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NSF’s NOIRLab is the preeminent US national center for ground-based, nighttime optical and infrared astronomy. NOIRLab is a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC) which operates as a matrix organization, providing services across a range of programs: Gemini, Rubin, MSO (CTIO and KPNO), and CSDC; with facilities in three geographic locations: Arizona, Chile and Hawai’i. The mission of NOIRLab is to enable breakthrough discoveries in astrophysics by developing and operating state-of-the-art ground-based observatories and providing data products and services for a diverse and inclusive community.

The Kitt Peak Visitor Center Operations Manager is responsible for the management and operation of the Visitor Center including planning, organizing, staffing, technical maintenance, tracking, and evaluating all public visitor activities at Kitt Peak. The Visitor Center is comprised of the museum, retail gift shop, the four Kitt Peak Visitor Center (KPVC) telescopes and the NOIRLab Windows on the Universe Center for Astronomy Outreach (Windows Center) with its Science on Sphere (SoS), 3 Heliostats and future planetarium. The KPVC operates as an integral part of the Communications, Education & Engagement (CEE) unit under the matrixed supervision of the Head of CEE and the Director of Mid-Scale Observatories (MSO).

Essential Functions:

• Oversee all operations and provide budget and staff management for the KPVC, including the Windows Center.
• Develop and implement an operations concept and plan.
• Manage the KPVC team including operational staff, gift shop personnel, technicians, public programs specialists.
• Collaborate with the CEE team for support in:
  • Educational program development
  • Exhibition and events development
  • Promotion/distribution/partnerships
  • Social media strategy support
  • Evaluation support
  • Web & graphics services
  • News team for media relations
• Collaborate with the relevant MSO units on:
  • Tohono O’odham Nation engagement
  • Kitt Peak National Observatory (KPNO) operations
• Establish and maintain crucial relationships with community organizations and associations in tourism, similar organizations in the science education field, and other observatory-based visitor centers.
• Procure retail merchandise for the KPVC including arts and crafts from Tohono O’odham Nation artisans.

Other Functions:

• Other duties as assigned

Required Education/Experience/Skills/Abilities:

• A Bachelor’s degree in astronomy, communication, marketing, or a related field.
• Seven or more years of experience in a similar position working in public outreach, retail sales, tourism or in museums, with two or more of those years in a supervisory-management role leading a team of at least five people.
• Comprehensive knowledge of the methods, approaches, promotion, and procedures involved in public outreach, museums, and tourism.
• Project Management experience and the proven ability to effectively manage a budget; ability to understand and apply accounting practices in the maintenance of financial records.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, visitors, and the public.
• Experience expressing ideas clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to communicate effectively and deal tactfully and cordially with all types of people and provide excellent customer service.
• Proficiency in Google Workspace or MS Office.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including some weekends, nights, and holidays.
• Driver’s License and clean driving record.

Preferred Education/Experience/Skills/Abilities:

• Eight or more years of experience with the management of an astronomy/science/nature center, planetarium, natural history museum, or observatory visitor center doing public outreach, retail management, or tour planning and support.
• Experience with recruitment and management of professional staff and volunteers.
• Experience working with underrepresented communities-audiences.
• Experience writing grants that support science outreach programs and new exhibits.
• Familiarity with Point-of-Sale systems.

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.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and talk or hear.
• The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms and stoop; kneel; crouch; or crawl.
• The employee must regularly lift and /or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
• Must possess - sufficient mobility, strength, or dexterity in both arms and hands and both legs to a) reach upward, sideways, downward to work with paper files; b) sufficient mobility and dexterity to utilize computer systems, fax machines, copiers, and other office machines.
• Must possess – 1) ability to read and understand instructions, drawings, safety guides, and other written materials necessary to perform job; 2) sufficient visual capacity toperform the applicable functions without assistance of visual aids other than eye contacts or eyeglasses; 3) sufficient spoken aural capacity to hear and understand instructions, warning bells, fire alarms, or shouted instructions without assistance of auditory aids other than a hearing aid; and 4) ability to impart information orally so that others understand and can respond appropriately
• Able to climb stairs and work at 6,800 feet altitude.
• May be required to extend worktime and/or stay overnight at Kitt Peak based on emergency operational and/or safety needs.

Preference will be given to qualified internal candidates and qualified Native Americans living on or near the Tohono O'odham reservation.

The position will remain open until it is filled. To be considered in the first round of reviews, please submit your application by August 13, 2023.

• Please submit a cover letter and a CV or resume, PDF files preferred. Please name any attachments with the following format: Lastname Docname.
• Application documents that are not uploaded as part of the application may be sent to [email protected].
• Please enter 2 professional references in your application (references will only be contacted later in the recruitment process).

Veterans, disabled individuals or wounded warriors needing assistance with the employment process should request assistance at [email protected]

The Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA) is a consortium of 47 US institutions and 3 international affiliates that operates world-class astronomical observatories for the National Science Foundation and NASA. AURA’s role is to establish, nurture, and promote public observatories and facilities that advance innovative astronomical research. In addition, AURA is deeply committed to public and educational outreach, and to diversity throughout the astronomical and scientific workforce. AURA carries out its role through its astronomical facilities.

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 https://hr.aura-astronomy.org/employee-benefits-guide/

Consistent with the actions of the Biden Administration, as of 12 May 2023, AURA will no longer require COVID-19 vaccination of its employees in the U.S. AURA employees in the U.S. may be subject to COVID-19 vaccination requirements from other entities, such as host institutions or partner affiliations.

As a recipient of U.S. Government funding, AURA is considered a government contractor and is subject to Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action regulations. As an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer, AURA does not discriminate based on race, sex, color, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity/gender identity expression, lawful political affiliations, veteran status, disability, and/or any other legally protected status under applicable federal, state, and local equal opportunity laws. The statements below as well as the requests for self-identification are required pursuant to these regulations. We encourage your participation in meeting these federal reporting requirements which are included for protection and to assist us in our recordkeeping and reporting. Your responses are kept strictly confidential.