Director, Planetarium

Texas A&M University System; Laredo (TX); On-site; USD 81,000 - 109,000; Full time

Job summary

Prairie View A&M University seeks a Director of the Planetarium to oversee all operations, including shows, technology, staff, and budgeting. Reporting to the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, the role involves coordinating educational programs and external fundraising efforts.

The candidate will teach or assist in classes as qualified, with prior planetarium or immersive theater experience preferred. Evening/weekend work may be required and travel could be involved.

Qualifications

• Five years as a middle school and/or high school science teacher.
• Two years of supervisory experience.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate, promote, and administer all activities and operations of the planetarium.
• Oversee technology-related matters: audio/visual, projection equipment, hardware and software.
• Acquire and supervise production of new shows across arts, science, engineering, and music.
• Hire, train, evaluate, and supervise planetarium staff and schedules.
• Manage the budget and maintain fiscal control, including cash receipts.
• Collaborate with offices to secure additional funding through grants and donations.
• Teach or assist in teaching classes or labs as qualified.

Skills

Word processing

Spreadsheet

Database

Presentation software

Education

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

Job description

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.

Mange 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.

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.

Ability to:

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.

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 accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

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.

Salary: $95,000/annually

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.

Prairie View A&M University is a prestigious public historically black land-grant university in Texas, established in 1876, and known for its commitment to education and research.