Director, Barlow Planetarium
Position Summary
This is a 12-month, full-time Administrative Program Manager non-instructional academic staff position with full State of Wisconsin benefits and working title of Director and is responsible for the creative and operation functions of the Barlow Planetarium, in the University of Wisconsin-Fox Valley, Menasha, WI. The primary responsibility involves the development, implementation, and evaluation of PK-12 educational programming. Secondary is programming for the general public. This position reports to the Director of Continuing Education. The Office of Continuing Education and Barlow Planetarium are responsible for generating revenues to support operating expenses, including salaries.
The ideal candidate will possess the following attributes
- Strong organizational skills and the ability to coordinate and schedule multiple projects
- In-depth knowledge of astronomy, current technology, and space related subject matter
- The ability to secure funds through strong programming, fund raising, and/or outside grants
- Strong connections with the planetarium community allowing for networking, sharing of program ideas, special events, and other valuable resources critical to a planetarium of our size
- The ability to successfully communicate technical information with people of all ages
- Gregarious and outgoing, and willingness to be a public figure within the community
- Collaborative
Duties and Responsibilities
- Bear primary responsibility for the daily and timely operation of the Planetarium which includes PK-12 educational and public programs and for the technical operations within the theater
- Takes the lead in program development, by creating new programs, securing existing programs from other planetariums, and continually updates existing programs
- Contributes to developing, budgeting and monitoring expenditures in a fiscally responsible manner
- Assists with promoting the planetarium to the PK-12 educational system and the general public
- Locates potential grant sources and assists in the grant writing process
- Coordinates and presents programs of varied content, including but not limited to space science, astronomy, and technology
- Assists with creating publications and marketing materials
- Summarizes department statistics for monthly reports
- Serves on committees internal and external to UWFox
- Collaborate with the adjoining Weis Earth Science Museum to further the common mission of science education and enhance the operations of both venues
Desireable knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Demonstrates working knowledge of Digitstar technology
- Demonstrates excellence in interpersonal and communication skills
- Demonstrates innovative education programming ideas
- Demonstrates working knowledge of Macintosh computers, MS Office, Excel, Outlook, Creative Suite2 and Filemaker
- Demonstrates effectiveness in interacting with media on camera and off
- Demonstrates effectiveness in verbal and written communication
- Demonstrates strong expertise in staff training and development
Minimum Qualifications/Experience
- Bachelor’s Degree in astronomy, physics, science education, or other related field, Master’s Degree preferred
- Candidates with professional experience in science centers or similar informal education institutions delivering programs in a planetarium setting are preferred
Special Work Requirements
- The Barlow Planetarium operates evening and weekends. Employee may be required, to be present, during those times.
- Able to verbally project to large groups, indoors and out
- Employee will also perform other business duties as assigned by supervisor.
About the Barlow Planetarium
The University of Wisconsin-Fox Valley has been a community landmark providing planetary science education for nearly 50 years. The Barlow Planetarium at UWFox replaced the original planetarium in 1998 with funding from Outagamie and Winnebago Counties, a lead contribution of $550,000 from entrepreneur F. John Barlow, and a successful fundraising campaign which raised $1.8 million from private donors and local businesses. The University of Wisconsin System and State of Wisconsin provided funding for the planetarium’s moveable equipment.
This world-class facility served more than 34,000 individuals from throughout Wisconsin and beyond last year through its expansive offerings including K-12 school shows, public star shows, public laser and entertainment shows, workshops, Wisconsin Space Academy summer camp, private shows and other special events.
The Barlow provides 3-D excitement, giant full-color special effects and crystal-clear, five-channel, 10,000 watt THX surround sound. The Barlow Planetarium has a 48-foot projection dome and seats 98 people, with four additional spaces for wheelchair access. An Evans and Sutherland Digistar II® star projector recreates a realistic night sky and 3-D effects which pull the audience into a virtual world. Interactive keypads at each seat allow audiences to get involved in performances. Cutting-edge Sky Skan® video projection and automation systems make this planetarium state-of-the-art. Please visit the Barlow Planetarium’s website for more information: www.uwfox.uwc.edu/barlow.
Brief Description of institution, campus and area
Part of the world-renowned UW System, the University of Wisconsin Colleges is a liberal arts institution with primary emphasis on freshman/sophomore coursework. UW-Fox Valley is located in the heart of the Fox Cities, a thriving economic and cultural center of increasing ethnic diversity. The Fox Cities include small to medium sized communities, with an aggregate population in excess of 250,000. We are approximately ninety minutes north of Milwaukee and two hours from Madison. Nearby are Appleton (immediately adjacent), Green Bay (40 miles), and Oshkosh (22 miles). The campus is also near Wisconsin's beautiful Door Peninsula, Lake Michigan, and the North Woods of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan.
Salary
$40,912 for full-time, 12 month appointment.
Benefits
Please see www.uwsa.edu/hr/benefits.
Application Deadline/How to Apply
Submit the following information:
- Cover letter of application
- Current resume, including contact information for references
- Three letters of reference that address this position sent directly from reference
- Unofficial college/university transcripts (undergraduate and graduate, if applicable)
Review of applications will begin November 17, 2007 and continue until position is filled. Electronic submission of materials is encouraged. Submit materials to: foxpos@uwc.edu. Address communications to Attn: Juli McGuire. Materials can also be sent by email (juli.mcguire@uwc.edu), fax (920/832-2674), or to Dean’s Office, University of Wisconsin-Fox Valley, 1478 Midway Road, Menasha, WI 54952.
Info: 920/832-2610. Applications must be accompanied by a statement whether the applicant wishes to have the application held in confidence or made available to the public upon request. UW-Fox Valley is an AA/EO employer and encourages women, members of minority groups, and veterans to apply.