Job Posting – Outreach Coordinator at the David Dunlap Observatory
Please note this is a PAID position.
The Royal Astronomical Society of Canada (RASC) is a national charity with a mandate to promote astronomy and engage Canadians in observing the sky to learn more about the stars, planets, and universe around us. Primarily volunteer-driven, the organization has 28 centres across major cities in the country and organizes several public activities including star parties, lecture series, and night sky viewing training and techniques. Since 2018, the Toronto Centre has been an official program partner with the City of Richmond Hill hosting the general public at weekend astronomy events and providing visitors a firsthand experience viewing the 74" telescope located on site (largest in Canada).
The Outreach Coordinator will be responsible for all day-to-day functions of astronomy programming hosted by RASC-TC, whether on-site or virtual. The coordinator will report to the subcommittee in charge of outreach activities at the observatory. Based at the centre's DDO office in Richmond Hill, though currently remote, the position will be effective December 1, 2021; maximum 8 hours per week with event coordination on some evenings and weekends. The position may require longer hours (up to 20 hours per week) when the regular in-person peak season resumes (May-October). The applicant must be hardworking, proactive, passionate, and love doing outreach.
Duties and Responsibilities:
• Facilitate astronomy events on site and virtually with visitors
• Coordinate the promotion of astronomy events
• Coordinate with centre volunteers on roles and schedules
• Update and maintain volunteer records, inventory of supplies
• Develop and maintain partnerships with the local astronomy community and the City of Richmond Hill to achieve program goals
• Monitor and evaluate the impact/effectiveness of programs on site
• Conduct inventory of RASC outreach resources
• Other duties as required
Qualifications:
• Experience in developing and delivering public outreach in formal or informal settings is required
• Background in or knowledge of astronomy and similar physical sciences is preferred
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Able to motivate and work with volunteers
• Accurate and detailed record keeping
• Active RASC membership is an asset
• Multimedia skills are an asset
Please submit a cover letter and resume by October 31, 2021: ddo@rascto.ca