"Outreach Coordinator"

Job Category

Fulltime Term

ExemptOvertimeEligible

Exempt

Benefits Eligible

Benefit Based

Caltech is a world-renowned science and engineering institute that marshals some of the world's brightest minds and most innovative tools to address fundamental scientific questions. We thrive on finding and cultivating talented people who are passionate about what they do. Join us and be a part of the diverse Caltech community.

Job Summary

Caltech/IPAC’s Communication and Education (ICE) team is seeking an Outreach Coordinator to join us for a 3-month full-time term appointment.

You will be part of a small team that is defining and piloting a Center for Science Engagement (CSE) at Caltech / IPAC. Your contributions will help update, extend, and develop the infrastructure for a “scientist launchpad” in community engagement, education, outreach and communication, and the framework for a community of practice among science engagement professionals.

Your work will both help enhance the effectiveness of ICE teamwork, benefit the multitude of science projects ICE supports, and help create a framework that is scalable to the growing efforts nationwide in science engagement.

This position is ideal for a candidate with experience in science engagement and is active in science research.

IPAC, part of the Physics, Math, and Astronomy Division at Caltech (www.caltech.edu), provides science operations, user support, data and archive services, and scientific vision to maximize discovery with observatories both in space and on the ground.

ICE: our team provides strategic planning, development and programming in public outreach, formal and informal education programs, science visualization, graphic design, media relations, strategic and crisis communications, video, animation, website, and applications development, planning and execution of STEM workforce pipeline development and more. 

Who do we work with? Our partners and collaborators include other Workforce, Education, Public Outreach and Communications (WEPOC) specialists and teams, as well as a broad range of the science community including individual researchers, science collaborations, science projects, missions, and centers. Our work includes people and projects both within IPAC, but also NASA and NSF projects, NASA centers including JPL and GSFC, Caltech, as well as public and private institutions across the U.S. and internationally.

Essential Job Duties

This is an in-person, full-time, three-month term appointment at Caltech / IPAC within the ICE team. You will bring to the team the ability to communicate effectively, work and develop networks, and represent both the needs and goals of scientists and science engagement professionals.

The deliverables of this work will include a framework for the CSE, and a plan for a 1 yr. pilot of the program.

Basic Qualifications

• Ph.D. degree in Astronomy, Physics, or a related field.
• 2+ years of experience post-PhD as a research scientist in astronomy.
• Experience working with a distributed team.
• Demonstrated written and oral communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

Beyond these basic qualifications, there are a set of skills and experiences which will add to your ability to contribute:

• Practical (volunteer or professional) experience in education, outreach and/or public communications.
• Experience mentoring students or postdocs.
• Strong teamwork, collaboration, verbal, and written communication, along with demonstrated creativity and problem-solving capabilities.
• A passion for science communication, community engagement.

Required Documents

• Resume
• Cover Letter

People choose to work at IPAC for many reasons, and the casual, employee-centric culture often leads to fulfilling, long-term careers and positive relationships. Caltech’s benefits program offers a quality, competitive benefits package that is affordable for you and the Institute. We also offer a 403(b) defined contribution plan to eligible staff as well as a Voluntary Retirement Savings (TDA) Plan. IPAC staff have access to the Institute’s facilities, including the athletic center, libraries, on-site daycare, professional development and enrichment classes, and Athenaeum club membership.

Hiring Range

$61,900 - $79,000 Per Year

The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty and training.

As one of the largest employers in Pasadena, CA, Caltech is committed to providing comprehensive benefits to eligible employees and their eligible dependents. Our benefits package includes competitive compensation, health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement savings plans, generous paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick time, parental leave, bereavement, etc.), tuition reimbursement, and more. Non-benefit eligible employees will have access to some benefits such as onsite counseling and sick time. Learn more about our benefits and staff perks. 

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Caltech is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

To read more Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) go to eeoc_self_print_poster.pdf.

Disability Accommodations

If you would like to request an accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to Caltech Recruiting at employment@caltech.edu.