Director of Astronomy

Job Title: Director of Astronomy

Position Type: Full-time, Exempt

Location: Nantucket, MA

Department: Astronomy

Reports To: Executive Director

Priority Deadline: January 15, 2025

Organization Overview: The Maria Mitchell Association (MMA) is a non-profit science and science education organization that is dedicated to making a significant impact in our community through the creation of opportunities for all to develop a life-long passion for science through education, research, and first-hand exploration of the sky, land, and sea of Nantucket Island. As the Director of Astronomy, you will play a crucial role in our organization's growth and success and will serve as the public face of the MMA astronomy initiatives.

Position Summary: The MMA is looking for an enthusiastic and experienced Director of Astronomy to advance the organization’s mission of supporting a life-long passion for science through education, research, and first-hand exploration of the sky, land, and sea of Nantucket Island. Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director of Astronomy is the public face of the MMA’s award-winning astronomy research and education activities and serves as the primary connection between the Nantucket community and astronomy public outreach. The successful candidate will oversee the operations of the Vestal Street and Loines observatories, produce strong astronomy-related program offerings, help to manage interns and volunteers, conduct and supervise all MMA research opportunities and lead educational experiences through programs. They will also be responsible for cultivating relationships with constituents and the public at large. This role requires a dynamic individual with excellent interpersonal and organizational skills and provides a unique opportunity to manage our popular observatories, mentor future leaders in astronomy, and build relationships with the Nantucket science community.

Key Responsibilities and Duties:

• Maintain and expand the internationally recognized research profile of the MMA’s Maria Mitchell Observatory
• Supervise undergraduate (and other) student research as a part of the MMA Internship program
• Develop a research agenda using the MMA’s facilities and resources
• Secure funds to support research, outreach, and education, including the NSF REU funded program
• Establish and maintain collaborations with other observatories and university astrophysics departments   
• Conduct public outreach and workshops about astronomy, astronomy research, and the night sky 
• Create, plan, oversee, and lead astronomy educational programs for the public including school groups, camps, and local and off-island schools year-round
• Provide public lectures on astronomy-related topics year-round on request and at private events
• Train, mentor, and supervise volunteers and high school interns in astronomy programs
• Manage daily operations at the Vestal Street and Loines observatories, including coordinating their maintenance, educational tours and programs, community science monitoring projects, STEAM Enrichment programming
• Collaborate with the MMA Education Department to lead educational programming to increase youth engagement.
• Work with Director of Science & Programming to complete necessary reports for permits, grants, and reports
• Maintain accurate records of constituent interactions using Altru CRM.
• Provide regular reports and analyses on admissions and program attendance from Altru CRM.
• Help with MMA fundraising events as needed.
• Availability to work evenings, holidays, and weekend events, as necessary.
• Collaborate with other departments and local organizations to enrich their science activities
• Participate as needed in other events including but not limited to the Science Festival, Island Fair, MMA Science Speaker Series, and special events

Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Astronomy, Astrophysics, or a related field
• A well-established research profile
• A successful track record in supervising undergraduate student research 
• Interest in developing a research agenda using MMA’s facilities and resources
• Demonstrated success with securing funding to support research, outreach, and education
• Have some ability to make telescope repairs 
• Ability to establish and maintain collaborations with other observatories and university astronomy departments.
• Outstanding organizational public speaking, and communication skills
• Desire and aptitude for teaching the public about astronomy, research and the night sky.  
• Exceptional leadership, interpersonal, communication, engagement, organizational, and relationship-building skills with constituents
• Ability to engage guests of all ages in astronomy and related sciences
• Willingness to work selected evenings and weekends, when necessary

Application Instructions: Interested candidates are invited to submit a CV, cover letter, and a list of three professional references to the MMA’s Executive Director, Joanna Roche at [email protected].

Application Deadline: January 15, 2025

Background Checks

Offers of employment are contingent on completion of a background check. Information reported by the background check will not automatically disqualify you from employment.

The Maria Mitchell Association is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences.