Sr. Outreach Program Coordinator, McDonald Observatory

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Job Details:

The Senior Education Program Coordinator supports the McDonald Observatory Frank N. Bash Visitors Center by developing and delivering astronomy education programs for K-12 students and educators, college groups, the public, and community audiences. This role plays a vital part in creating innovative, standards-aligned programming and implementing high-quality, hands-on learning experiences both onsite and in the field.This position is located at the McDonald Observatory, 16 miles from Fort Davis, Texas, and 440 miles from the University of Texas at Austin campus.The Frank Bash Visitors Center is openTuesday through Saturday.

Supports and advances the education and public outreach mission of The University of Texas at Austin's McDonald Observatory. Coordinates K-12 education and outreach programs and partnerships, engages and excites visitors about astronomy, and contributes to the overall success of the Frank N. Bash Visitors Center.

1. Develop, coordinate, administer, and evaluate education and outreach programs for McDonald Observatory. Ensure that program goals are achieved, participants are served, and program results are documented and shared.

• Develop program standards, materials, content, and practices that fulfill the needs of participants and support department goals. Recommend new policies and procedures to enhance program activities.

• Oversee the financial management of all program activities. Solicit bids and coordinate purchasing for products and services as needed. Develop or help develop program budgets. May assist with grant writing or seek grant proposals.

• Market activities involved in assigned programs or projects, including marketing assessments for the assigned area. Develop and implement strategies to increase participation in education programs.

• Facilitate programs for K-12 students and teachers, along with outreach events and activities for learners of all ages. Lead in-person programs in front of an audience or virtual programs in front of a camera.

• Travel locally and overnight within or outside the state to attend and facilitate professional development seminars.

2. Conduct daytime and evening programs for the public and special groups. Participate in a cross-functional team and work cooperatively with staff members to complete projects. Drive a UT vehicle.

3. Hire, train, and supervise direct reports to deliver high-quality programs and activities aligned with the mission of McDonald Observatory. Coordinate staff training and development related to education programs.

4. Maintain professional interactions with university departments, special groups, and external agencies. Build and sustain relationships with community partners. Collaborate with organizations and agencies.

5. Perform related duties as assigned. Work on special projects as assigned.

• Bachelor's degree in Astronomy, Space Science, Education, or a closely related field.

• Three to five years of recent experience in developing and implementing formal or informal education or environmental interpretation programs.

• Experience in developing and implementing astronomy education programs.

• Knowledge of astronomy and related classroom educational standards.

• Prior experience operating telescopes and conducting viewing activities.

• Competencies for this position include conflict management, decision-making, critical thinking, effective communication, tactical and strategic planning, relationship management, problem-solving, and service excellence.

• Master's degree in Astronomy, Space Science, Education, or a closely related field.

This job requires a class "C" operator's driver's license. The applicant selected must provide a current three-year driving record from the current state of residence. If not currently a Texas resident, a Texas driver's license must be obtained within 30 days of becoming a Texas resident.

$50,000 + depending on qualifications and experience

• May work in all weather conditions and extreme conditions, including working outside at night and in seasonal weather conditions such as wind, cold, heat, and rain

• Work in low lighting conditions assisting guests in looking through telescopes

• Use of standard office conditions and repetitive use of a keyboard at a workstation

• Work may vary in the physical effort required from light to moderately heavy

• May work around mechanical hazards

• Use of manual dexterity

• Climbing of stairs and/or ladders, and working at heights

• Lifting and moving 20+ lbs.

• McDonald Observatory is approximately 6900 ft. above sea level; environmental conditions can be unpredictable; temperatures can range from -10F and +95F. Inclement winter weather can be expected, which requires comfortable driving in wintry conditions on mountain grades

• The Visitors Center is open year-round, Tuesday through Saturday

• Hours vary and include weekends, evenings, and some holidays

• Extended work hours may be required. Occasional travel may be required

• Letter of interest

• Resume

• List of three (3) professional references

Importantfor applicants who are NOT current university employees or contingent workers:You will be prompted to submit your resume the first time you apply, then you will be provided an option to upload a new Resume for subsequent applications. Any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) will be uploaded in the Application Questions section; you can multi-select additional files. Before submitting your online job application, ensure thatALLRequired Materials have been uploaded. Once your job application has been submitted, you cannot make changes.

Important for Current university employees and contingent workers:As a current university employee or contingent worker, you MUST apply within Workday by searching for Find UT Jobs. If you are a current University employee, log in to Workday, navigate to your Worker Profile, click the Career link in the left-hand navigation menu and then update the sections in your Professional Profile before you apply. This information will be pulled into your application. The application is one page and you will be prompted to upload your resume. In addition, you must respond to the application questionspresented to upload any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) noted above.

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Employment Eligibility:

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Retirement Plan Eligibility:

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Background Checks:

A criminal history background check will be required for finalist(s) under consideration for this position.

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Equal Opportunity Employer:

The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer,complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.

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Pay Transparency:

The University of Texas at Austin will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information.

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Employment Eligibility Verification:

If hired, you will be required to complete the federal Employment Eligibility Verification I-9 form. You will be required to present acceptable and original documents to prove your identity and authorization to work in the United States. Documents need to be presented no later than the third day of employment. Failure to do so will result in loss of employment at the university.

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E-Verify:

The University of Texas at Austin use E-Verify to check the work authorization of all new hires effective May 2015. The university's company ID number for purposes of E-Verify is 854197. For more information about E-Verify, please see the following:

• E-Verify Poster (English and Spanish) [PDF]
• Right to Work Poster (English) [PDF]
• Right to Work Poster (Spanish) [PDF]

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Compliance:

Employees may be required to report violations of law under Title IX and the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act). If this position is identified a Campus Security Authority (Clery Act), you will be notified and provided resources for reporting. Responsible employees under Title IX are defined and outlined in HOP-3031.

The Clery Act requires all prospective employees be notified of the availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety report. You may access the most recent report here or obtain a copy at University Compliance Services, 1616 Guadalupe Street, UTA 2.206, Austin, Texas 78701.