Employment
gradient
Current Job Opportunities
Exhibits Manager
a full-time exempt position
The Adler Planetarium, Chicago, IL, is seeking an Exhibits Manager to manage the exhibits maintenance team and to insure that all exhibits are properly run and are in good repair. This position reports to the Director of Experience Design.
Duties and Responsibilities:
• Manage exhibit maintenance group insuring efficient and high quality work
• Oversee in-house tasks related to the preparation and construction of capital projects
• Create, manage and maintain accurate budgets and scheduling of maintenance group
• Manage traveling exhibits, including traveling to client museums approximately 3 - 4 times a year for 4 - 5 days at a time
• Implement miscellaneous projects as directed by the Director Of Experience Design and other duties as assigned
Education and Experience Requirements:
• A college degree in industrial design, technical theater, museum studies, a related field or on-the-job equivalent training
• Five to ten years of museum exhibit experience or equivalent
• A broad and deep experience in museum exhibit construction and care including durability, cost-saving measures, and current techniques
• Three plus years in a managerial position
• A background in designing or detailing exhibits, the ability to work with exhibit design packages, prototyping experience and knowledge of machining and basic electronics is preferred

The salary for this position is commensurate with education and experience.

To apply for this position
Please email a cover letter, resume and salary history to:
Marguerite E. Dawson
Director of Human Resources
E-mail address: hr-ExhibitsMgr@adlerplanetarium.org
EOE
Postdoctoral Research Fellow
a full-time exempt position
The Adler Planetarium is seeking applications for a Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in Planetary Science to carry out research in asteroid compositions. The applicant will work with the AVAST (Adler V-type ASTeroid survey) group at the Adler.
Duties and Responsibilities:
• Lead analysis of asteroid reflectance spectra
• Carry out a strong program of observations
• Conduct an investigation of related asteroid dynamics
• Explore innovative research topics in collaboration with other members of the Adler astrophysics research staff.
• Spend 10% time on education and outreach activities related to their research work.
Education and Experience Requirements:
• PhD (or be near completion) in Astronomy, Planetary Science or a related field
• Experience with spectroscopy data reduction, and observing
• Working familiarity with current minor planet research

The initial appointment will be for two years with a possible one-year extension dependent on successful performance and availability of funding. This position will report to Dr. Mark Hammergren. Experience with education and outreach is not necessary, but enthusiasm for engaging the public in science education is. Applications will be accepted until position filled. Start date is flexible and can be as early as March, 2010. The Research Fellowship in Planetary Science is funded in part by the Brinson Foundation.

To apply for this position
Please email a cover letter, resume, statement of research interests and salary history along with three letters of recommendation to:
Marguerite E. Dawson
Director of Human Resources
E-mail address: hr-postdocfellow@adlerplanetarium.org
EEO
Online Science Engagement and Motivation Researcher
a full-time exempt temporary position
The Adler Planetarium, Chicago, IL, is seeking an Online Science Engagement and Motivation Researcher to plan and carry out research into the dimensions of potential audience interest in Web-based citizen science investigations and how visitors choose to engage with such designs. He or she would contribute to Zooniverse, an international citizen science initiative that thus far has involved over a quarter million citizens in genuine science. Findings will help contribute to the expansion of Zooniverse and any new exhibits or programs involving citizen science. The date this assignment is scheduled to end is November 1, 2012. This position reports to the Director of Education.
Duties and Responsibilities:
• Research, plan, develop, implement and collect data and analyze evaluations in compliance with all relevant human subjects protection guidelines, including IRB review
• Compile evaluation and assessment reports and other narratives including published research
• Participate in team communications, meetings and design meetings
Education and Experience Requirements:
• Master's Degree in education, learning service, statistics or other research field; a Ph.D. in a field requiring qualitative and quantitative research methodology is preferred
• One to three years of experience with design, implementation and evaluation of science education projects and/or research in multiple learning environments using clinical interview protocol
• A history of conference and/or journal publications
• Familiarity with qualitative research methodologies and the ability to creatively design a robust evaluation scheme
To apply for this position
Please email a cover letter, resume and salary history to:
Marguerite E. Dawson
Director of Human Resources
E-mail address: hr-OnlineResearcher@adlerplanetarium.org
EEO
Online Science Learning Researcher
a full-time temporary exempt position
The Adler Planetarium, Chicago, IL, is seeking a temporary Online Science Learning Researcher to plan and carry out research into adult learning of the nature and process of science as they engage in web-based citizen science investigations. This position will contribute to Zooniverse, an international citizen science initiative that thus far has involved over a quarter million citizens in genuine science. Findings will help contribute to the expansion of Zooniverse and any new exhibits or programs involving citizen science. This position will report to the Director of Education from November, 2009 to November, 2012.
Duties and Responsibilities:
•Research, plan, develop implement and collect data
• Analyze evaluations in compliance with all relevant human subjects protection guidelines, including IRB review
• Produce evaluation and assessment reports and other narratives including published research both internally in evaluation reports for grant applications and externally in conference and journal presentations
• Represent the Adler in the Zooniverse and in the educational research community
• Attend design meetings and communicate to a team
Education and Experience Requirements:
• Master's Degree in Education, Learning Science, Statistics or another research field; a PH.D. in a field requiring qualitative and quantitative research methodology is preferred
• One to three years of experience with design, implementation and evaluation of science education projects and/or research in multiple learning environments using clinical interview protocol
• One to three years of experience with design, implementation and evaluation of science education projects and/or research in multiple learning environments using clinical interview protocols
• Conference and/or journal publication history
• Familiarity with qualitative research methodologies and the ability to creatively design a robust evaluation scheme
• Knowledge of data analysis packages appropriate for education research such as SPSS

