Education Specialist

TPosition Description:Position SummaryThe National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) is a prestigious research and development organization that plays a vital role in the study of the universe. Associated Universities Inc. (AUI) is a nonprofit organization that manages and operates the NRAO under a cooperative agreement with the National Science Foundation. The Observatory is a hub for technological and scientific collaboration operating state-of-the-art radio telescope facilities for use by the international scientific community. The Observatory has been instrumental in the study of black holes galaxies and the early NRAO we are recruiting for a full-time Education Specialist on the STEAM Education team within the Education and Public Outreach (EPO) division at our offices in Socorro New Mexico. The Education Specialist will assist in designing creating implementing and executing formal and informal education programs for K-12 students and teachers and other K-12 focused STEM groups. Subject matter will include a broad range of subjects related to radio astronomy to be presented online and/or in person. The Education Specialist will also work with and support the greater EPO team STEAM Education team is split between NRAOs Charlottesville Virginia Green Bank West Virginia and Socorro New Mexico locations and is led by the Education Program Manager. The Supervisory Education Specialist and this Education Specialist are based in New Mexico along with two part-time tour guides. An initial remote work arrangement may be possible but the successful candidates duty station will be Socorro New Mexico by the start of the 2027 calendar year. The Education SpecialistLeads the formal and informal education and visitor center programs conducted in New Mexico and throughout the Observatory. Manages the establishment of education goals and strategies and implements tactics to achieve with the Observatory EPO mission and vision and strategic education goals. Collaborates with EPO staff and others to fund new initiatives and assess the effectiveness of the Observatory wide formal and informal education programWhat You Will be Doing:Reporting to the Supervisory Education Specialist and working with the Education Program Manager the ideal candidate for this position will be responsible for but not limited to:Developing and implementing formal education informal education and professional development programs related to astronomy radio astronomy and the NRAO for K-12 teachers and students Identifying K-12 STEM/STEAM stakeholders and organizations at the city- (Socorro) and state- (New Mexico) levels and working to establish ongoing relationships understanding their needs and proposing how NRAO EPO/STEAM Ed can be of and coordinating EPO Events such as Open Houses Science Fairs and exhibition booths with hands-on activities at local and state STEM events (when applicable).Working with EPO Public Information Group and actively contributing to EPO short and long-term planning program development and evaluation metrics and feedback to measure programs and presentations for the students educators and the queries from EnvironmentWork is typically performed in an educational research or development environment. Often works at high altitudes. Occasional domestic travel is required. Requires occasional evening weekend and outdoor events. Must be able to work a varied flexible work You Are:EducationBachelors degree in astronomy physical science education or a related field is required. Enthusiasm for astronomy education is of classroom teaching experience (middle or high school) in physics astronomy or related facilitating research experiences in the classroom (posing a research question collection of data data analysis and reporting on results) with actual data sets and CompetenciesStrong ability to work in a collaborative team-based environment with both remote and non-remote self-starter who is comfortable operating with some autonomy while maintaining the ability to drive a shared vision mission goals and objectives;Flexible and adaptable with the proven ability to maintain successful outcomes in changing to travel if knowledge of social media multimedia applications and office software such as MS Office. Experience with organization/productivity tools such as Trello Slack and Google Drive preferred. Active learner with a desire to learn and grow through this opportunityHigh level of competency in Microsoft software products and web-based systems and interpersonal skills with the proven ability to establish and maintain working relationships with a wide range of people and personality verbal and written communication skills including public speaking; and the ability to communicate comfortably and effectively with scientists the public educators students senior managers and the mediaAdditional RequirementThe selected candidate must successfully pass a post-offer pre-employment background check which includes both credit history and criminal as a condition of have a drivers license and access to reliable be able to lift 25 pounds and be on your feet for extended periods of employees must be authorized to work in the United States. The Observatory presently cannot sponsor H-1B Visas for this Rewards:CompensationThe starting salary of this position is between $52000 and $61000. Factors which may affect starting pay may include; education experience skills competencies other qualifications of the successful candidate as well as internal equity and labor market :Associated Universities Inc (AUI) offers a comprehensive benefits package addressing the needs of employees and their families with most benefits beginning on the first day of employment subject to eligibility requirements. AUI provides:Excellent paid time off (13 holidays annual accrual of up to 24 vacation days)Medical dental and vision plans are effective on the first day of retirement benefit contributes an amount equal to 10 percent of a qualified participants base pay with no required employee Total Rewards for more Instructions:Select the Apply button above. Please be prepared to upload your current CV/Resume and a cover letter describing interest and suitability for the Opportunity Employer Statement:AUI is an equal opportunity employer. To view our complete statement please visit If you require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process you may submit your request by sending an email to PM20