Director of East KY Science Center and Vairia Planetarium

Salary: $55,392.00
Contract term: 12 months
Standard hours: 37.5 per week
Work location: On-site
FLSA status: Exempt

About the role

Big Sandy Community and Technical College is accepting applications for the Director of the East Kentucky Science Center and Varia Planetarium (EKSC). The EKSC provides strategic, administrative, educational, and operational leadership for the Center and its programs at Big Sandy Community and Technical College. The Director is responsible for advancing the mission of EKSC as a regional resource for science education, astronomy, space science, STEM engagement, tourism, and community outreach.

The position requires regular availability for weekdays, evening, weekend, and special event programming.

Responsibilities

• Direct, develop, and evaluate educational and public programming, including planetarium and laser programs, classroom programs, the annual science fair, summer camps, exhibits, tourism experiences, and community events.
• Develop and deliver instruction in astronomy, space science, and related disciplines to diverse audiences, including students, educators, school groups, tourists, community organizations, and the public.
• Supervise, lead, and collaborate with the East Kentucky Science Center staff to ensure effective delivery of weekday, evening, weekend, and special event programming.
• Advance STEM engagement, scientific literacy, inquiry-based learning, and educational opportunities in alignment with the mission and academic priorities of Big Sandy Community and Technical College.
• Serve as a strategic leader and advocate for the integration of the East Kentucky Science Center into the College’s academic, workforce, student success, enrollment, recruitment, community engagement, marketing, and strategic priorities.
• Collaborate with College leadership, faculty, staff, academic programs, student services, workforce development, strategic communication, institutional advancement, and external partners to identify opportunities for the East Kentucky Science Center to support student success, STEM education, career exploration, workforce development, community engagement, tourism, and regional economic development.
• Develop and communicate a long-term vision and strategic plan for the East Kentucky Science Center that promotes innovation, program growth, technological advancement, sustainability, and increased institutional and community impact.
• Collaborate with the College's Public Relations department to promote the EKSC programs, events, exhibits, educational opportunities, and community impact locally, regionally, and nationally.
• Manage the Center’s fiscal, personnel, and administrative operations, including budget development, monitoring, expenditure oversight, staffing, scheduling, and recordkeeping.
• Ensure sound fiscal management of revenue, operational, grant, and other funds supporting the Center in accordance with applicable state, Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS), and Big Sandy Community and Technical College policies, procedures, and guidelines.
• Develop and strengthen partnerships that expand the educational, community, tourism, and financial resources available to the East Kentucky Science Center.
• Assist with and lead, as appropriate, the development and administration of grants, gifts, sponsorships, fundraising, and other resource-development activities that support the mission and sustainability of the Center.
• Assume primary responsibility for the operation, maintenance, and technological advancement of the planetarium and related equipment, including the development and implementation of preventative maintenance practices and coordination of repairs, upgrades, and technical services.
• Ensure that the East Kentucky Science Center provides a safe, accessible, welcoming, and healthy educational environment for students, visitors, staff, faculty, school groups, and community members.
• Maintain appropriate records, reports, documentation, and program data related to Center operations, educational activities, grants, finances, partnerships, and community engagement.
• Represent the East Kentucky Science Center and Big Sandy Community and Technical College at professional conferences, community events, educational meetings, tourism activities, and other appropriate local, regional, and national events.
• Maintain current knowledge of developments in astronomy, space science, planetarium technology, STEM education, informal science education, and related professional fields.
• Participate in professional development, institutional committees, College activities, and other responsibilities as assigned.
• Foster opportunities for the East Kentucky Science Center to serve as an integrated resource for college students and academic programs through internships, experiential learning, faculty collaboration, research, career exploration, recruitment activities, and interdisciplinary educational opportunities.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the appropriate College administrator.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Science, Education, or related field.
• Three years of experience in planetarium operation is preferred.
• Educational background in Astronomy and Space Science is preferred.
• Strong interpersonal, communications, and multi-tasking skills.
• Experience in budget preparation, monitoring, and administrative processes.
• Understanding of preventative maintenance principles and practices.
• Commitment to professional development, process improvement strategies, and providing a safe and healthy educational environment.
• Excellent organizational skills; high attention to detail; independent; self-motivated.

Benefits

• Exceptional health care, vision, and dental coverage for you and your family.
• Tuition reimbursement/waiver for you, your spouse, and dependents.
• 403(b) retirement plan: a 5% employee contribution receives a 10% employer match.
• Vacation and sick time.
• Work-life balance.
• 9.5 paid holidays.
• 2 weeks institutional closing pay (last 2 weeks of December) for qualifying positions.
• Employee Assistance Program.