Planetarium Manager

In collaboration with the Planetarium Director and the Planetarium Specialist, the Planetarium Manager will manage program development and delivery for Earth & space science content at the Lawrence Hall of Science. 

Uses skills as a seasoned, experienced public educational program professional to resolve a wide range of educational program issues and needs assessments. Develops new public educational programs, and works on complex public educational programs of diverse scope. Demonstrates good judgment in selecting methods and techniques for delivering programs and space science assets. Receives general instructions and exercises judgment in selecting methods and techniques for course and instructional improvement. Fully knowledgeable in course subject matter and program.

This position will manage and assist the development and evaluation of new program projects for planetarium domes, Science on a Sphere, and other educational settings on an ongoing and seasonal basis. 

The position will also manage the delivery of new and existing Earth & space science programs throughout the science center. The incumbent will develop and implement training for facilitators of Earth & space science programming. 

Collaborating across the institution, this position will ensure the operational excellence of Planetarium offerings.

• Develop operational procedures and policies to support existing and new programming, including oversight of project management and schedule using project management software for projects in the planetarium, science on a sphere, special events, or other digital media.
• Directly supervise planetarium specialist, and work in collaboration with the facilitation team to identify planetarium presenter needs, and develop training, mentorship, and support resources for facilitators.
• Develop training plans and maintain quality assurance in collaboration with Planetarium director.
• Act as a back-up program presenter and back-up senior manager, especially during times of peak visitation.
• Monitor the physical condition of the planetarium building and furnishings, and collaborate with the facilities team to ensure safety, quality of visitor experience and make recommendations for improvements.
• Collaborate with the marketing team to promote and communicate about our programming with members and the at large community. Ensure all program offerings are accurately communicated through marketing and on-site communication efforts in collaboration with the visitor services team.
• Provide project management for all programs developed for the planetarium, science on a sphere and other educational programs, including oversight of timelines and milestones.
• Manage the development of new experiences under the leadership of the director by writing and/or revising program scripts/activity guides and software coding in digital media systems.
• Liaise with external contractors and services as needed to ensure programs are developed on time, on scope and on budget. Maintain and steward relationships with existing program development partners.
• Collaborate with partners to conduct audience needs assessments and evaluate new planetarium programming: demonstrating new programs internally, reviewing and compiling public and staff feedback, preparing reports for internal meetings.
• Develop a plan to improve accessibility for all programming.
• Professional development and Other duties as assigned.

• Time management skills and ability to meet deadlines, and prioritize deliverables 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills 
• Excellent public speaking and presentation skills. 
• Ability to work effectively as part of an interdisciplinary team. 
• Skill in using business software systems in the completion of work assignments; i.e. Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint.
• Learn new technology as needed; in some cases, lead the institution into identifying and adopting new technology and equipment.
• Express educational technology goals relating to the Planetarium with imaginative application of multimedia and technologies to support the curriculum. 
• Foster a culture of trust, collaboration, mutual respect, and teamwork within the Public Engagement group as well as cross-departmentally throughout the institution. 
• Ability to give and receive feedback on operations and program development.
• Devotion to rigorously accurate science. 
• Expert knowledge on methods for engaging learners in planetariums, science on a sphere, and other related programs.
• Strong understanding and sensitivity to, and respect for the diverse academic, socioeconomic, ethnic, religious, and cultural backgrounds of visitors.
• Ability to anticipate guest needs and solve guest issues with a positive, courteous, and professional attitude.

Education and Training 

• Bachelor’s degree in Astronomy or related field AND five years of planetarium management experience and supervision experience; OR, Any equivalent combination of experience and/or education from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been achieved.
• Continuing education in related field required.

• Excellent program management skills and effectively use chosen business and document management systems, currently the Google G Suite, Monday.com, and Zoom. 
• Ability to understand, read and analyze attendance and financial records using spreadsheets.
• Operate the Planetarium’s software at advanced user level.
• English-Spanish bilingual an asset.

Licenses and Certifications 

• First Aid, CPR certification desirable and/or willingness to be certified.

The First Review Date for this job is: March 7, 2024. For full consideration please submit application materials by March 14, 2024. The department will review applications on a rolling basis. The job will remain open until filled.