Visits and Outreach Coordinator

Big Science Sweden; Paranal; Remote; CLP 25,884,383 - 40,552,200; Full time

Job summary

A leading scientific organization is seeking a Visits and Outreach Coordinator based at the Paranal Observatory in Antofagasta, Chile. In this role, you will coordinate visits and outreach activities, ensuring a high-quality experience for all visitors. Key responsibilities include organizing school visits, managing the Visitor Centre, and representing the organization during strategic events. The ideal candidate will have strong coordination skills, experience in public engagement, and the ability to work within an international team. This position offers a unique opportunity to engage with the public and contribute to science communication.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in coordinating events, visits or outreach activities.
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Ability to work in multidisciplinary teams and in an international context.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate public and school visits to Paranal Observatory.
• Organise and train tour guides and volunteers.
• Supervise Paranal Observatory Visitor Centre operations.
• Coordinate internal, media, and strategic visits.
• Support outreach and educational events in the Antofagasta region.
• Act as a liaison between communication and operational departments.

Skills

Coordination

Public speaking

Event organization

Education

Degree in Communication, Public Relations or related field

Job description

The successful candidate will join ESO's Department of Communication and will be based primarily at Paranal Observatory, with regular interaction with teams in Santiago and Europe. As Visits and Outreach Coordinator you will coordinate visits and outreach activities at the Paranal Observatory and Armazones sites. In this role, you will be at the intersection of science, operations and public engagement - ensuring that every visit reflects the excellence of ESO's facilities, the ambition of its mission and the human story behind modern astronomy.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

• Coordinate public and school visits to Paranal Observatory and oversee weekend tours when on site.
• Organise, train and coordinate tour guides, volunteers and contractors involved in the delivery of ESO' visitor programmes.
• Supervise the day to day operation of the Paranal Observatory Visitor Centre, ensuring a high quality visitor experience and the correct functioning of the facilities; identify needs for improvements and coordinate with relevant technical and operational teams.
• Coordinate and host internal, media and strategic visits to the Paranal and Armazones sites, representing different ESO departments.
• Present ESO and act as a spokesperson on site, clearly explaining ESO's mission, facilities and scientific activities to external visitors and delegations.
• Attend and support outreach, educational and strategic events in the Antofagasta region and occasionally at Coquimbo region.
• Support the organisation of special events at Paranal Observatory, such as ground breaking ceremonies, inaugurations of new facilities or similar high profile occasions.
• Act as a liaison between the Department of Communication, the ESO Representative in Chile and Paranal Observatory, ensuring timely flow of information for internal and external communication purposes.
• Occasionally produce photo and video content at Paranal and Armazones for ESO communication channels, including documentation of ELT construction milestones, official events, high level visits and short video statements for social media.