We are looking for a passionate, experienced and talented individual to join our Science Learning & Public Engagement department at the Royal Observatory Greenwich. Part of Royal Museums Greenwich, this team develops and delivers world-class astronomy and space exploration programmes, resources and media for our visitors and audiences. Key strands of activity include a schools programme reaching 42,000 pupils and teachers a year, a public planetarium programme reaching 163,000 people a year and a public programme reaching 43,000 people a year.
You will play a key role in the Astronomy Education team, developing and delivering formal learning programmes and resources for teachers and pupils of all ages. You will lead the development of our out-of-school hours learning offer and our digital resources for educational audiences, working closely with colleagues, contractors and stakeholders. You will manage a small team of part-time delivery staff and deputise for the Senior Manager for Astronomy Education as required.
You will have exceptional science communication skills in spoken and written media, broad subject knowledge backed by relevant formal qualifications, significant experience of working in the science education sector, a track record of collaborating with stakeholders and experience of managing people and projects.
In exchange for reciprocal support for formal learning, you will be required to deliver public programmes on a regular basis, with activity ranging from planetarium shows to adult evening events. For more information and to apply please visit www.rmg.co.uk/jobs
Lead Astronomy Education Officer
Royal Museums Greenwich includes the National Maritime Museum, the Queen's House, the Cutty Sark and the Royal Observatory Greenwich (ROG).
Working primarily at the ROG, the Science Learning & Public Engagement department (SL&PE) develops and delivers world-class astronomy and space exploration programmes, resources and media for our visitors and audiences. Key strands of activity include a schools programme reaching 42,000 pupils and teachers a year, a public planetarium programme reaching 163,000 people a year and a public programme reaching 43,000 people a year.
SL&PE is looking for a passionate, experienced and talented individual to take on the role of Lead Astronomy Education Officer. The post-holder will play a key role in the Astronomy Education team and the wider department. They will work with the wider team on the development and delivery of formal learning programmes and resources for teachers and pupils of all ages. The post-holder will lead the development of our out-of-school hours learning offer and our digital resources for educational audiences, working closely with colleagues, contractors and stakeholders. They will also manage a small team of part-time delivery staff and deputise for the Senior Manager for Astronomy Education as required.
The successful applicant will have exceptional science communication skills in spoken and written media, broad subject knowledge backed by relevant formal qualifications, significant experience of working in the science education sector, a track record of collaborating with stakeholders and experience of managing people and projects.
In exchange for reciprocal support for formal learning, the post-holder will be required to deliver public programmes on a regular basis, with activity ranging from planetarium shows to adult evening events. They will work one weekend in four to support the delivery of our seven-day-a week offer.
The post holder will also serve as a media spokesperson for the ROG, delivering interviews for the press and media as their other duties permit. They will also support publications, editing and writing books on a similar basis.
Reports to: Lead Astronomy Education Manager
Responsible for: Small team of delivery staff
Key areas of responsibility
- To work within the current framework of best practice in science education, science communication and public engagement.
- To develop, promote, deliver and maintain cutting edge programmes and resources for primary and secondary pupils and their teachers.
- To lead the development of our out-of-school-hours offer for secondary pupils, including lectures, courses and student advisory panels.
- To lead the development of digital content for educational audiences, including social media, digital marketing and multimedia content.
- To work with contractors, partners, collaborators and stakeholders on the delivery of special projects, building and maintaining relationships.
- To develop training materials for formal learning programmes and train others to deliver them.
- To line manage part-time staff supporting the delivery of formal learning programmes in a variety of settings.
- To deputise for the Senior Manager for Astronomy Education.
- To deliver public planetarium shows and informal learning programmes in exchange for reciprocal support from other teams.
- To support press, media and publications in relation to relevant projects, delivering interviews and editing or writing articles and books.
- Any other duties as reasonably requested by the Senior Manager for Astronomy Education or the Head of Department.
Qualifications, experience and personal qualities
Essential
- A degree in astrophysics or a similar subject with a relevant post-graduate qualification.
- Broad knowledge of physics, astronomy and space exploration, from basic science to current research.
- Excellent presentation skills, with experience of working with a wide range of audiences and settings.
- Excellent writing skills with experience of writing copy for different audiences in a wide range of media.
- Experience of developing digital learning resources and applying digital approaches in teaching and learning.
- Experience of working with key organisations in the science education sector, such as the ASDC, STFC, IOP, UKSA, RAS and others.
- Significant experience of working with formal learners of all ages and their and teachers in a museum, science centre or university outreach setting.
- An in-depth knowledge of the current National Curriculum and other statutory education requirements and initiatives.
- A passion for innovation in science education based on the latest developments in teaching practice and pupil engagement.
- Experience of using cutting edge science to support learning through innovative programmes and projects.
- Experience of managing or supervising others.
- Committed team player capable of independent work.
- Confident networker with excellent communication skills.
- Positive, flexible and pro-active attitude to new opportunities.
- Excellent organisational and time-keeping skills.
- Able to remain calm under pressure.
Desirable
- A doctorate in Astrophysics.
- A teaching qualification and experience of teaching.
- Experience of using small telescopes.
- Experience of presenting in a planetarium.
- Experience of working with the press or media.