Job Opportunity:
IAU International Year of Astronomy 2009 (IYA) UK Coordinator hosted by the Royal Observatory Edinburgh (Science and Technology Facilities Council) on behalf of the STFC, RAS and IOP.
Salary: £25K - £35K depending upon experience
Contract: Full time (though part time is negotiable) for 2 yrs 3mths
Closing date: 22 October 2007
Description:
The International Year of Astronomy 2009 (IYA2009) will be a global celebration of astronomy and its contributions to society and culture, stimulating worldwide interest not only in astronomy, but in science in general, with a particular focus toward young people. The vast majority of IYA2009 activities will be national events and will take place locally and regionally as well as at the national level. Applications are invited for the post of UK coordinator for IYA2009. This is a two year three month post, managed from the Royal Observatory Edinburgh (ROE), but work can be from home, own institute or alternative and is open to negotiation. Infrastructural support will be provided through the ROE and visits to the ROE and other institutions are an essential part of the work. The Royal Astronomical Society HQ in Burlington House will form the natural focus for work and meetings in London. Although ideally a full-time post, part-time and flexible working will also be considered.
The UK IYA2009 Coordinator will work closely with the Chairman of the UK Organising Committee for IYA2009, as well as representatives of the funding agencies, sponsors and many groups and organisations to develop and deliver IYA2009 in the UK. The Coordinator will also be expected to come up with his/her own ideas for national events and will provide support for the local and regional activities. Specifically, the role of the Coordinator will include:
* Developing and coordinating a programme of activities for IYA2009
* Working with other national organisations and networks and encouraging them to include astronomy and space science in their programming for 2009
* Providing the central administration oversight and interface between the various organisations and groups and maintaining strong links with the local and regional activities
* Responsibility for the maintenance of the web-page http://www.astronomy2009.co.uk/ including answering or forwarding all email communications
* Generating and promoting grant funding through sponsors or otherwise
* Ensuring appropriate marketing of projects
* Overseeing the evaluation of projects, events and grant funded activities including the legacy aspect
* Assisting in the production of news, photo and video releases and integrating written and visual material for advertising and events
* Interviewing astronomers and space scientists for feeding into press releases issued by the relevant organisations
* Preparing event-related outreach material
* Arranging supporting exhibitions (from production to logistics)
* Supporting external requests from journalists, scientists and the general public.
The ideal candidate for the position of UK IYA2009 Coordinator should have:
Essential requirements
* At least a first degree or equivalent in a science subject (a physical sciences preferable)
* Extensive experience in public communication (astronomy or space science preferred)
* Personal interest in astronomy/space science
* Ability to maintain and upgrade the web-pages
* Demonstrable high level organisational skills and a methodical approach
* Experience with working with groups, agencies and organisations in collaborative events and projects
* Flexibility to travel within the UK
* The ability to work in a fast-paced environment under the pressure of deadlines
* The ability to work with people with a wide range of aptitudes and abilities and achieve required outcomes
* The ability to demonstrate enthusiasm for the project
Desirable requirements
* Good working knowledge of astronomy
* Some knowledge of, and experience with, non-profit fundraising
* Knowledge of the astronomical and science education communities
* Commissioning of working with PR agencies
* Some experience with project management
* Successful experience of grants application, administration and supervision
* Understand and be competent in utilising modern media means of communications such as YouTube, MP3, blogs, webcasting etc.
* knowledge of the way the mass media operate would be an advantage
This is an exciting, challenging and rewarding post. The UK IYA2009 Coordinator will be at the heart of the UK efforts for IYA2009 and will, in return, benefit from being involved with astronomers, organisations and agencies, funding bodies and sponsoring bodies and the opportunity for personal promotion for future career progression.
The post is funded by the Royal Astronomical Society, the Science and Technology Facilities Council and the Institute of Physics.
Reporting
The postholder will report directly to the Chairman of the UK Organising Committee, Professor Ian Robson, who is based at the ROE. They will also periodically report to an IYA UK Executive Group comprising Professor Robson and representatives of the funders.
Location of post: Negotiable but attendance at the Royal Observatory Edinburgh
as required
Starting date: January 3rd 2008 or as soon as possible after
Salary: Depending on experience, between £25k-£35k
Applications: The closing date is Monday October 22nd 2007 and application forms can be obtained from http://www.roe.ac.uk/ukatc/people/employment.html
Interview Date: Monday, November 26th in central London
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