This position requires excellent writing, analytical, organizational, presentation and team building skills.

To apply for this position
Please email a cover letter, resume and salary history to:
Marguerite E. Dawson
Director of Human Resources
E-mail address: hr-OnlineResearcher@adlerplanetarium.org
EEO
Senior Program and Grant Impact Researcher
a full-time temporary exempt position
The Adler Planetarium, Chicago, IL is seeking a Senior Program and Grant Impact Researcher to plan and carry out assessments, evaluations and other studies, including assessing audience understandings of science content, audience motivations and the impacts of programs in the school community. This position will be responsible for understanding the state of the art in program evaluation in the museum field and advancing Adler's position as a leader in museum impact research. This position will report to the Director of Exhibits and Programs from November, 2009 to May, 2011.
Duties and Responsibilities:
• Research, plan, develop, implement and collect data and analyze evaluations
• Write and present findings to the museum research community
• Compile evaluation and assessment reports for the Adler and for grant applications
• Present research findings at conferences
• Ensure that research is in compliance with standards and within guidelines for human subjects research
Education and Experience Requirements:
• Master's Degree in Education, Learning Science, Statistics or another research field; a Ph.D. in a field requiring qualitative and quantitative research methodology is preferred
• One to three years of experience with design, implementation and evaluation of science education projects and/or research in multiple learning environments
• Knowledge of grant and report writing
• Familiarity with qualitative research methodologies and the ability to creatively design a robust evaluation scheme
• Knowledge of data analysis packages appropriate for education research such as SPSS

This position requires excellent writing, analytical, organizational, presentation and team building skills.

To apply for this position
Please email a cover letter, resume and salary history to:
Marguerite E. Dawson
Director of Human Resources
E-mail address: hr-SeniorResearcher@adlerplanetarium.org
EEO
Assistant Educator, Outreach
a full-time temporary, non-exempt position
The Adler Planetarium, Chicago, IL, is seeking an Assistant Educator, Outreach, to work with the education staff to implement onsite and offsite programs. Some activities will be conducted in Spanish. The duration of this position is from November, 2009 to November 1, 2010. This position will report to the Associate Director for School and Teacher Programs and the Senior Educator for Student Programs.
Duties and Responsibilities:
• Implement science education program for the general visitor
• Assist other education staff members as needed for camps, tours, demonstrations, etc.
• Present field trip programs in Adler classrooms and theaters
• Travel to community centers and schools to set up the portable planetarium dome and/or facilitate other outreach activities
• Facilitate pre- and post-show activities and conduct other outreach activities as required
Education and Experience Requirements:

• Undergraduate degree or currently enrolled as an undergraduate student
• Undergraduate degree in Education or Science is preferred
• Familiarity with common computer packages
• Some experience working with the public making presentations
• Familiarity with working in different Chicago communities
• Familiarity with teaching in an informal setting (i.e. camps) or in a classroom is preferred
• Fluency in English and Spanish

The individual hired for this position must possess a current driver's license.

