Job Details

Program Director, Planetarium
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Position Number: 5641229
Location: Costa Mesa, CA
Position Type: Science - Astronomy and Astrophysics

Program Director, Planetarium

Coast Community College District

Salary: $113,212.00 - $150,459.00 Annually

Job Type:

Job Number: OM-002-25

Location: Costa Mesa, CA

Definition

(ON-CAMPUS - in-person position)

Orange Coast College (OCC) is seeking an equity-minded, Classified Manager as the Program Director, Planetarium within the Instructional Services Wing as part of the Math and Sciences Division.
About Orange Coast College (OCC)
Orange Coast College's 164-acre campus is located in Costa Mesa just minutes from Southern California's beautiful beaches. Orange Coast College (OCC) was founded in 1947 with the mission to serve the educational needs of a diverse local and global community. The College empowers students to achieve their goals by providing high-quality, culturally responsive, and innovative programs and services through pathways leading to degrees, transfers, certificates, foundational skills, workforce development, and lifelong learning. The College promotes student development, learning, and equitable outcomes by fostering a respectful, inclusive, caring, and participatory campus climate of student engagement and academic inquiry.

OCC engages in a variety of professional development opportunities and partnerships so that we can serve disproportionately impacted groups. Student-centered activities that support OCC's mission include campus-wide student success projects funded by the Office of Student Equity; partnerships with local Hispanic Serving four-year institutions; active programs that work to improve the academic achievement of racially minoritized students, such as PUENTE and UMOJA; Extended Opportunity Programs and Services (EOPS) and Disabled Student Program and Services (DSPS). Additionally, OCC is an officially designated Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and has an eligibility designation as an Asian American Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPISI).

D.E.I.A. - Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Anti-Racism
The Coast Community College District (Orange Coast College, Golden West College, and Coastline) continues to strengthen our efforts around diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and anti-racism. Orange Coast College is focused on creating a culture of inclusive excellence by uplifting employees and students through an environment that is equitable, diverse, inclusive, and accessible. We have a strong focus and importance on D.E.I.A. and Anti-Racism (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility) and will be actively listening, assessing, and evaluating this throughout each stage of the application, recruitment, and interview process.

Ideal candidates for this position share OCC's devotion to educating and improving the lives of our representative students, employees, and community populations. We currently enroll 17,102 students, the majority of whom are from racially minoritized populations: 36% of OCC's students are Latinx, 2% are African-American, 25% are Asian, less than 1% Native American, 29% are White, and 5% are multiracial.

Orange Coast College Employee-Student Demographic Information
Direct Link: Employee / Student Demographics Comparison Dashboard

Department Specifics:
About OCC Planetarium
About OCC Math & Sciences Division
The new Planetarium was designed by Newport Beach-based architecture firm HPI with the instruction to create a truly iconic structure at the heart of the OCC campus. A spiral galaxy shape was chosen in the end, mimicking the shape of our own Milky Way. The seventy-foot-diameter dome peeks from the center of the galaxy and evokes the curiosity of all who walk past the structure. On June 16, 2016, the groundbreaking ceremony took place and began the two-year journey to create a state-of-the-art facility that offers the very best in informal science education. The new planetarium officially opened with a dedication ceremony on March 22, 2019, and continues to bring the wondrous experience of the cosmos right here in Orange County.

The Orange Coast College Planetarium is part of the campus community in combination with the public community of Orange County. The planetarium offers a wide array of events and activities throughout the year to benefit both our students and the general public. Individuals have the opportunity to experience the wonder of science and space through a variety of events that offer hands-on activities, cater to a wide range of ages, and bring our community together. Students from school districts throughout Southern California who visit the planetarium will be given the chance to experience core STEM concepts through programs that are engaging and fun. Regular showings are offered on weekends so everyone can come enjoy a rotating schedule of breathtaking full-dome experiences that transport you to faraway worlds.

The Division of Mathematics and Sciences at Orange Coast College provides educational programs for its majors that are recognized for their quality by the many universities to which our students transfer. The science programs are distinguished by their outstanding laboratory facilities and modern equipment. The mathematics department provides a calculus honors sequence that is comparable to that taught at schools such as Stanford, UCLA, and UC Berkeley. Division facilities include an exemplary Math Center, the Hoag Multimedia Laboratory, a Cadaver Prosection Lab, a Plastination Lab, marine science aquariums, and a horticulture facility that includes gardens and over 6,000 square feet of greenhouse space. With its close proximity to the ocean, Orange Coast College's Marine Science program is the largest community college marine science program in the nation.

