Summary
The Las Campanas Observatory (LCO), of the Carnegie Institution for Science – a world class institution – is looking for:
Bilingual professional with experience in the areas of science communication and outreach. We require someone capable and experienced to interact with target audiences (communities, media, research centers, and more), to maintain and position the observatory's work and discoveries both locally and internationally.
The ideal candidate needs to have a proven track record of success in communications and scientific outreach, as well as excellent written and verbal communication skills. Preference will be given to those who have experience and skills in digital communication, and a background in astronomy or physics.
This is a full-time position, based in La Serena, with weekly trips to the observatory, located 160 kilometers north of the city.
Application
Send your resume (with expected income) and cover letter addressed to the Las Campanas Observatory, Carnegie Institution for Science, to: postulaciones@lco.cl.
(Exceptionally, you can require additional information to this email. Messages will be answered according to the relevance of the requirement.)
Application deadline
March 16th 2020 (eventually, we might extend the application deadline, in case no candidate is found to fill the position).
Responsibilities and tasks
- Develop, support and promote the goals of the Observatory, writing messages, creating content for social media, and press releases for the media.
- Create and share scientific and technological content that increases the visibility of the Observatory among general and specialized public.
- Build and maintain relationships with the Government, Universities, journalists, bloggers, and donors to add value to the scientific and technological work of the Observatory.
- Identify our target audiences and create effective engagement strategies.
- Organize and perform internal communication activities for LCO staff, including management and organization of specific meetings (annual team leaders meeting, conferences, talks, etc.)
- Work closely with scientists and developers to create new spaces where their work can be shared with the LCO staff.
- Strengthen the internal communication by creating, designing, and sending periodical newsletters.
- Coordinate communication and outreach activities with the communication officers of the Carnegie Observatories in Pasadena and the headquarters in Washington.
- Coordinate our visitors program and take care of all guided tours.
- Support the LCO Director to build and maintain good relations with the Government and Universities.
- Join commissions and committees that need support in communications, if the Director requires it.
- Be an active and responsible member of the logistics needed to organize annual trustees visits and to welcome international and national guests.
- Develop, manage and control the progress of projects of this department.
- Design digital and printed material, for internal and external use, as support to all the Observatory departments and to promote the Observatory in conferences and outreach activities.
- Integrate change management actions for projects or initiatives developed within the Institution.
- Lead our outreach initiatives, including communities geographically and socially linked to our Organization.
- Create and publish new content for the LCO official websites.
Qualification and skills
- Preference will be given to candidates with a background in astronomy and physics (bachelor or other), experience in communications or teaching, public relations or education, all focused on science.
- A minimum of two years of experience in developing communication strategies and outreach in science.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, both in English and in Spanish.
- Knowledge of digital communication strategies.
- Excellent critical-thinking skills, good judgement, and effective problem-solving skills.
- Experience working in teams.
- Valid driver's license.
Hierarchical dependence
Director