Education and Engagement Manager - Hawaii

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.

In this position, the successful candidate will serve as NOIRLab’s primary interface with our local host community on Hawai‘i Island. Responsibilities will include the management of some staff and interns, as well as oversight and leadership for programs like the annual Journey through the Universe program and participation in other community events. A deep understanding and appreciation for local Hawai‘i Island issues and concerns is critical to the success of this position, as well as working closely with the Hawai‘i Island and indigenous communities. The successful candidate must be sensitive to issues related to astronomy on Maunakea and be adept at listening to community needs and adapting and developing programs to meet these needs.

The Education & Engagement (E&E) Manager–Hawai‘i will work closely with the NOIRLab E&E Manager to implement local E&E programming that aligns with strategic goals, mission and vision for NOIRLab’s Communications Education and Engagement (CEE) Division. This position will actively participate in strategic planning and be a partner in implementing CEE goals and realizing its vision. It is expected that this position will advance to higher levels of management in the 3-5 year timeframe so proven human and project management skills are required.

Additionally, this position will support broader NOIRLab Education and Engagement initiatives across locations in Arizona and Chile and it is expected that frequent travel will be required.

NOIRLab operates the international Gemini Observatory, Vera C. Rubin Observatory, Kitt Peak National Observatory, the Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory), the US-ELT Program and the Community Science and Data Center (CSDC) in the United States and in Chile. NOIRLab is the US national center for ground-based observational nighttime astronomy, and has sites of operations in Hawai‘i, Arizona, and Chile. NOIRLab launched in October 2019, with about 450 full-time staff and an approximately $80M USD annual budget.

Typical Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic perspectives and leadership in planning, coordination and execution local and indigenous outreach and educational programming as well as virtual programming in Hawai’i Island area such as the flagship Journey through the Universe
• Engage in local community groups, individuals and events to develop and maintain partnerships in the Hawai‘i community, primarily in east Hawai‘i.
• Works with E&E manager to ensure that overall program scope and resources are in balance with our institutional mission and priorities.
• Evaluate existing and potential new programming for educational effectiveness for local target audiences.
• Ensures that processes and workflows are established and in line with the NOIRLab and CEE Values — scientific authenticity, transparency, collaboration, inclusion, creativity, horizontal and efficiency.
• Work actively to harmonize E&E programming across all sites with mutual goals and objectives and facilitate a smooth flow of information with peers in other CEE and NOIRLab teams.
• Monitor the progress of ongoing projects, provide feedback and prioritize and re-prioritize urgent and important tasks with staff.
• Produce reports and presentations for oversight committees and agency requirements
• Coaches, mentors, supports, motivates, develops, and evaluates staff.
• Through personal example, set the highest standards.
• Be NOIRLab’s representative in key Maunakea outreach working groups and strategic committees.
• Lead some public tours of facilities (including summit facilities) ensuring the safety of guests and provide accurate and timely information to visitors to our facilities.

Education and Experience:

• Minimum 4-year degree in education, astronomy or related field
• Minimum of 8+ years’ experience and track record in community relations/engagement with a combination of project, program, and people-staff management skills preferably in astronomy, scientific or another research field.

Other Requirements:

• Knowledge and mastery of modern astronomical concepts, instruments and basic astronomy
• Ability to travel internationally
• Ability to work at altitudes of up to 14,000’
• Clean driving record
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds

 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.

This work is mostly carried out in an office environment. Long periods of sitting may be required.

Given the international nature of AURA’s work, you may need to travel to the various observatory sites (Arizona, Chile, and Hawai’i) and other locations for business purposes.

 AURA offers a mix-model workspace (office & virtual) and stimulating environments for all.

We also offer an excellent benefits package and competitive salary. Highlights:

• Health Benefits – Start first on the month following hire
• Retirement Options:
  • 401(a) Money Purchase Pension Plan / 10% Employer Contribution
  • 403(b) / Your own retirement contribution
• Paid Time Off:
  • Vacation / Accrual of up to 24 days per/yr.
  • Paid Sick Leave / 8 hour per/mo.
  • Holiday Time / 10 days per/yr.

And much more so please explore:

• Our benefits at: https://hr.aura-astronomy.org/employee-benefits-guide/
• All career opportunities through our website at: https://www.aura-astronomy.org/careers/

 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

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

 COVID-19 Policy Update: AURA has implemented a mandatory vaccination policy that requires all employees to be vaccinated including booster shots, 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 (telework or 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, with most staff working virtually from home during the COVID-19 crisis through February 2022. The safety of our staff and community is our top priority. We will continue to interview and screen candidates in this new virtual landscape and offers of employment can be extended and new hires will onboard virtually. Employees are required to be residents in their base job location within a limited time from their start date.

Veterans, disabled individuals, or wounded warriors needing assistance with the employment process should request assistance at [email protected].

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 does 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.