Summary
Directs, oversees, and ensures efficient operation of a planetarium that supports curriculum and serves as an educational and entertainment facility for college and K-12 students, K-12 school groups, and the community. Develops a research-based action plan that blends service hours, programs, and education in a way that optimizes patronage and revenue.

Distinguishing Career Features
The Manager, Planetarium is a first-line management position that integrates educational support with community-based education and entertainment. The Planetarium provides both fee-based and educational support services by developing and scheduling core and innovative programs, presentations, and events. The Planetarium Manager also assists the Foundation with fundraising and public relations efforts as they pertain to the Planetarium.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Specific duties may vary among departments, divisions, and jobs. Incumbents typically perform a substantial portion or all of the following types of duties, as assigned:

Oversees the operation of the planetarium and its displays, presentation formats, schedules hours of service, and programs. Oversees classified staff, professional experts, and student workers who implement Dome shows, STEM support programming, and operate the gift shop.
Serves as public-facing point of contact for the planetarium facility and operations. May be present for events and rentals; may introduce speakers and guests.
Works with faculty to integrate planetarium capabilities with curriculum in astronomy, physics, and other sciences and curriculum. Through collaboration and communication, support the faculty in the development of an appropriate curriculum to integrate experiential learning in the Dome and telescope farm. This may include developing and presenting workshops for college-aged students in credit or non-credit programs,
Develops College-wide relationships to ensure efficient operation of the planetarium facility to include the Foundation, faculty, maintenance and operations, and fiscal offices.Establishes collaborative and collegial relationships, including convening meetings, to ensure College-wide participation and communication.
Develops community partnerships with local agencies to enhance educational activities in the planetarium facility. Will demonstrate an ability to build new relationships, take initiative in grant writing, and will work with the Foundation in exploring fundraising opportunities for the Planetarium.
Works with various program directors to develop student experiential activities centered in astronomy and earth sciences including participation in various special STEM-centered committees and events.
Develops community relationships through outreach and oversees a robust program of STEM-specific activities for K-12 students beyond dome programming. This includes STEM programming such as Mad STEM camp, Rocket labs, and summer camps for pre-collegiate students. This also includes a lead role in the coordination of the OCC annual Science Night.
Coordinates and directs programming and staff training. Develops and directs scheduling of planetarium programming and may present some programs in the Dome.
Develops, modifies, and installs new programs. Researches, writes, produces, and updates existing programs to offer continuous new visual and lecture content. Works with faculty to enrich college coursework and programming with planetarium resources.
Ensures accountability of staff in financial transactions related to planetarium sales, facility rentals, and co-sponsored events. Ensures staff is trained on financial practices, including fraud management.
Researches and prepares budget recommendations related to planetarium operations annually, taking into consideration schedule proposals, equipment, and income projections. Purchases new equipment, tools, and shows based on approved budgets. Coordinates and oversees maintenance contracts and other related technical requirements of the planetarium facility.
Oversees maintenance of planetarium facility and equipment. Participates in the design, build, setup, and maintains planetarium equipment as necessary.
Oversees planetarium marketing and manages social media platforms, ensuring compliance with District guidelines on campus approvals, and media postings. Works closely with the campus marketing office to ensure all campus administrative offices are informed of upcoming events.
Works collaboratively with Astronomy faculty to develop and implement plans for planetarium facility enhancement. Serves as a lead on new initiatives recommended by Astronomy faculty.
Performs other related duties as assigned that support the objective of the position.
Required to abide by all District policies and procedures including Board Policy 3050 - Code of Professional Ethics.

Qualifications and Physical Demands

Knowledge and Skills

The position requires specialized professional knowledge of theories and concepts in astronomy, physics, or related disciplines.
Requires working knowledge of planetarium equipment and technologies used for education and interactive presentations.
Requires a working knowledge of computer operating systems used by the District, desktop productivity software, and specialized applications/simulations software used in astronomy and physics.
Requires knowledge of the uses of new technologies such as web development, multimedia tools, courseware authoring tools, and other instructional technologies.
Requires scientific math skills sufficient for analytic presentations.
Requires knowledge of the English language sufficient to write clear, succinct, step-by-step instructions and explanations.
Requires well-developed human relations skills to deliver inspiring group presentations, in-service education to groups and individuals and to explain technical concepts to non-technical staff.

