Job Posting – Summer Outreach Coordinator at the David Dunlap Observatory

The Royal Astronomical Society of Canada (RASC) is a national charity with a mandate to promote astronomy and engage Canadians in observing the sky to learn more about the stars, planets, and universe around us. Primarily volunteer-driven, the organization has 28 centres across major cities in the country and organizes several public activities including star parties, lecture series, and night sky viewing training and techniques. Since 2018, the Toronto Centre has been an official program partner with the City of Richmond Hill hosting the general public at weekend astronomy events and providing visitors a first hand experience viewing the 74” telescope located on site (largest in Canada).

This posting of Outreach Coordinator is a new position and the person hired will be responsible for all day- to-day functions of RASC-TC hosted astronomy programming on site. The coordinator will report to the subcommittee in charge of outreach activities at the observatory. Based at the centres DDO office in Richmond Hill, the position will be effective June 1-August 31, 2019; 20 hours per week with event coordination at evenings and weekends. The applicant must be hardworking, passionate and love doing outreach.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Implement event plans Facilitate astronomy events on site with visitors

Coordinate with centre volunteers on roles and schedules

Update and maintain volunteer records, inventory of supplies

Develop partnerships with the local astronomy community to achieve program goals

Monitor and evaluate impact/effectiveness of programs on site

Conduct inventory of RASC outreach resources

Other duties as required

Necessary qualifications are listed below.

Qualifications:

Background or knowledge of astronomy and similar physical sciences strongly preferred

Experience in developing and delivering public outreach in formal or informal settings is beneficial

Able to motivate and work with volunteers

Accurate record keeping

Active RASC membership is an asset