Event Coordinator

Submission Information
Publish Date: 
Wednesday, June 2, 2021
Archive Date: 
Wednesday, June 30, 2021
Job Summary
Job Category: 
Other
Institution Classification/Type: 
Other
Institution/Company: 
AURA
City: 
Tucson
State/Province: 
AZ
Country: 
United States of America
Announcement
Job Announcement Text: 

NSF’s NOIRLab is the preeminent US national center for ground-based, nighttime optical and infrared astronomy. NOIRLab is a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC) which operates as a matrix organization, providing services across a range of programs: Gemini, Rubin, MSO (CTIO and KPNO), and CSDC; with facilities in three geographic locations: Arizona, Chile and Hawai’i. The mission of NOIRLab is to enable breakthrough discoveries in astrophysics by developing and operating state-of-the-art ground-based observatories and providing data products and services for a diverse and inclusive community.

Do you enjoy being the point person on simultaneous complicated projects, calmly keeping the train on the tracks while seeing that all details are perfectly taken care of? Would you like to work in a dynamic scientific environment, mobilizing team members to communicate organizational goals and services to the astronomy community? If you have exceptional organizational and coordination skills as well as initiative, an outgoing personality, and an interest in science, NOIRLab has the job for you!

NOIRLab’s Communications, Education and Engagement (CEE) team is looking for a full-time, proactive Event Coordinator to independently plan and coordinate events, exhibitions, meetings and communication activities. Responsibilities include: event planning, scheduling, budgeting, logistics, promotion, development of talking points, proactive follow-up, booth set-up and tear-down. The ability to calmly problem-solve and delegate is essential. Evaluation of NOIRLab events and workshops including recommendations for improvements is also part of the job. 

This position will work directly under NOIRLab’s head of communications and is located at NOIRLab’s Headquarters in Tucson, Arizona.

Essential Functions:

  • Plan and coordinate NOIRLab’s presence and in-meeting events at large science meetings and events (i.e. AAS winter meeting, the IAU General Assembly, SACNAS etc.). This includes working with Directorate, science leadership, and other internal and external partners to arrange events such as the Town Hall, Open House, Splinter Sessions, Special Sessions, Workshops (incl. Booking, catering, invitations).
  • Plan and coordinate temporary and permanent exhibitions in public spaces in NOIRLab facilities such as the US-ELTP travelling booth, the DESI exhibition in the Mayall building in AZ and the Visitor Center in the Blanco building in Chile. 
  • Planning and execution of CEE events such as workshops and communication meetings.
  • Administrative tasks as needed, such as creating requisitions, planning travel, simple budget follow-up.

Qualifications: 

  • Ability to communicate efficiently and confidently with a variety of audiences including professional astronomers, trades people, and the general public. 
  • Initiative to proactively identify and resolve issues.
  • Strong and proven project coordination experience (demonstrated ability to multitask and work effectively with a large and diverse staff including engineers and scientists)
  • Sufficient interest, enthusiasm, and knowledge about astronomy to communicate effectively on NOIRLab’s activities.
  • Detail-oriented

Other Requirements:

  • Ability to travel internationally:
    • Flexibility to work long hours and after-hours during events.
    • Valid US or international driver’s license with clean driving record
  • Ideally also: 
    • Experience planning events or booths at scientific meetings
    • Experience with content production of astronomy exhibitions
    • Experience with marketing, promotion, and distribution for scientific or other projects
    • Astronomy communicator with 3 years experience working with a scientific organization. 

All applicants must submit a cover letter with their CV that describes their interest in this position and their relevant experience. Please include a list of 3 professional references with contact information. Veterans, disabled individuals or wounded warriors needing assistance with the employment process should request assistance at [email protected]

Preference will be given to qualified internal applicants.

For full consideration, please submit your completed application by 15 June 2021.

NSF’s NOIRLab is the preeminent US national center for ground-based, nighttime optical and infrared astronomy. NOIRLab is a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC) which operates as a matrix organization, providing services across a range of programs: Gemini, Rubin, MSO (CTIO and KPNO), and CSDC; with facilities in three geographic locations: Arizona, Chile and Hawai’i. The mission of NOIRLab is to enable breakthrough discoveries in astrophysics by developing and operating state-of-the-art ground-based observatories and providing data products and services for a diverse and inclusive community.

The Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA) is a consortium of over 40 US institutions and three international affiliates that operates world-class astronomical observatories. AURA’s role is to establish, nurture, and promote public observatories and facilities that advance innovative astronomical research. AURA is responsible for managing the operations of the NSF’s NOIRLab, the National Solar Observatory, and the construction of the Vera C. Rubin Observatory and the Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope under cooperative agreements with the National Science Foundation and operations of the Space Telescope Science Institute under contracts with NASA.

AURA, as a leader in the astronomical community, is committed to diversity and inclusion. AURA develops and supports programs that advance our organizational commitment to diversity, broaden participation, and encourage the advancement of diversity throughout the astronomical scientific workforce. Learn more at http://www.aura-astronomy.org/diversity

As a recipient of U.S. Government funding, AURA is considered a government contractor and is subject to Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action regulations. As an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer, AURA and all of the centers, do not discriminate based on race, sex, color, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity/gender identity expression, lawful political affiliations, veteran status, disability, and/or any other legally protected status under applicable federal, state, and local equal opportunity laws.

Application Deadline: 
Wednesday, June 30, 2021
Current Status of Position: 
Accepting Applicants
Apply to Job
Attention To: 
AURA Human Resources
Institution/Company Job ID or Reference Code: 
EVENT03874
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