Abilities

Requires the ability to perform the essential responsibilities and functions of the position.
Requires the ability to carry out the major accountabilities of the position.
Requires the ability to organize and present shows, education, and entertainment for astronomy topics.
Requires the ability to outreach to school groups and the community to promote the astronomy programs and to collaborate with faculty to support curriculum.
Requires the ability to express educational technology goals relating to the Planetarium with imaginative application of multimedia and technologies to support the curriculum.
Requires the ability to convey concepts in writing and orally to individuals and/or groups of diverse backgrounds.
Requires the ability to work within a changing environment, schedule, and manage multiple priorities.
Requires the ability to work cooperatively and productively with a diverse population of faculty, staff, and patrons.

Physical Abilities

The general physical demands, working conditions, and essential job functions associated with this classification will be kept on file with the Office of Human Resources.
Essential functions will vary by position.
As defined by Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act ("ADA") and California's Fair Employment and Housing Act ("FEHA"), the District shall engage in a timely, good faith interactive process with employees or employment applicants who are requesting or are in need of reasonable accommodations and, provide reasonable accommodations for employees or employment applicants who, because of their disability, are limited in or unable to perform one or more of the essential functions of their job in accordance with applicable state and federal law.

Education and Experience and demonstrated evidence of D.E.I.A. (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility)

The position requires a Bachelor's degree in astronomy, physics, or equivalent science and 3 years of progressive experience supporting a planetarium or comparable environment that includes guest relations.
Or, any combination of education and experience which would provide the required equivalent qualifications for the position.
- A Master's degree is preferred and may substitute for some experience.

AND

Demonstrated evidence of responsiveness to and understanding of the racial, ethnic, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic, academic, and cultural diversity within the community college student population, including students with different ability statuses (e.g., physical and/or learning) as these factors relate to the need for equity-minded practice within the classroom.

Licenses and Certificates

May require a valid driver's license.

Working Conditions

Work is performed indoors where minimal, yet some safety considerations exist.

Conditions of Employment

Note: Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment VISA at this time.

(ON-CAMPUS - in-person position)
This is a temporary contract, full-time, categorical-funded, 12-months per year, Classified Management position. The District reserves the right to extend, modify, or eliminate this position based upon available funds. The work schedule is Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Flexible schedules and weekends are necessary to address the needs of programs and job duties. The effective date of employment will be arranged with the supervisor. The District provides medical, dental, and vision insurance for the employee and eligible dependents and life insurance for the employee. (Salary Schedule: DG-7)

Regular attendance is considered an essential job function; the inability to meet attendance requirements may preclude the employee from retaining employment.
The person holding this position is considered a mandated reporter under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in Coast Community College District policies, procedures, and Title IX. (Reference: BP/AP 5910 )
The Coast Community College District celebrates all forms of diversity and is deeply committed to fostering an inclusive environment within which students, staff, administrators, and faculty thrive. Individuals interested in advancing the District's strategic diversity goals are strongly encouraged to apply.
Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified applicants with disabilities who self-disclose.

Pay Philosophy:
Through policies, practices, and other benefit programs, Coast Community College District delivers a fair and equitable total compensation program that promotes equal employment opportunity, inclusion, and workforce vitality. In general, it is the policy of the District to place new employees at the first step of the salary grade. All movement on the salary schedule will occur on July 1 of each year for all classified employees.

Application Requirements:
The deadline to apply is October 25, 2024. Application materials must be electronically submitted online at http://www.cccd.edu/employment to be considered for employment.

Incomplete applications, application materials submitted by mail, and documents not requested in the job announcement will not be considered. Please note that the district does not return materials submitted in the application process (copies of original supporting documents are acceptable).

A complete application packet includes:
*Note: We have a strong focus and importance on D.E.I.A. and Anti-Racism (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility) and will be actively listening, assessing, and evaluating this throughout each stage of the application, recruitment, and interview process.

A complete Coast Community College District Online Employment Application.
Responses to Supplemental Questions (please provide clear and detailed responses, as they will be carefully evaluated to determine the most qualified candidate(s) to be invited for an interview; please do not paste your resume, put "see resume" or "N/A", or leave blank).
A Cover Letter highlighting your experiences relevant to this position and addressing the minimum and essential qualifications, including your demonstrated evidence of D.E.I.A. (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility). (upload as a separate attachment - PDF recommended).
A Current Resume of professional experience and educational background. (upload as a separate attachment - PDF recommended).

