[ES_JOBS_NET] Head of Education, Public Outreach and Communication, NSO AURA, Boulder, CO

Wed Feb 18 17:16:09 MST 2026

https://recruiting2.ultipro.com/SPA1004AURA/JobBoard/57b96f30-6a4b-42cc-8f73-d417a17b54e9/OpportunityDetail?opportunityId=7d50efc3-2b2e-4e4e-bc59-c13e8b9461af

*Head of Education, Public Outreach and Communication*

Job Details
Description

Why This Role Matters

The National Solar Observatory (NSO) is home to the world’s most advanced
solar telescope and a leader in cutting-edge solar and space weather
research. As the Head of Education, Public Outreach & Communications
(EPO/C), you will shape how the public, educators, policymakers, and
scientific communities connect with NSO’s discoveries. Your work will
amplify the impact of the NSO, expand educational opportunities for
students nationwide, and strengthen partnerships with organizations that
help bring solar science to life. This is a highly visible and strategic
role, and one that ensures NSO’s science inspires, informs, and engages
audiences across the country.
What You’ll Do

Program Leadership & Strategy

   - Lead the NSO EPO/C team and guide development of annual plans and
   budgets in collaboration with NSO leadership.
   - Report on program progress and ensure alignment with NSO’s scientific
   and organizational goals.
   - Seek external funding opportunities to grow and sustain EPOC
   initiatives.

Public Engagement & Communication

   - Promote NSO’s scientific and technical achievements through a steady
   cadence of press releases, blogs, newsletters, social media and AURA
   highlights.
   - Develop relationships with key media to promote news stories and press
   releases about NSO science.
   - Serve as a spokesperson and point-of-contact for media, film crews,
   and reporters on solar physics and space weather topics.
   - Oversee design and implementation of NSO’s website that is modern,
   easy to navigate and appeals to a range of audiences
   - Create engaging website content in collaboration with NSO staff and
   partners
   - Develop and manage NSO’s social media presence to broaden public reach.

Education & Mentorship

   - Support undergraduate and graduate student programs (e.g., REU,
   Akamai) by coordinating advertising, reporting, and partnership efforts.
   - Collaborate with partner institutions such as CU Boulder and the
   University of Hawaii on joint education programs.
   - Build partnerships with citizen science programs, amateur astronomers,
   and planetariums nationwide.
   - Develop K–12 mentoring initiatives and create classroom and laboratory
   materials aligned with educational standards.

Institutional Responsibilities

   - Ensure proper management and control of AURA property within assigned
   areas.
   - Comply with government award terms and conditions relevant to this
   position.
   - Other duties as assigned.

Core Competencies

   - Team and Project Leadership: Manage staff and multiple initiatives
   with efficiency and accountability.
   - Digital Fluency: Maximize impact through evolving digital platforms
   and tools.
   - Collaboration & Partnership Building: Cultivate strong relationships
   across academia, media, internal teams, and public audiences.
   - Strategic Storytelling: Translate complex science into compelling
   narratives for the media and a broad range of audiences.
   - Innovation Mindset: Leverage creativity and emerging technologies to
   enhance outreach.

Requirements

   - BSc degree in astronomy, physics or a related field.
   - Extensive experience in science communication.
   - Experience leading a team of communications/education/outreach
   professionals.
   - Experience with developing and disseminating press releases about
   science results for media.
   - Experience developing and/or implementing science stories, education
   and public outreach programs for a scientific organization.
   - Demonstrated excellence in writing and communications.
   - Demonstrated experience creating content for social media platforms.

Desired

   - Working knowledge of modern solar physics research.
   - Proposal writing experience in support of science education and
   outreach.
   - Knowledge of communication and outreach programs at federal agencies
   (e.g., NSF, NASA) and scientific organizations (e.g., AAS, AGU).
   - Understanding of modern web frameworks and tools.
   - Experience with graphic design and video editing software.

Work Environment

This position operates in a professional office environment and routinely
utilizes standard office equipment, including computers, phones, and
copiers. The work environment is generally quiet and may involve working in
close proximity to others, depending on the needs of the specific function
Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must
be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of
this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with
disabilities to perform the essential functions.

   - Must be able to remain in a stationary position at least 50% of the
   time.
   - Occasional need to move about inside the office environment to access
   files, office tools, attendance in a meeting room, etc.
   - Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity tools
   that require fine motor skills, such as a calculator, copy machine,
   computer printer, etc.
   - May occasionally need to position self to maintain computer and
   related tools.
   - Seldomly needed to move objects up to 10 pounds.
   - Constant communication with other individuals. Must be able to discern
   and exchange information as appropriate to the situation.
   - Constant need to distinguish, discern, and identify a variety of
   objects and fine details with accuracy.
   - This position may require occasional travel to/from the United States
   Mainland.
   - Occasional work at 10,000’ elevation, sometimes during inclement
   weather

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level
of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. They are
not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities and
skills required by personnel so classified. This Institute promotes Equal
Employment Opportunity workplace that includes reasonable accommodations to
otherwise qualified, disabled applicants and employees.
Why NSO?

At the National Solar Observatory, you’ll join a mission-driven community
working at the frontier of solar science. Our teams are dedicated to
understanding the Sun in ways that protect technology, enhance scientific
discovery, and inspire global audiences. NSO offers a collaborative,
forward-thinking environment where curiosity is encouraged, varied
perspectives are valued, and employees can make a tangible impact on
science and society. Here, you will have the opportunity to grow your
career, lead innovative outreach programs, and help shape the national
conversation around solar physics and space weather.
Salary

Salary range: $125,000 - $138,000. The final salary will depend on skills,
qualifications, and experience.

AURA offers an excellent benefits package including paid time off and
retirement plan contributions, competitive salary commensurate with
experience, and a very attractive work environment. Details on benefits can
be found at Benefits by Location - Aura Human Resources
<https://hr.aura-astronomy.org/benefits-by-location/>
How to Apply

If you’re excited to lead education, public outreach and communications at
one of the world’s premier observatories, we’d love to hear from you. Apply
by January 31, 2025, for priority consideration. This position will remain
open until filled. Submit your CV and cover letter (PDF format preferred)
via our application system. Please name your files in the format:
Lastname_Docname.pdf.

Individuals needing assistance with the employment process can request
assistance at talent at aura-astronomy.org.  <talent at aura-astronomy.org>
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