Program Engagement Specialist, IS-1701-09

Smithsonian Institution•Amado, AZ

9d•$62,893 - $81,765•Remote

About The Position

The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) is seeking a Program Engagement Specialist for its STARS program, an initiative focused on delivering telescopes, STEM curricula, and professional development to rural and tribal schools across the U.S. This role is crucial for advancing the mission of the STARS program by leading engagement with K-12 schools, school districts, and teachers in Arizona's rural communities. The position involves on-site technical setup of telescopes, conducting teacher training workshops, leading in-classroom lessons and observing sessions for students, organizing community star parties, and serving as the primary liaison between schools and the STARS program. The specialist will also be responsible for the routine care of an assigned vehicle and astronomical equipment, and for maintaining records and preparing reports.

Requirements

Degree in science education or a related subject-matter field, OR a combination of education and experience equivalent to a major in education or a related field.
One year of full-time experience at the GS-07 level in public engagement event staff, outreach facilitator, or museum explainer roles.
Demonstrated experience with telescope operation.
Proven track record of working with K-12 students and teachers in a classroom or informal education setting.
Must possess a valid driver’s license and maintain a clean driving record.
Must be able to pass a Smithsonian Institution (SI) background check.
Must obtain an Arizona Level One Fingerprint Clearance Card.
Deep knowledge of observational astronomy and the ability to communicate complex concepts to a general audience.
Ability to work independently while "on the road" and manage a demanding travel schedule.
Strong interpersonal skills for building relationships with school administrators, teachers, and STARS team members.
Collaborative mindset with strong ability to work effectively with people from various communities.
Eligible to work in the United States.

Nice To Haves

Two full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a master's or equivalent degree in education or a field related to the position.
Experience working with K-12 education systems.
Specific familiarity with the Celestron NexStar 6SE or similar Schmidt-Cassegrain systems.
Familiarity with communities of practice, professional learning networks, or educator support groups.

Responsibilities

Deliver essential components of the STARS program to schools, including on-site technical setup, teacher professional development, student classroom activities, day observing sessions, and evening community star parties.
Lead the engagement with K-12 schools, school districts, and teachers in Arizona rural communities.
Unbox and calibrate Celestron NexStar 6SE telescopes at K-12 school sites across Arizona, ensuring all hardware and software components are operational.
Transport telescope kits to school sites on occasion.
Conduct hands-on workshops for educators on telescope alignment, GoTo menu navigation, and integrating Smithsonian astronomy instructional material.
Lead in-classroom lessons and facilitate safe solar and daytime lunar observations for students.
Organize and host community "Star Parties," providing guided tours of the night sky.
Serve as the primary liaison between Arizona schools and the STARS program, ensuring participating teachers and schools are well supported.
Responsible for the routine care of the assigned GSA vehicle and all astronomical equipment for events.
Maintain records of school visits, participant demographics, and equipment status.
Prepare post-event reports and assessments.