Submit an application online at:
http://www.cccd.edu/employment

Coast Community College District - Human Resources
1370 Adams Avenue, Costa Mesa, CA 92626

Individuals who need reasonable accommodations in accordance with ADA should notify the Human Resources Office for assistance or call 714.438.4716.

Additional Information

Selection Procedure

All online applications received by the application deadline will be screened to determine which applicants meet the minimum qualifications as stated in the job announcement. Please note: Possession of the minimum qualifications does not ensure an interview.

Applicants wishing to apply for more than one position must submit separate application materials for each desired position.

Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications and who are also deemed to possess the highest committee evaluation will be invited to an interview.
If any travel is required for an applicant to participate in person during the interview process, this will be done so at the candidate's own expense.

During the interview, candidates may be asked to conduct a short oral demonstration/presentation on a previously announced topic as well as participate in a writing exercise, or hands-on practical.
Consideration will also be given to factors in addition to education and experience, including but not limited to professional development, ability to work with others, and commitment to meet student needs.
The search committee will rate the candidate's responses to the interview questions, the demonstration/presentation, and the applicable writing exercises and/or hands-on practicals. Based on this rating, a number of candidates will be recommended to move forward and will be invited for a second-level interview.
The hiring manager will conduct reference checks on the final candidate. The district reserves the right to contact the current or most recent employer and to investigate past employment records of applicants selected for interviews.
The campus President will make the final recommendation for employment to the Board of Trustees.
The start date will be determined based on the needs of the campus and the conditions of employment as posted in the job announcement/recruitment.
Applicants who are eliminated from consideration will be notified by email. All applicants are requested to provide an email address in their online application. Candidates should not expect official notification of the status of their candidacy until the Board of Trustees has acted upon the College's recommendation for employment.
The District reserves the right to extend the deadline, re-advertise the position, or delay filling this position based on the needs of the District and the student population we serve.

Employment Information

Regular attendance is considered an essential job function; the inability to meet attendance requirements may preclude the employee from retaining employment.
The person holding this position is considered a mandated reporter under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in Coast Community College District policies, procedures, and Title IX. (Reference: BP/AP 5910)
The Coast Community College District celebrates all forms of diversity and is deeply committed to fostering an inclusive environment within which students, staff, administrators, and faculty thrive. Individuals interested in advancing equity and inclusion goals are strongly encouraged to apply. Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified applicants with disabilities who self-disclose.

The SELECTED CANDIDATE is required to complete the following prior to employment:

Provide a Certificate of Tuberculosis Exam for initial appointment (Note: The certificate must be renewed every 4 years as a condition of continuing employment).
Have fingerprints taken by a Live Scan computer at the candidate's expense (Clearance must be received prior to the first day of employment).
Present original documents for proof of eligibility to work in the United States including a Social Security Card; AND
Participate in a new hire onboarding appointment with an Employment Services Representative.

Coast Community College District is an Equal Opportunity Employer
The Coast Community College District is committed to employing qualified administrators/managers, faculty, and staff members who are dedicated to student learning and success. The Board recognizes that diversity in the academic environment fosters awareness, promotes mutual understanding and respect, and provides suitable role models for all students. We are committed to hiring and staff development processes that support the goals of equal opportunity and diversity, and equal consideration for all qualified candidates. The District does not discriminate unlawfully in providing educational or employment opportunities to any person on the basis of race, color, sex, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, medical condition, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status, or genetic information.

The Coast Community College District is a multi-college district that includes Coastline, Community College, Golden West College , and Orange Coast College. The three colleges offer programs in transfer, general education, occupational/technical education, community services, and student support services.

Since its founding in 1947, the Coast Community College District has enjoyed a reputation as one of the leading community college districts in the United States. Governed by a locally elected Board of Trustees, the Coast Community College District plays an important role in the community by responding to the needs of a changing and increasingly diverse population.

Coast Community College District Title IX:
https://www.cccd.edu/employees/hr/title9/Pages/Staff-and-Faculty-Resources.aspx

This direct link 2023 Coast Community College District Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (Download PDF reader) is the 2023 Annual Security and Fire Safety Report for Coast Colleges. The crime statistics for calendar years 2020, 2021, and 2022 were submitted to the U.S. Department of Education as required under the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act. A hard copy can be provided from one of the Campus Safety Offices. Please contact any of the Campus Safety Offices for any questions regarding the report.

To apply, please visit https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/cccd/jobs/4620127/program-director-planetarium

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