Director, Planetarium

Texas A&M University System • Laredo, TX

2d • Onsite

About The Position

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. This role involves managing all technology, developing new shows, supervising staff, managing the budget, securing financial support, and potentially teaching classes. The position requires a Bachelor's degree in science or STEM education with five years of teaching experience and two years of supervisory experience. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered. The Director will generally supervise employees and work studies. Evening and weekend work may be required, as well as potential travel. This position requires on-campus, face-to-face interactions and maintaining a regular schedule of attendance.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in science education and/or STEM education.
• Five years as a middle school and/or high school science teacher.
• Two years of supervisory experiences.
• Knowledge of Word processing, spreadsheet, database, and presentation software.
• Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others.
• Ability to communicate effectively (oral, written, and digital).

Nice To Haves

• 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.
• 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.

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.
• Supervise employees and work studies.

Benefits

• The Texas A&M University System is committed to providing an educational and work environment that is conducive to the personal and professional development of each employee.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director