The Cleveland Museum of Natural History, founded in 1920, is located in the heart of University Circle, five miles east of downtown Cleveland, Ohio. Considered one of the finest institutions of its kind in North America, the Museum offers an incredible visitor experience, attracting roughly 275,000 visitors a year. The Museum has currently launched a capital campaign to support a dramatic renovation and expansion of its facilities and exhibits. This ambitious plan will position the Museum to play a leading role in regional and national efforts to improve science education and increase scientific literacy. The Museum is seeking a creative, organized and energetic individual who is passionate about science education. The Astronomy Education Coordinator is responsible for researching and coordinating production and presentation of planetarium and observatory programs as well as assisting with maintaining the Astronomy Department’s technological assets.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Instruct and develop astronomy programs for school field trips, public visitors, and private events in the Nathan & Fannye Shafran Planetarium and Mueller Observatory;
• Assist with astronomy-related summer camps;
• Instruct outreach astronomy programs in schools, libraries and other settings using portable planetarium and/or telescopes;
• Research upcoming presentation topics and assist in the production of images, audio, and video to enhance the program;
• Share responsibility working evenings and weekends to present public programs and assist with lectures and special events;
• Assist with general monitoring and maintenance of the planetarium and observatory;
• Communicate and work with an audience that is diverse in culture, age, race and abilities in a pleasant, tactful, and enthusiastic manner.

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Astronomy, Physics, Education or related field; or three to five years related experience; or equivalent combination of education or experience;
• Experience with Microsoft Office, Adobe Production Suite, Blender, Maya, 3D Studio Max, and/or  Sky-Skan’s DigitalSky 2 software preferred;
• Experience teaching in a museum or other informal education setting preferred.

Other Qualifications:

• Ability to communicate modern research in astronomy and physics to diverse audiences;
• Willingness to work a flexible schedule that will include weekends and evenings as needed.

Physical Demands:

Position may require sitting, walking, standing, reaching including stooping, kneeling, and crouching. Occasional lifting and/or moving up to 50 pounds.

To Apply:

Please send a cover letter, resume and three references to: Human Resources The Cleveland Museum of Natural History 1 Wade Oval Drive Cleveland, OH 44106 hr@cmnh.org No phone calls, please.