Job Posting – Outreach Coordinator at the David Dunlap Observatory

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 first hand experience viewing the 74” telescope located on site (largest in Canada).

This posting of Outreach Coordinator is a new position and the person hired will be responsible for all day-to-day functions of RASC-TC hosted astronomy programming on site. 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 January 25, 2021; maximum 8 hours per week with event coordination on evenings and weekends. The position may require longer hours (up to 20 hours per week) when 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 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 impact/effectiveness of programs on site

● Conduct inventory of RASC outreach resources

● Other duties as required

Necessary qualifications are listed below.

Qualifications:

● Background or knowledge of astronomy and similar physical sciences strongly preferred

● Experience in developing and delivering public outreach in formal or informal settings is beneficial

● 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 resume by January 4, 2021 to: ddo@rascto.ca