Head of Education and Public Outreach

Vera C. Rubin Observatory is a brand-new astronomical facility currently under construction in Chile, with headquarters based in Tucson, Arizona. Rubin Observatory will undertake the Legacy Survey of Space and Time (LSST) which will be the largest and most comprehensive astronomy survey of its kind. Rubin Observatory will enable countless discoveries in almost every area of modern astronomical research—discoveries made possible by the team that built the Rubin Observatory system, and by the global science community that Rubin Observatory serves.

The Rubin Education and Public Outreach (EPO) team is a small, interdisciplinary group of astronomers, writers, designers, educators, and developers building web-based astronomy experiences for students and the general public. Our mission is to provide online data-driven experiences that are accessible and approachable, adding real-world context and opportunities for people to engage with Rubin Observatory and explore the Universe. Our goal is to make LSST data, astronomy, and science interesting and accessible to a broad audience. 

Rubin Operations is a program of NSF’s NOIRLab and DOE’s SLAC National Accelerator Lab. The Rubin EPO team will collaborate with NOIRLab’s Communication, Engagement, and Education (CEE) team and SLAC communications to effectively deliver on Rubin’s outreach goals. NOIRLab is managed by the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA) through a Cooperative Service Agreement with NSF. 

About the Role: 

The Rubin EPO team has developed a variety of resources and online tools that will enable the public to explore, learn from, and engage with Rubin data and discoveries on a scale not previously possible in astronomy. As the Head of the EPO program for Rubin, you will be responsible for leading the team in Operations. The observatory’s overall construction project will finish in late 2024 on the current schedule. The EPO team recently closed out their part of the Construction project and has transitioned into Operations. This is an exciting time to join and take on the leadership role in Rubin EPO. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to lead the team in continued development of the program before the LSST begins, engage with the Rubin community and public over the next two years, and then continue to lead the team throughout the LSST executing the program they have helped bring to full readiness. Activities include outreach and education as well as detailed planning for online experiences using the LSST data set when it becomes available (including citizen science projects).  

The Head of EPO is an AURA employee in NOIRLab. The EPO Head is responsible for assembling, maintaining, and providing leadership to a diverse staff in order to operate a unique and innovative EPO program with global reach.  The EPO Head will be responsible for selecting key personnel, assigning authority and resources to the staff consistent with AURA/NOIRLab policy, and for overseeing their performance and providing guidance to them.  The Head of EPO represents Rubin Observatory EPO at various events, conferences, workshops, and reviews, and reports progress to funding agencies and oversight boards. 

Primary responsibilities include:

• leading the Rubin EPO team (7.5 FTE), 
• ensuring the efficient and effective planning and tracking of effort, day-to-day operations, and management of the EPO program, 
• delivering reporting that satisfies the requirements of the EPO program and NOIRLab and NSF requirements,
• reporting on progress to Rubin leadership, stakeholders, funding agencies, and oversight boards,
• building relationships among the science community, NOIRLab, and operations partners to foster the transition into the Operations phase of the program, and
• working as a member of the Rubin Operations Executive Council to ensure the success of Rubin Observatory.   

About you: 

You are enthusiastic about engaging the public with stories about science, Rubin Observatory, and its people.  You bring initiative, ownership, and effective communication skills to the role. You are a demonstrated team leader.  You can inspire people and build trust and relationships within the team, Observatory, and with key Rubin stakeholders.   

Required Education/Experience/Skills/Abilities:

• You have a Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent in a STEM related field and/or science education, or you have demonstrated capacity in project/program management and some knowledge of the academic world.
• You have managed a team of people. 

Preferred Education/Experience/Skills/Abilities:

• You are passionate about science and online education.
• You have experience presenting to various audiences and reporting on work progress.
• You have experience planning and tracking work.
• You have experience with diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.
• You have demonstrated capacity in developing partnerships.
• You have a PhD Degree or equivalent with a research background, or you have strong experience in project/program management and have good knowledge of the academic world.
• You have experience with change management.
• You have a positive and solution-oriented mindset.
• You are committed to identifying and responding to the needs of our diverse audiences.
• You have expertise working in formal and/or informal education settings. 
• You have familiarity with agile management styles.

Our preference is for this position to be based in Tucson, Arizona; however, any NOIRLab location (Hilo, Hawai’i; La Serena, Chile) and remote work locations in the US states that AURA operates in: Arizona, California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Maryland, New Mexico, Virginia, Washington, and Washington, D.C. will be considered. 

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The work is mostly carried out in an office environment, long periods of sitting and computer usage may be required. Additionally, occasional work at high elevation summit sites may be required (summit elevations range from 6,800 feet to 14,000 feet). Likewise, given the international nature of NOIRLab some travel may be necessary both domestic and international.

AURA offers an excellent benefits package including paid time off and retirement plan contributions, competitive salary commensurate with experience, and a very attractive work environment.

Details on benefits can be found at https://hr.aura-astronomy.org/employee-benefits-guide/

Preference will be given to qualified internal candidates and qualified Native Americans living on or near the Tohono O'odham reservation.

Please list 3 professional references in your application (references will only be contacted later in the recruitment process) and attach: a cover letter and a CV or resume, PDF files preferred. Please name any attachments with the following format: Lastname Docname. Application documents that are not uploaded as part of the application may be sent to [email protected].

The position will remain open until filled. To be considered in the first round of reviews, please submit your application by February 3, 2023.

COVID-19 Policy Update: AURA has implemented a mandatory vaccination policy that requires all employees to be vaccinated including being up to date on boosters, unless qualified for an exemption based on medical or religious reasons.  All new employees will be required to comply with this policy and will be required to present proof of full vaccination or submit a completed request (including supporting documents, if applicable) for an exemption at least five (5) business days prior to their start of employment.  Individuals who fail to meet this deadline may have their employment start date delayed. 

This is a requirement for all employees working onsite or from home (including hybrid remote work schedule).  Currently the vaccination requirement does not apply to any future AURA employees working in Chile, regardless of their nationality or type of contract.

AURA currently offers a mix-model workspace (office & virtual) and stimulating environments for all. The safety of our staff and community is our top priority. We may interview and screen candidates virtually, and offers of employment can be extended and new hires may onboard virtually. Employees are required to be residents in their base job location within a limited time from their start date.