Director, Planetarium

Job Title

Director, Planetarium

Texas A&M International University

College Of Arts & Sciences

Laredo, Texas

$95,000 per year

The Director of the Planetarium, under the general supervision of the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, is responsible for planning, coordinating, promoting, and administering all activities and operations of the TAMIU planetarium.

• Responsible for all technology related matters and issues in the planetarium, including compliance, installation, modification, operation, and maintenance of all audio systems, projection equipment, hardware, and software.
• Acquire and/or develop and supervise production of new shows (arts, science, engineering, music, etc.).
• Hire, train, evaluate, and supervise planetarium staff, including supervising their work schedules.
• Manage the budget and maintain fiscal control of accounts, and handle cash receipts according to university business policies and procedures.
• Work with the Office for Institutional Advancement and the Office of Research and Sponsored Projects to identify and secure additional sources of financial support for the planetarium (grant writing, donation campaigns, and fund-raising activities).
• Teach or assist in the teaching of classes and/or labs as qualified, credentialed, and assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree in science education and/or STEM education.
• Five years as a middle school and/or high school science teacher.
• Two years of supervisory experience.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

• Prior planetarium and/or immersive theater experience.
• Background in observational astronomy.
• Master’s degree in science education, STEM education, information systems, astronomy, electrical/computer engineering, or digital arts.
• Expertise in digital technology including audio visual media and computer systems.

• Knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet, database, and presentation software.
• Multitask and work cooperatively with others.
• Communicate effectively (oral, written, and digital).
• Interact effectively and professionally with the general public, administration, faculty and staff.
• Maintain effective working relations with the community and local media.
• Plan, prioritize, and coordinate projects and schedules.
• Use available resources in the TAMIU planetarium to create and develop planetarium shows and presentations.
• Prepare budget and maintain fiscal control of accounts, and handle cash receipts according to university business policies and procedures.

• Evening and weekend work may be required.
• Position may require travel (local, in state, or out of state).
• Position requires on campus, face-to-face interactions.
• Position requires maintaining a regular schedule of attendance on campus and in the workplace.

General office environment. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

This position generally supervises employees and work studies.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.