Description

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock (UA Little Rock) invites applications for the position of Program Manager for the new Shellam Flake Planetarium – R0088142. This is an exciting opportunity to help build one of Arkansas's premier centers for astronomy education, immersive science experiences, and public engagement. The ideal candidate will be an enthusiastic science communicator with a passion for astronomy education and public engagement. As a key member of the University's innovative Science Triangle initiative—which integrates the Shellam Flake Planetarium, the UA Little Rock Observatory, and the Museum of Natural History—the Program Manager will play a central role in inspiring curiosity, expanding access to STEM education, and connecting the university with learners of all ages across Arkansas. The Shellam Flake Planetarium is a newly renovated, state-of-the-art immersive learning facility featuring modern full dome projection technology and serving as the centerpiece of the University of Arkansas at Little Rock's Science Triangle initiative. Supported by significant institutional and philanthropic investments, the planetarium is poised to become a premier regional destination for STEM education, public outreach, and community engagement.

The Planetarium Program Manager responsibilities will include creating innovative educational experiences that promote scientific literacy, encourage exploration of astronomy and the natural sciences, and support experiential learning for university students. The successful candidate will also coordinate daily planetarium operations, oversee scheduling and visitor experiences, assist with operation and maintenance of projection and audiovisual systems, supervise student employees and volunteers, contribute to marketing and public communications, and support strategic planning, grant development, and program assessment. This position reports to the Director of the Science Triangle. The Planetarium Program Manager will lead the development and delivery of engaging planetarium shows, astronomy programs, educational workshops, teacher resources, public lectures, science festivals, and community outreach activities. Working collaboratively with faculty, students, K–12 educators, museums, libraries, and community organizations. This position is governed by state and federal laws and agency/institution policy. 

Required Education and/or Experience: Bachelor’s degree in astronomy, physics, STEM education, science communication, museum studies, communications, or a related field; experience in science outreach, education, public programming, or informal STEM learning; strong organizational, communication, and presentation skills; ability to work evenings and weekends as required for public events and astronomy programming.

Preferred Education and/or Experience: Master's degree in astronomy, physics, science education, STEM education, science communication, museum studies, or a related field; experience presenting live planetarium programs; familiarity with full dome visualization systems, planetarium software, and audiovisual technologies; experience developing K–12 STEM educational programming; supervision of student employees or volunteers; and experience supporting externally funded educational or outreach initiatives.

This is a unique opportunity to help launch a new university planetarium and shape its educational mission from the ground up. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to develop innovative astronomy programming, collaborate with faculty across multiple STEM disciplines, engage thousands of visitors annually, and help establish the Shellam Flake Planetarium as a leading destination for astronomy education, immersive visualization, and public science throughout Arkansas.

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock is a metropolitan research university committed to innovation, student success, and community engagement. Located in the state's capital city, Little Rock offers an outstanding quality of life, a vibrant arts and cultural community, and abundant outdoor recreation while serving as Arkansas's educational, governmental, and business center.

Working at UA Little Rock has its perks!

• Benefit packages including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, healthcare flexible spending accounts, and an Employee Assistance Program;
• Paid time off, including annual and sick leave;
• Retirement savings options;
• Employee discounts;
• Education assistance.

For more benefits information, go to the UA Little Rock Human Resources website (https://ualr.edu/humanresources/).

Application materials must be submitted through the online application system. Additional information about this position and application requirements are available under the Jobs link on the Human Resources’ website at http://ualr.edu/humanresources/.  Incomplete applications will not be considered. 

 This position is subject to a pre-employment criminal and sex offender registry background check. A criminal conviction or arrest pending adjudication and/or adverse financial history information alone shall not disqualify an applicant in the absence of a relationship to the requirements of the position. Background check information will be used in a confidential, non-discriminatory manner consistent with state and federal law.

The University of Arkansas is an equal opportunity institution. The University does not discriminate in its education programs or activities (including in admission and employment) on the basis of any category or status protected by law, including age, race, color, national origin, disability, religion, protected veteran status, military service, genetic information, sex, sexual preference, or pregnancy. Federal law prohibits the University from discriminating on these bases. Questions or concerns about the application of Title IX, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, may be sent to the University's Title IX Coordinator and to the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights.

Requirements

Required Education and/or Experience: Bachelor’s degree in astronomy, physics, STEM education, science communication, museum studies, communications, or a related field; experience in science outreach, education, public programming, or informal STEM learning; strong organizational, communication, and presentation skills; ability to work evenings and weekends as required for public events and astronomy programming.

Preferred Education and/or Experience: Master's degree in astronomy, physics, science education, STEM education, science communication, museum studies, or a related field; experience presenting live planetarium programs; familiarity with full dome visualization systems, planetarium software, and audiovisual technologies; experience developing K–12 STEM educational programming; supervision of student employees or volunteers; and experience supporting externally funded educational or outreach initiatives.