Job description
Caltech's Astronomy Outreach Center invites passionate professionals to join our team as Astronomy Outreach Coordinator. This role blends science communication, event management, and public engagement to bring the wonders of the cosmos to diverse audiences. You will collaborate with researchers to translate complex astronomical concepts into accessible content, lead star parties and public lectures, and build partnerships with schools, museums, and planetariums. This is a unique opportunity to shape the public narrative around space science while supporting ongoing research at one of the world's leading institutions.
Responsibility
- Develop and implement astronomy outreach programs for the public, students, and media.
- Translate complex astronomical research into accessible content for websites, articles, and social media.
- Plan and execute star parties, telescope nights, lectures, workshops, and school programs.
- Collaborate with researchers to identify engaging topics and create multimedia demonstrations.
- Manage partnerships with local schools, museums, observatories, and planetariums.
- Lead a team of volunteers and interns, and oversee program budgets and scheduling.
- Collect, analyze, and report audience metrics to inform program strategy and impact.
Qualification
- Bachelor's degree in Astronomy, Physics, Science Communication, Education, or a related field; master's preferred.
- 3+ years of experience in science outreach, communications, or education.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills with a proven ability to translate technical content for diverse audiences.
- Experience in event planning, project management, and partnership development.
- Proficiency with digital content tools (CMS, social media, basic graphic design) or willingness to learn.
- Excellent organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple programs and deadlines.
- Flexible schedule to accommodate evening and weekend events; travel as needed.