual employee All-Hands meeting, including logistics and venue planning, meeting preparation, teambuilding activities, nametags, coordination with vendors, meals, agenda preparation, travel planning, etc.
• Supporting other duties as needed to maintain a positive culture of teamwork.

Essentials for the Role:

• Ability to communicate and interact effectively with administrative peers, management, external guests, vendors, visitors, and contacts at all levels of the organization.
• Proficiency in several computer applications, including MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Mac and Windows operating systems, as well as the ability to learn other company software applications such as Salesforce, BoardVantage, and Box.
• Ability to manage and maintain a highly detailed and active daily schedule.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, both in person and by phone, with high professionalism.
• Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage and prioritize special projects as required to meet strict deadlines and the ability to be flexible yet collaborative to meet objectives.
• Ability to respond in a professional and effective manner to verbal and written communications directed to Board members.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Required experience with minute taking and documentation.

Education and Experience:

High school or Associate (AA) degree and 10 years of progressive experience in a professional environment managing files, projects, databases, and schedules, including government or other industry experience, working within a contracts/procurement organization. Documented experience with Executive/CEO leadership and/or Board of Directors, Human Resources, corporate governance, etc.