Description:
The primary responsibility of the education specialist will include supporting SED’s research and development of programs for youth, educators, and public audiences that engage learners in using SAO’s MicroObservatory online telescopes. Additional responsibilities include contributing to research and evaluation data collection and analysis activities for SED education projects.
Duties:
- Provide educational and content support to the SAO’s informal and formal education projects, including web, library, and image research on topics related to observational astronomy and astrophysics, and the preparation of interpretive and informational materials to be used in both digital and print media for diverse public and K-12 audiences, and communication, outreach, and dissemination of the projects. Inform and implement social media efforts on our web-based projects, including regular updates on Facebook, Twitter, etc., with the potential to guide these efforts.
- Create and coordinate written and digital media astronomy and science education materials, including web content and features, flyers, educational briefs, video tutorials, and newsletters. Contributes to the writing, editing, and design processes of educational media, publications, and other interpretive materials. Research, develop, and produce media, content briefs and draft interpretive text to give instructions, provide context, and explain the scientific subject matter to diverse public and classroom audiences. Conduct simple audio and video planning and production, editing, post-production, and media management tasks.
- Guide logistics and assist with the development and implementation of educational programs and products for both adult and youth audiences (in both online and face-to-face settings). Apply knowledge of the science education needs of diverse audiences to make appropriate content and programming decisions. Coordinate the review of draft and final products with the subject matter and education specialists and clients.
- Assist with the development and dissemination of educational activities, such as hands-on and online telescope investigations and interactive or online computer activities, through research, logistical support, evaluation data collection, and other assistance. Proofread and edit curriculum and online content with an eye for detail.
- Assist with evaluation and documentation of SED projects, including assistance with the analysis of participant data and coordination of text and media-based materials for written, online, and video-based case studies of the projects.
- Conduct image and copyright research and materials/artifact acquisition for SED projects. Monitor and document appropriate copyright status and credit assignments for all materials and maintain databases of images and artifacts. Use image processing software to prepare images for the best scientific and educational effectiveness.
- Contact and communicate with scientists to coordinate their participation in education and outreach programs and identify resources for educational projects. Establish and maintain active communication with educators, scientists, contractors, and media personnel within and outside of SAO to share information about the status of the SED projects.
- Some travel for conferences, meetings with project partners, and potential museum venues may be required.
- Performs other duties as required.
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
- Travel may be required.
- May be required to serve a one-year probationary period.
- Pre- and post-appointment background investigation.