Jobs at BPAA
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Job Title: Programming Coordinator (Public and School Programs)
Work Location: In-Person, Ritchie Observatory, Bainbridge Island, Washington
Position Type: Part-Time Hourly (25 hours per week), ability to work some evenings/weekends
Pay Range: $28.00/hour
Position start date: May 2025
To apply, send a resume and cover letter describing your experience in relation to the qualifications to [email protected].About Us:
The Ritchie Observatory is a small, community-focused observatory on Bainbridge Island dedicated to inspiring curiosity and wonder in astronomy and the sciences. We offer a variety of educational programs, star parties, planetarium shows, and public lectures to foster engagement with STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) disciplines for learners of all ages.
The Ritchie Observatory is operated by the Battle Point Astronomical Association (BPAA), a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering public interest in astronomy and science education. Located on Bainbridge Island, the observatory serves as the centerpiece for the BPAA’s community programs, educational workshops, and stargazing events.
Position Summary:
We are seeking a Programming Coordinator to support public and school programs by coordinating outreach efforts, aligning educational offerings with STEAM curricula, and assisting volunteer scientists with program delivery. The role will include outreach to Kitsap County public and private schools to build strong educational partnerships. The ideal candidate will have a background or strong interest in astronomy, science, and/or education. Having a current or past employment with Kitsap schools is a plus. This position is scheduled to begin in the spring of this year.
Key Responsibilities:
School Program Support:
- Conduct outreach to Kitsap County public and private schools to assess how the observatory can serve school STEAM curricula
- Promote observatory programs and tailor offerings to align with STEAM curricula.
- Build and maintain partnerships with educators to ensure program relevance and effectiveness.
- Assist in developing lesson plans, activities, and educational materials for school groups.
- Lead and facilitate school field trips and on-site educational experiences.
Public Program Support:
- Work in collaboration with the Planetarium Coordinator and other Observatory staff as a team.
- Support volunteer and paid scientists and educators by coordinating logistics, preparing materials, and ensuring smooth program delivery.
- Assist with public events, including star parties, public lectures, planetarium shows and movies and special observatory events.
- Help the Planetarium Coordinator and volunteer program specialists develop program materials to enhance the visitor experience.
Administrative and Outreach:
- Maintain program calendars, participant records, and contact lists for schools and community partners.
- Create content for newsletters, social media, and promotional materials to increase program awareness and engagement.
- Collect feedback from participants to evaluate and improve program offerings.
- Provide technical assistance for presentations, telescopes, and observatory equipment as needed.
Qualifications:
- Excellent communication, public speaking, and organizational skills.
- Demonstrated interest or background in astronomy, science, and/or education.
- Bachelor’s degree or coursework in education, astronomy, physics, or a related STEAM field (or equivalent experience).
- Experience in education, program coordination, or public outreach, preferably in a science or museum setting.
- Current or past employment with Kitsap County schools is a plus.
- Ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse groups, including educators, volunteers, and the public.
- Flexibility to work evenings and weekends as needed.
- Familiarity with telescope operation and basic astronomical concepts is a plus (training will be provided if needed).
Position Details:
- Part-time (25 hours per week)
- Flexible scheduling, including some evenings and weekends.
- Position start date: Spring 2025
How to Apply:
Please submit your resume and a cover letter by April 18th explaining your interest in the position and relevant experience to Frank Petrie at [email protected].
Equal Opportunity:
The Ritchie Observatory is an equal opportunity employer and encourages individuals from diverse backgrounds to apply.
Join our team and help inspire the next generation of explorers at the Ritchie Observatory on Bainbridge Island!
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Job Title: Outreach and Development Coordinator
Work Location: In-Person, Ritchie Observatory, Bainbridge Island, Washington
Position Type: Part-Time Hourly (25 hours per week), ability to work some evenings/weekends
Pay Range: $28.00/hour
Position start date: May 2025
To apply, send a resume and cover letter describing your experience in relation to the qualifications to [email protected].About Us:
The Ritchie Observatory is a community-driven observatory with a planetarium, dedicated to fostering public engagement in astronomy and the sciences. Through educational programs, public lectures, star parties, planetarium shows, and special events, we aim to inspire curiosity and promote STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) education for learners of all ages.
The Ritchie Observatory is operated by the Battle Point Astronomical Association (BPAA), a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering public interest in astronomy and science education. Located on Bainbridge Island, the observatory serves as the centerpiece for the BPAA’s community programs, educational workshops, and stargazing events.
Position Summary:
The Observatory Outreach and Development Coordinator oversees membership programs, manages volunteer engagement, coordinates fundraising efforts, and leads the planning and execution of fundraising and member events. This position also oversees any fundraising consultant contracts and collaborates closely with the Board Chair for fundraising and event initiatives.
Reporting to the Board President and working under the direction of the Board, this role also requires close coordination with the Planetarium Manager and Programming Coordinator.
Key Responsibilities:
Membership Management:
- Develop and implement strategies to grow and retain membership
- Manage member benefits, renewal campaigns, and membership communications
- Organize membership appreciation events and special programs to foster engagement.
- Oversee membership database and the volunteer(s) that help maintain it.
Volunteer Program Oversight:
- Recruit and manage volunteers for public programs, fundraising, and observatory operations.
- Develop and implement a volunteer engagement plan to promote retention and recognition.
- Ensure volunteers have the resources and support needed to fulfill their roles effectively.
- Utilize Volunteer Management System to maintain volunteer calendar, manage volunteer applications, and run reports.
Fundraising and Development:
- Help to design, plan, and execute fundraising campaigns, including annual giving, grant applications, and donor solicitation efforts.
- Oversee fundraising consultant contracts to ensure alignment with the observatory’s goals.
- Identify and cultivate donor relationships to build sustained giving.
- Plan and manage all fundraising and donor appreciation events, such as benefit dinners, auctions, and galas.
- Collaborate closely with the Board Chair and Board of Directors to support development goals and initiatives.
Event Coordination:
- Oversee planning and logistics for fundraising and member events.
- Ensure events are well-promoted, engaging, and executed smoothly.
- Work closely with the Planetarium Manager and Programming Coordinator to coordinate event schedules and resources.
- Create post-event evaluations and implement improvements based on feedback.
Communications and Outreach:
- Develop and manage a comprehensive communication plan to promote the observatory’s programs, membership, and fundraising events.
- Oversee website updates, newsletters, social media, and marketing materials.
- Act as the observatory’s primary contact for media and public relations.
- Build partnerships with local schools, community organizations, and media outlets to increase outreach and visibility.
Qualifications:
- Strong organizational, leadership, and project management skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Experience in fundraising, event planning, and donor relations.
- Experience working with volunteers, members, and diverse community stakeholders.
- Familiarity with customer relationship management (CRM) systems and fundraising platforms is a plus.
- Passion for astronomy, science education, or community engagement is highly desirable.
- Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends as required for events.
Position Details:
- Part-time (25 hours per week)
- Flexible schedule to accommodate events and program needs.
Reporting Structure:
The Observatory Outreach and Development Coordinator reports to the Board President and works under the direction of the Board, collaborating closely with the Board Chair for fundraising and events. This position also works in coordination with the Planetarium Manager and Programming Coordinator.
How to Apply:
Please submit your resume and a cover letter by April 18th explaining your interest in the position and relevant experience to Frank Petrie at [email protected].
Equal Opportunity:
Ritchie Observatory is an equal opportunity employer and encourages individuals from diverse backgrounds to contribute to our mission.
This position plays a critical role in helping Ritchie Observatory build a vibrant community inspired by the wonders of the universe through its fundraising, membership, and community engagement programs.