Planetarium Manager

ABOUT THE ROLE Reporting to the Department of Human and Cultural Services Director for the City of Jackson, the Planetarium Manager serves as the face and primary marketer for the McNair-Davis Planetarium. This role provides overall leadership and management, overseeing daily operations, developing innovative educational programs, managing staff and volunteers, ensuring financial sustainability, and fostering community partnerships to promote science education and downtown economic development. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES - Develop and implement engaging educational and entertainment programs for diverse audiences, including school groups and the public. - Oversee daily operations of the planetarium and astronomy center, including scheduling, staffing, facility upkeep, and visitor safety. - Manage the budget for planetarium, exhibit operations, and the gift shop to ensure financial objectives are met. - Supervise, mentor, and cross-train full-time and part-time staff and volunteers. - Develop and execute outreach programs in collaboration with local schools, universities, and community organizations. - Promote the planetarium through social media, websites, and local media as an economic development tool. - Identify grant opportunities and implement fundraising campaigns to support programs and capital improvements. - Conduct research on best practices in informal planetarium education and explore new technologies and interactive exhibits. - Assist in the maintenance and troubleshooting of planetarium and exhibit equipment. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - Bachelor's degree in Astronomy, Physics, Science Education, or a closely related field. - Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in planetarium operations and management. - In-depth knowledge of astronomy, astrophysics, and space science. - Strong understanding of planetarium technologies, including digital projectors, operating systems, lighting, audio, and special effects. - Proficiency in using planetarium software and equipment. - Experience in developing and delivering engaging educational programs and entertainment productions. - Experience managing staff and volunteers. - Experience in grant writing and fundraising. - Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS - Ability to work 40 hours per week on-site, including weekends and evenings. - Willingness to work a rotating schedule, typically Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, with at least one week every two months working Wednesday through Sunday, including evening shifts. - Ability to cross-train, collaborate with, and occasionally supervise or substitute for part-time weekend and evening staff. SELECTION PROCESS - Not specified in the provided job description. HOW TO APPLY - Application details are available on the City Website. EMPLOYMENT DETAILS - Agency: City of Jackson, Department of Human and Cultural Services - Location: McNair-Davis Planetarium/Space Theater, Jackson, MS - Position: 10110001 - Code: 424-3 - Type: Internal and External - Group: Human and Cultural Services - Posting Start: 02/02/2026 - Posting End: 05/31/9999 - Benefits: Health insurance and paid yearly vacation and sick leave, details to be determined.