Lead, Education Programs (Steward Observatory)

University of Arizona; Tucson (AZ); Hybrid; USD 53,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Life insurance and disability programs

Paid vacation, sick leave, and HOLIDAS

Tuition reduction for employee and...

Retirement plans

UA recreation and cultural activities

Job summary

University of Arizona's Steward Observatory seeks a Lead for Education Programs to coordinate Sky School science outreach at Tucson sites. The role guides program design, logistics, and on-site delivery, supporting instructional staff and operations to ensure safe, high-quality experiences for K-12 participants.

The position requires a Bachelor's in education or sciences, 5+ years' experience, and may offer hybrid work; some nights/weekends and Mt. Lemmon overnight stays may be needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in education, natural science, space science, or a related field, or equivalent advanced learning attained through professional level experience.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.

Responsibilities

• Oversees the design, rollout, and evaluation of instructional content to meet Sky School program objectives.
• Develops data-driven instructional strategies and collects feedback via surveys or interviews with participants and staff.
• Leads logistical aspects of programs, including scheduling, catering, supplies, and permits; troubleshoots issues as needed.
• Serves as primary contact for schools, teachers, vendors, and partners during planning and implementation.
• Prepares and catalogs program documentation such as itineraries, invoices, and participant paperwork.
• Oversees on-site program delivery with the instructional team to ensure quality experiences.
• Manages schedules, materials, and staff needs during programs.
• Works with financial staff on purchasing, reimbursements, and payments; tracks expenses.

Skills

Program design

Coordination

Event planning

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree (preferred)

Job description

Lead, Education Programs (Steward Observatory)

Location: Tucson Campus, Tucson, AZ USA

The University of Arizona's Steward Observatory invites you to apply to the role of Lead, Education Programs. The University of Arizona Sky School provides science outreach programs for K-12 students delivered at field sites in Tucson and the Catalina Mountains, including multi-day programs hosted at the Mt. Lemmon SkyCenter Observatory. Programs are instructed by a team of science graduate students, who mentor participants as they learn about the unique Sky Island ecology and astronomy using authentic, hands-on scientific tools and methods. The Sky School strives to merge a wide variety of science and engineering disciplines to foster a deeper understanding of our earth, while building an appreciation for our sense of place.

The Education Programs Lead provides comprehensive coordination in the design, planning, and delivery of UA Sky School's science outreach programs within Steward Observatory. This role is responsible for leading all aspects of program design, coordination, logistics, and the management of on-site program delivery, supporting the instructional team and assisting with administrative operations to ensure high quality, safe, and efficient programs.

• This position includes occasional nights and weekends work.
• Overnight stays on Mt. Lemmon may be required as needed.
• Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
• This position may be eligible for a hybrid work assignment in conversation with the supervisor

Outstanding UA benefits include:

• health, dental, and vision insurance plans
• life insurance and disability programs
• paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• UA/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for employee and qualified family members
• retirement plans
• access to UA recreation and cultural activities
• and more!

For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocations services.

Duties & Responsibilities

Program Design, Coordination, and Evaluation

• Oversees the strategic creation, rollout, and evaluation of instructional content to meet Sky School program objectives.
• Develops data-driven instructional strategies to align with evolving program needs and requirements. Efforts to collect this data may include, but is not limited to, the creation of surveys or conducting interviews with participants, staff, and other stakeholders, meeting regularly with the Sky School Director to present, discuss, and strategize future plans for based on those findings.
• Leads all logistical aspects of the Sky School's programs, including the design, planning, scheduling, catering, supplies, and permits, and is charged with troubleshooting issues as they come up.
• Serves as the primary point of contact for schools, teachers, vendors, and partners during program planning and implementation.
• Prepares and catalogs program documentation such as itineraries, invoices, agreement forms, and participant paperwork.

Program Delivery and On-Site Operations

• Oversees on-site program delivery with the instructional team, ensuring quality participant experiences and smooth daily operations.
• Provides real-time problem solving and coordination during programs, including managing schedules, materials, and staff needs.

Administrative and Financial Operations

• Works closely with Steward Observatory financial staff to process purchasing, reimbursements, and payments (e.g., catering, stipends, supplies) in accordance with university policies.
• Tracks program expenses and supports budget monitoring and financial reporting.

Marketing and Recruitment

• Assists with development and distribution of promotional materials, including maintaining the Sky School website and social media accounts to increase program visibility.
• Conducts outreach to prospective schools and partners to support recruitment and enrollment.
• Represents Sky School at virtual and in-person recruitment events, school visits, and community engagement opportunities.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of program creation, coordination, event planning, and logistics management.
• Knowledge of K-12 education or informal science education environments.
• Skill in organization and project coordination with attention to detail.
• Skill in writing and verbal communication across various audiences.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities in a fast-paced environment.

This job posting reflects the general nature and level of work expected of the selected candidate(s). It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The institution reserves the right to amend or update this description as organizational priorities and institutional needs evolve.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in education, natural science, space science, or a related field, or equivalent advanced learning attained through professional level experience.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in education, natural science, space science, or closely related field.
• Demonstrated experience in K-12 science and/or outdoor education.
• Demonstrated experience leading groups in outdoor and/or experiential education settings.
• Previous experience using a variety of teaching methods and/or curricular perspectives to respond to the needs of students.
• Experience with local landscapes and general knowledge of natural science topics of the Sky Islands.

FLSA

Exempt

Full Time/Part Time

Full Time

Number of Hours Worked per Week

40

Job FTE

1.0

Work Calendar

Fiscal

Job Category

Outreach and Community Engagement

Benefits Eligible

Yes - Full Benefits

Rate of Pay

$53,039-$66,299

Compensation Type

salary at 1.0 full-time equivalency (FTE)

Grade

7

Compensation Guidance

The Rate of Pay Field represents the University of Arizona's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. The University considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, and internal equity. The Grade Range represent a full range of career compensation growth over time. The university offers compensation growth opportunities within its career architecture. To learn more about compensation, please review our Applicant Compensation Guide and our Total Rewards Calculator.

Career Stream and Level

PC3

Job Family

Outreach Education

Job Function

Outreach & Community Engage

Type of criminal background check required

Name-based criminal background check (non-security sensitive)

Number of Vacancies

1

Contact Information for Candidates

David Austin
Associate Director
[e-mail]

Open Date

11/2/2026

Open Until Filled

Yes

Documents Needed to Apply

Resume and Cover Letter

Notice of Availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report

In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act (Clery Act), each year the University of Arizona releases an Annual Security Report (ASR) for each of the University's campuses.Thesereports disclose information including Clery crime statistics for the previous three calendar years and policies, procedures, and programs the University uses to keep students and employees safe, including how to report crimes or other emergencies and resources for crime victims. As a campus with residential housing facilities, the Main Campus ASR also includes a combined Annual Fire Safety report with information on fire statistics and fire safety systems, policies, and procedures. Paper copies of the Reports can be obtained by contacting the University Compliance Office at [e-mail].