Planetarium Manager

Texas A&M University System; Commerce (TX); On-site; USD 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

East Texas A&M University in Commerce, Texas, seeks a Planetarium Manager to lead day-to-day operations, develop educational programming, and supervise student staff. You will support observatory operations and outreach, coordinating planetarium shows and related educational activities for university and community audiences.

The role requires strong technical know-how, program development, and the ability to manage budgets and events.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree in astronomy, physics, science education, instructional technology, or a closely related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Equivalency options include: high school diploma with 9 years of related experience; associate degree with 7 years; master's degree.

Responsibilities

• Manage daily operations of the planetarium, ensuring effective delivery of educational, public, and special event programming.
• Produce, schedule, coordinate, and present planetarium shows and related educational programs for university, K-12, and community audiences.
• Write, develop, and direct original and packaged planetarium presentations and digital content.
• Assist with the operation and maintenance of the observatory, including support of public observing events and astronomy outreach activities.
• Provide technical support in the installation, operation, troubleshooting, and maintenance of planetarium, observatory, audiovisual, computer, and related equipment.
• Perform preventative maintenance and basic repair of projection, lighting, sound, computer, and other specialized instructional technologies.
• Develop and distribute publicity, marketing, and promotional materials for planetarium and observatory programs and events.
• Coordinate event scheduling and maintains operational records, attendance data, budgets, inventories, and related reports.
• Assist with budget tracking, account reconciliation, purchasing, and other administrative functions supporting planetarium operations.
• Oversee outreach, public relations, and community engagement activities that promote astronomy education and awareness.
• Hires, trains, schedules, supervises, and evaluates student employees and student assistants supporting planetarium operations.
• Assist the Planetarium Director with strategic planning, program development, and implementation of departmental goals and initiatives.
• Represents the planetarium and observatory at educational events, conferences, workshops, and community functions.

Education

Bachelor's degree in astronomy, physics, science education, instructional technology, or a closely related field

Master's degree

Associate's degree and seven (7) years of related experience

High school diploma and nine (9) years of related experience

Job description

Job Title

Planetarium Manager

Agency

East Texas A&M University

Department

Planetarium

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

Commerce, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Summary

Under general direction, manages the day-to-day operations of the planetarium and assists with observatory operations. Develops, schedules, and presents educational programming; supports public outreach initiatives; maintains specialized planetarium and observatory equipment; oversees administrative functions; and supervises student employees. Assists the Planetarium Director in planning, coordinating, and implementing planetarium and observatory programs that support the educational, outreach, and service missions of the university.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Manages daily operations of the planetarium, ensuring effective delivery of educational, public, and special event programming.
• Produces, schedules, coordinates, and presents planetarium shows and related educational programs for university, K-12, and community audiences.
• Writes, develops, and directs original and packaged planetarium presentations and digital content.
• Assists with the operation and maintenance of the observatory, including support of public observing events and astronomy outreach activities.
• Provides technical support in the installation, operation, troubleshooting, and maintenance of planetarium, observatory, audiovisual, computer, and related equipment.
• Performs preventative maintenance and basic repair of projection, lighting, sound, computer, and other specialized instructional technologies.
• Develops and distributes publicity, marketing, and promotional materials for planetarium and observatory programs and events.
• Coordinates event scheduling and maintains operational records, attendance data, budgets, inventories, and related reports.
• Assists with budget tracking, account reconciliation, purchasing, and other administrative functions supporting planetarium operations.
• Oversees outreach, public relations, and community engagement activities that promote astronomy education and awareness.
• Hires, trains, schedules, supervises, and evaluates student employees and student assistants supporting planetarium operations.
• Assists the Planetarium Director with strategic planning, program development, and implementation of departmental goals and initiatives.
• Represents the planetarium and observatory at educational events, conferences, workshops, and community functions.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements

• Education: Bachelor's degree in astronomy, physics, science education, instructional technology, or a closely related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience, which includes:
  • o High school diploma and nine (9) years of related experience.
  • o Associate's degree and seven (7) years of related experience.
  • o Master's degree