Director, Planetarium

Texas A&M University; Laredo (TX); On-site; USD 85,500 - 104,500; Full time

Job summary

Texas A&M University is seeking a Director for the Planetarium in Laredo, Texas. The role involves planning, coordinating, and administering activities and operations of the planetarium. Key responsibilities include managing technology, hiring and supervising staff, and financial oversight.

The ideal candidate possesses a Bachelor’s degree in science education and/or STEM education, along with five years of teaching experience and supervisory experience. This position may require evening and weekend work along with travel.

Qualifications

• Five years as a middle school and/or high school science teacher.
• Two years of supervisory experiences.
• Prior planetarium and/or immersive theater experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate, promote, and administer all activities of the TAMIU planetarium.
• Hire, train, evaluate, and supervise planetarium staff.
• Manage the budget and maintain fiscal control of accounts.

Skills

Knowledge of Word processing

Effective communication

Ability to multitask

Education

Bachelor’s degree in science education and/or STEM education

Master’s degree in related field

Job description

Job Title

Director, Planetarium

Location

Laredo, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Salary

Proposed Minimum Salary: $7,916.67 monthly ($95,000 annually)

Job Summary

The Director of the Planetarium, under the general supervision of the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, is responsible for planning, coordinating, promoting, and administering all activities and operations of the TAMIU planetarium.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Responsible for all technology related matters and issues in the planetarium (i.e., compliance, installation, modification, operation, and maintenance of all audio systems, projection equipment, hardware, software).
• Acquire and/or develop and supervise production of new shows (arts, science, engineering, music, etc.).
• Hire, train, evaluate, and supervise planetarium staff, including supervising their work schedules.
• Manage the budget and maintain fiscal control of accounts as well as handle cash receipts according to university business policies and procedures.
• Responsible for working with the Office for Institutional Advancement and the Office of Research and Sponsored Projects to identify and secure additional sources of financial support for the planetarium (i.e., grant writing, donation campaigns, and fund-raising activities).
• Teach or assist in the teaching of classes and/or labs as qualified, as credentialed, and as assigned.
• This document represents the major duties, responsibilities, and authorities of this job, and is not intended to be a complete list of all tasks and functions.
• Other duties may be assigned.

Minimum Requirements

• Education – Bachelor’s degree in science education and/or STEM education.
• Experience – Five years as a middle school and/or high school science teacher.
• Supervisory Experience – Two years of supervisory experiences.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Preferred Education and Experience

• Prior planetarium and/or immersive theater experience.
• Background in observational astronomy.
• Master’s degree in science education, STEM education, information systems, astronomy, electrical/computer engineering, or digital arts.
• Expertise in digital technology including audio visual media and computer systems.

Knowledge and Abilities

• Knowledge of Word processing, spreadsheet, database, and presentation software.
• Multitask and work cooperatively with others.
• Communicate effectively (oral, written, and digital).

Preferred Knowledge and Abilities

• Interact effectively and professionally with the general public, administration, faculty and staff.
• Maintain effective working relations with the community and local media.
• Plan, prioritize, and coordinate projects and schedules.
• Use all resources available in the TAMIU planetarium (i.e., hardware, software) to create and develop planetarium shows and presentations.
• Prepare budget and maintain fiscal control of accounts as well as handle cash receipts according to university business policies and procedures.

Licensing / Professional Certification

None

Physical Requirements

General office environment.

Supervision of Others

This position generally supervises employees and work studies.

Other Requirements

Evening and weekend work may be required.

Position may require travel (local, in state, or out of state).

Position requires on campus, face-to-face interactions.

Position requires maintaining a regular schedule of attendance on campus and in the workplace.

The Texas A&M University System is an Equal Opportunity, Veterans and Disability Employer.