Full-time, permanent | London (hybrid – 3 days/week in office) | 35 hours per week | Salary: £40,000
About the role
The Royal Astronomical Society is seeking a creative and proactive Education and Outreach Officer. Based in London at our Burlington House premises, this role will involve developing and delivering a wide range of engaging astronomy and geophysics education activities to audiences both local and some across the country.
As an Education and Outreach Officer you would play a vital role in our team, working with schools, families and young children to bring the fields of astronomy and geophysics to life for these audiences.
About us
The Royal Astronomical Society (The Society) is the UK learned society that promotes astronomy, solar system science and geophysics. The Society is a company incorporated by Royal Charter and UK registered charity and is headquartered at Burlington House in Piccadilly, London. Founded in 1820, the Society supports research, education, public engagement and science policy through meetings, publications, awards, grants and library services. Staff support these activities and play a central role in enabling the Society to fulfil its charitable purpose.
Primary responsibilities include:
- Develop and deliver of a programme of astronomy and geophysics education and outreach activities, including the design and delivery of educational sessions, workshops and learning resources.
- Deliver education and outreach activities in both face-to-face and online settings, ensuring high-quality and engaging experiences for participants.
- Plan and undertake visits to schools across the UK, and coordinate visits by schools and other groups to the Royal Astronomical Society's Burlington House premises.
- Develop and manage a range of creative educational resources and programmes for teachers, home educators, STEM Ambassadors, community groups and families. Including digital and online programmes.
- Provide advice, guidance and support to RAS Fellows and recipients of RAS funding to enhance the quality and impact of their education and outreach activities.
- Manage a teacher forum to consult with teachers on the development of our programmes and activities to provide feedback and advice for the RAS’s Education & Outreach programmes and gain insight into school and teacher priorities for these programmes.
- Build and maintain effective relationships with schools, teachers, education partners, community organisations and other key stakeholders.
- Represent the Royal Astronomical Society and its education and outreach work at conferences, events and external meetings.
Person specification
Essential
- Knowledge of astronomy and geophysics and how these topics are covered within the UK education sector.
- A relevant teaching qualification or demonstrable experience delivering teaching, learning or educational activities in a school, further education, museum, gallery, science centre or similar educational setting.
- Experience of working with children and young people aged 4–18 years.
- Experience of developing and delivering education and outreach programmes and learning resources.
- Experience of managing projects from initiation through to completion.
- Experience of organising and delivering events, workshops or public engagement activities.
- Awareness of risk assessment processes and experience of working in accordance with safeguarding requirements and procedures.
Desirable
- Experience of facilitating online learning, training or digital engagement activities.
- Experience of evaluating education and outreach programmes and using feedback to inform future development.
- Experience of working with diverse audiences, including underrepresented communities in astronomy and geophysics, SEND groups and community organisations.
- Experience of recruiting, coordinating or managing volunteers.
- Experience of building and maintaining networks with teachers, education providers or outreach partners.
What you bring
- Knowledge of astronomy and geophysics, and an understanding of how these subjects are taught and explored within the UK education sector.
- Experience of developing and delivering engaging education, outreach or public engagement programmes and learning resources.
- Experience of working with children and young people, ideally across primary and secondary education settings.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to engage and inspire a wide range of audiences.
- Strong organisational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple activities and priorities.
- A commitment to diversity, inclusion and widening participation, with a passion for making astronomy and geophysics accessible to all.
How to apply
To apply please send a CV and cover letter outlining your suitability for the role to Nancy Gorman at ngorman@ras.ac.uk by 5pm on Monday 23 November. Interviews will be held w/c Monday 7 December.