Managing Department Coordinator (f_m_x)

GFZ Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences

GFZ is Germany's national centre for solid Earth research. We advance the understanding of dynamic processes to address global challenges, from mitigating the impacts of natural hazards and sustaining our habitat amid global change to responsibly managing georesources. We are part of the Helmholtz Association, the largest German scientific organisation. With around 1,200 employees as well as ca. 500 guest researchers, we contribute to the Helmholtz Research Field Earth and Environment, aligning cutting-edge research with societal relevance and international collaboration. Our work integrates multidisciplinary studies across Earth's system components, leveraging advanced technologies and infrastructure to research solutions and to transfer our knowledge to society. We are doing this according to our vision: “Taking the pulse of our Earth to safeguard a habitable planet”.
In the Department 5 „Geoinformation", we are looking for a:

Managing Department Coordinator (f_m_x)

Reference Number 10833

The Department 5 “Geoinformation” currently unites three sections of the GFZ. It consolidates the GFZ’s core services in the areas of information management, research data management, and information and communication technologies combined with data science. The successful candidate will manage the department’s operations alongside the responsible department director. The aim of this position is to create the best possible framework for the provision of professional services and excellent science at the centre through informing, advising, steering and shaping. Key responsibilities include steering the department’s resources (personnel, material assets, investment funds), and contributing to the strategic development and operational leadership of the department. As part of the department’s management team, the Department Coordinator will work closely with the department’s leadership and act as a liaison to the GFZ executive boards and administration. The Department Coordinator will occupy a lateral leadership role and will:

• Proactively support the director in preparing and implementing decisions and provide the necessary information for this purpose
• Represent the department in various internal committees, support the implementation of the resolutions and recommendations made there, and organise the flow of information
• Serve as the central interface (information exchange, controlling, coordination) between the department’s staff and the executive and administrative divisions
• Support and advise the Chief Information Officer, the Chief Information Security Officer, and the Head of the GFZ Computing Centre in their day-to-day operations, as well as in the preparation and implementation of strategic decisions relating to IT management and IT security

Your responsibilities:

• Preparation of decisions regarding personnel measures, investment applications, third-party funding proposals, infrastructure and resources, including space planning, and ensuring their implementation
• Planning and controlling the department’s financial and personnel resources
• Collecting, processing and evaluating information, and deriving tasks and work orders for various stakeholder groups
• Substantive preparation and follow-up of meetings at departmental and executive board level
• Managing the department’s reporting system
• Contributing to the department’s strategic concepts in line with those of the GFZ, including cross-departmental coordination.
• Developing strategies, concepts and instruments, and implementing appropriate measures for the department and its organisational units (sections and working groups) to promote equality, early-career development, acquisition of third-party funds, and technology and knowledge transfer in cooperation with the relevant executive and administrative divisions of the GFZ
• Supporting the implementation of the IT strategy, strategic IT governance and long-term IT planning, as well as the digitalisation strategy and digital transformation
• Participating in the identification of topics and stakeholders (internal and external) that are strategically important for the further development of the department and its units
• Coordinating and organising a supportive measures plan and its implementation to systematically explore these topics and to sustainably network with stakeholders, including proactive networking with suitable external networks

Your qualifications:

• Successfully completed university degree (Master’s or equivalent), preferably in a geoscientific or information technology context (PhD desirable)
• Professional experience in financial and cost management and proven knowledge of project management
• Knowledge of the national – as well as key aspects of the European – science and funding system
• Knowledge of IT infrastructure, software development, data security and current trends in information technology
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills
• Excellent conceptual and organisational skills combined with excellent time management skills
• Communication and negotiation skills, as well as a strong ability to convey complex matters and policies sensitively and in a context-specific manner
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English and German
• Reliability, confidentiality, a high degree of initiative, and the ability to work both in a team and independently in a dynamic environment
• Knowledge of the structures and workflows within the Helmholtz Association and the implementation principles of programme-oriented research of the Helmholtz Association in the research field “Earth and Environment” is an advantage
• Subject-matter expertise related to the research topics of the “Geoinformation” department is welcome

What we offer:

• Ambitious and varied tasks in a dynamic and international research environment
• State-of-the-art equipment
• Public service benefits
• Extensive training opportunities
• Flexible working hours and conditions
• Support with finding a good work-life balance offered by benefit@work
• Institute day-care centre on site
• Working at the Albert Einstein science park on the Telegrafenberg in Potsdam
• Work place within walking distance of Potsdam main train station, or just a short ride on the shuttle bus