Program Engagement Specialist

Program Engagement Specialist, IS-1701-09

Final date to receive applications: 30 June 2026

Department: Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory

Employment Type: Temporary

Location: Amado, AZ

Compensation: $62,893 - $81,765 / year

The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) is at the forefront, internationally, of the scientific exploration of the universe. SAO combines its resources with those of the Harvard College Observatory to form the Harvard‑Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics (CfA). The CfA is the best‑known astrophysics center in the world. Its programs range from ground‑based astronomy and astrophysics research to space‑based research, the engineering and development of major scientific instrumentation for space launch and use in large ground‑based facilities, and research designed to improve science education.

The research objectives of SAO are carried out primarily with the support of Government and Smithsonian Institution funds, with additional philanthropic support. Government funds are in the form of Federal appropriations or the form of contracts and grants from other agencies. In contrast, Institution funds are available to SAO through grants from the Institution’s Restricted Funds, Special Purpose Funds, Bureau Activities, Business Activities, and non‑Federal contracts and grants.

The STARS program, an initiative of the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory’s Center for Astrophysics, delivers telescopes, hands‑on STEM curricula, and professional development to rural and tribal schools across the U.S. By bridging gaps in science education, STARS empowers students and teachers with the tools and knowledge needed to explore the universe and develop critical thinking skills. Our mission is to inspire the next generation of scientists through experiential learning opportunities.

The program is launching in Arizona and will expand across the country as time and funding allows.

The purpose of this position is to deliver essential components of the STARS program to schools, including on‑site technical set up, teacher professional development, student classroom, day observing session, and evening community star parties. The Program Delivery and Engagement Specialist plays a critical role in advancing the mission of the STARS (Scientists Taking Astronomy to Rural Schools) program by leading the engagement with K‑12 schools, school districts, and teachers in Arizona rural communities.

• Logistics & Technical Setup: Unbox and calibrate Celestron Nex Star 6SE telescopes at various K‑12 school sites across Arizona. Ensure all hardware and software components are operational for classroom use. On occasion transport telescope kit to school sites.
• Teacher Training: Conduct hands‑on workshops for educators, training them on telescope alignment, GoTo menu navigation, and the integration of Smithsonian astronomy instructional material into their classrooms.
• Daytime Engagement: Lead in‑classroom lessons and facilitate safe solar observing (using appropriate filtration) and daytime lunar observations for students.
• Evening Star Parties: Organize and host community "Star Parties," providing expert‑level guided tours of the night sky for students, parents, and community members.
• Programmatic Outreach: Serve as the primary liaison between Arizona schools and the STARS program, ensuring the participating teachers and schools are well supported to sustain the program.
• Fleet & Gear Management: Responsible for the routine care of the assigned GSA vehicle and all astronomical equipment for events.
• Reporting: Maintain records of school visits, participant demographics, and equipment status; prepare post‑event reports and assessments.

Basic Requirements:

A. Degree that included or was supplemented by major study in science education or in a subject‑matter field appropriate to the position.

OR

Combination of education and experience -- courses equivalent to a major in education, or in a subject‑matter field appropriate to the position, plus appropriate experience or additional coursework that provided knowledge comparable to that normally acquired through the successful…