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 position is responsible for all technology related matters and issues in the planetarium, including compliance, installation, modification, operation, and maintenance of all audio systems, projection equipment, hardware, and software. The Director will acquire and/or develop and supervise the production of new shows in various fields such as arts, science, engineering, and music. They will also hire, train, evaluate, and supervise planetarium staff, including managing their work schedules. Budget management, fiscal control of accounts, and handling cash receipts according to university business policies and procedures are key responsibilities. Additionally, the Director will collaborate with the Office for Institutional Advancement and the Office of Research and Sponsored Projects to secure financial support through grant writing, donation campaigns, and fund-raising activities. There is also an opportunity to teach or assist in teaching classes and/or labs as qualified, credentialed, and assigned. This document outlines the major duties, responsibilities, and authorities of this job, but is not intended to be a complete list of all tasks and functions. Other duties may be assigned.

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

Responsibilities

Planning, coordinating, promoting, and administering all activities and operations of the TAMIU planetarium.
Managing 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).
Acquiring and/or developing and supervising production of new shows (arts, science, engineering, music, etc.).
Hiring, training, evaluating, and supervising planetarium staff, including supervising their work schedules.
Managing the budget and maintaining fiscal control of accounts as well as handling cash receipts according to university business policies and procedures.
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).
Teaching or assisting in the teaching of classes and/or labs as qualified, as credentialed, and as assigned.
Supervising employees and work studies.