Supervisory Education Specialist

Position Description:

Position Summary The Green Bank Observatory (GBO) enables leading edge research at radio wavelengths by offering telescope, facility and advanced instrumentation access to the astronomy community as well as to other basic and applied research communities. With radio astronomy as its foundation, the GBO is a world leader in advancing research, innovation, and education. In addition to its scientific work, the Observatory is committed to outreach and education. The Observatory offers a wide range of programs and resources for students, teachers, and the general public, including tours, lectures, and online resources.

At GBO, we are seeking a full-time Supervisory Education Specialist to provide oversight for education and outreach initiatives, directing staff and volunteers to ensure program quality and consistency. The successful candidate will lead strategic planning, evaluation, material development, and major events as well as guiding partnership efforts and public engagement strategies across programs.

This position will be based at the Green Bank Observatory in Green Bank WV.

What You Will be Doing:

• Provide oversight and direction for volunteers and staff supporting program execution and engagement activities; ensures proper training, task assignment, and adherence to organizational standards.
• Oversee and direct the development and implementation of education and outreach programs (formal, informal, and professional development) for K–16 students, educators, and the general public; ensures program quality, consistency, and alignment with organizational goals while guiding staff and volunteers in execution.
• Oversees budget planning and resource distribution for education and outreach initiatives.
• Develop and implement evaluation practices to measure impact, inform improvements, and support grant reporting requirements.
• Oversee and guides the design and development of educational materials in print and digital formats, ensuring quality, consistency, and alignment with program objectives; provides direction to staff and volunteers involved in content creation.
• Oversee and directs the planning and coordination of events and activities—such as Open Houses, science fairs, exhibitions, and STEM engagement initiatives—ensuring quality, consistency, and alignment with program objectives; provides guidance to staff and volunteers involved in event execution.

Directs and guides strategic planning, program development, and reporting for education and public outreach initiatives; ensures alignment with organizational objectives and provides leadership to staff contributing to these efforts. Directs efforts to establish and maintain partnerships with schools, districts, community organizations, and other stakeholders; ensures collaboration aligns with program objectives and provides guidance to staff in managing these relationships.

• Oversee the development and execution of comprehensive public awareness strategies

Empowers and supervise staff in creating and delivering high-quality programs, presentations, and tours

• Performs other duties as assigned to support EPO and Observatory goals

Work Environment Work is primarily conducted in a research and educational setting, with frequent interaction in both indoor and outdoor environments. The position requires flexibility to support regular evening and weekend events, including public programs, tours, and outreach activities. A varied schedule is essential to accommodate program needs, special events, and organizational priorities.

Who You Are:

You have a master’s degree or a combination of education and experience sufficient for the position. You have Minimum of 5 years of experience in a related field You have 5–7 years of experience in education and outreach program management Proven leadership experience supervising staff and volunteers

Strong background in strategic planning, program evaluation, and partnership management

Experience overseeing large-scale events and managing budgets:

Familiarity with organizational compliance and reporting standards Ability to stand and walk for extended periods during programs, tours, and events. Capability to lift and carry educational materials, equipment, and displays (typically up to 25–30 lbs)

While not required, you may have experience:

Master's Degree in astronomy, physical science, science education, museum education, or a related field required Competency Summary Excellent organizational and program management skills Strong communication and public speaking abilities Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and digital content creation tools

Familiarity with grant reporting and compliance requirements Valid driver’s license Additional Requirements This position requires the selected applicant to successfully pass a post-offer, pre-employment background check The successful candidate must be eligible for employment in the United States

Total Rewards:

Associated Universities, Inc (AUI) offers a comprehensive total rewards package for this position, subject to eligibility requirements. We are committed to serving our employees and their families with an extensive competitive compensation and benefits package that supports our employees’ overall well-being and career growth.

Compensation:

AUI strives to attract and retain dedicated, highly qualified, competent, and motivated employees by offering competitive compensation and recognition for performance. 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 conditions.

Benefits:

AUI’s benefits package addresses the needs of employees and their families with most benefits beginning on the first day of employment. AUI provides excellent paid time off (13 holidays, annual accrual of up to 24 vacation days and 15 sick days, additional time off for doctor/dentist visits, and 8 weeks of paid parental leave). Medical, dental and vision plans are effective on the first day of employment. AUI’s retirement benefit contributes an amount equal to 10 percent of a qualified participant’s base pay with no required employee contribution; we also offer an optional supplemental, tax-deferred plan for employee retirement contributions.

Application Instructions:

Select the “Apply Now” button. Please be prepared to upload your current CV/Resume and a cover letter describing interest and suitability for the position.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement:

AUI is an equal opportunity employer. To view our complete statement, please visit https://public.nrao.edu/careers. If you require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, you may submit your request by sending an email to resumes@nrao.edu. PM20