To apply for this position
Please email a cover letter, resume and salary history to:
Marguerite E. Dawson
Director of Human Resources
E-mail address: hr-assteducator@adlerplanetarium.org
EEO
Manager of Public Relations and Promotions
A full-time exempt position
The Adler Planetarium in Chicago, IL is seeking a Manager of Public Relations and Promotions to manage the overall planning, implementation and evaluation of the Adler's public relations efforts and promotional marketing initiatives in support of the Adler's attendance, revenue and awareness goals.
This candidate, who reports directly to the Director of Museum Communications, will possess expert writing and communications skills; be an innovative and pro-active strategist; and have the ability to manage multiple projects and meet important deadlines.
This position is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Adler's PR and promotional efforts aimed at driving attendance and enhancing the Adler brand. This candidate will also contribute to various communications-related projects and provide support to the Director of Museum Communications.
Duties and Responsibilities:
• Day-to-day liaison for the media and the Adler's outside PR agency
• Pitch and secure national news stories and service press requests
• Write and distribute press materials (press kits, media calendars, Adler statements, etc.) on tight deadlines; oversee b-roll shoots and production; craft talking points for media interviews and speeches for public events
• Plan and execute press previews and special events
• Coordinate and supervise media interviews - on and off-site
• Write communications plans, media reports
• Track and archive media coverage and maintain press lists
• Manage online pressroom, provide PR/promotional content for website
• Develop, secure and execute promotional partnerships that include advertising, marketing and PR opportunities that result in increased exposure for the Adler
• Write/edit e-Newsletter, collateral and contribute to member newsletter
• Work with Social Media team on web-based promotions
• Assist the Director of Museum Communications with overall communications strategies, plans and departmental budgets.
Education and Experience Requirements:
• A Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism or a related field.
At least five years or more progressive experience in the public relations field, agency experience preferred.
• Nonprofit and cultural experience a plus.
• Proven track record of securing national press coverage (print, broadcast and online), executing successful media events (press conferences, previews and junkets), promotional campaigns and high-profile special events
• Possess extensive media contacts (local and national)
• Solid experience using social media for PR and promotional projects
• Ability to utilize a variety of software programs and search engines; design and desktop publishing experience preferred.
This is a full-time position; weekend and evenings as needed.
The salary for this position is commensurate with education and experience.
To apply for this position
Please email a cover letter, resume and salary history to:
Marguerite E. Dawson
Director of Human Resources
E-mail address: hr-MgrPR@adlerplanetarium.org
EEOC
Coordinator of Government Grants
A full-time exempt position
The Adler Planetarium, Chicago, IL, is seeking a Coordinator of Government Grants to coordinate and manage information for grants submitted to and received from competitive programs through federal agencies. This position reports to the Director of Grant and Project Management.
Duties and Responsibilities:
• Develop, maintain and monitor cross-institutional process for managing and tracking competitive federal, state and municipal grant information
• Configure data for and enter into a database grant requests as well as grant award data including financial and narrative information
• Interface with key staff members and senior staff to issue, track and manage relevant contracts and subcontracts related to grant awards and institutional partnerships
• Assist senior staff and the Business Office with financial and audit tasks related to grants (A-133 audits, renegotiation of indirect cost allowance, preparation of financial reports for grants drawdown, etc.)
• Maintain knowledge of grant regulations and requirements of government agencies to which grant proposals are submitted
• Provide project management services as required
Education and Experience Requirements:
• Bachelor's Degree; an advanced degree is preferred
• Three or more years of progressive experience in managing and tracking government grants; museum grant coordination preferred
• Demonstrated knowledge of relevant government agencies and their grant submission systems and requirements
• Demonstrated financial accounting experience
• Demonstrated project and contract management experience
• Knowledge of MS Word, MS Excel, FirstClass, Internet, Raiser's Edge or an equivalent database system
• Experience working in a museum environment, grant writing abilities, knowledge of contract writing and executive assistant abilities are preferred
To apply for this position
Please email a cover letter, resume and salary history to:
Marguerite E. Dawson
Director of Human Resources
E-mail address: hr-CoordGovtGrants@adlerplanetarium.org
EEO
Senior Educator for Student Programs
A full-time exempt position
The Adler Planetarium, Chicago, IL, is seeking a Senior Educator for Student Programs to assume the responsibility for student-based programming, i.e. design, evaluation, implementation and coordination of school field trip programs and all camp programs. This includes hiring part-time staff and overseeing some part-time and some junior staff. The Senior Educator also designs lessons, curriculum and other materials for student populations.
Duties and Responsibilities:
• Coordinate, evaluate and redesign existing field trip programs for students
• Write classroom extensions for existing programs
• Design standards and curriculum-aligned field trip guides for student groups
• Coordinate, evaluate, and redesign existing camp programs
• Manage the camp budget and registration process
• Consult with staff and work on projects that are intended to impact school populations.
Education and Experience Requirements:
• A Bachelor's degree in education, science education or museum education
• Coursework in physics or astronomy or a Master's degree in education or science education are preferred
• Three or more years of experience in education, program development and management
• Five years plus budget and staff management is preferred.
The salary for this position is commensurate with education and experience.
To apply for this position
Please email a cover letter, resume and salary history to:
Marguerite E. Dawson
Director of Human Resources
E-mail address: hr-senioreducator@adlerplanetarium.org
EEOC
Curatorial Research Assistant
A part-time, temporary position
The Adler Planetarium, Chicago, IL, is seeking a Curatorial Research Assistant. This part-time temporary position (1 to 2 days per week) will report to the Director, History of Astronomy/Vice President of Collections. The expected duration of this assignment is the Fall, 2009, to the Summer, 2012.
Duties and Responsibilities
• Identify and locate portraits, paintings, works on paper, and other images containing or referring to telescopes prior to 1750
• Obtain photos and permissions for inclusions in the Dioptrice database
• Assist with design, management, and data input for project database and Dioptrice website
• Assist with and carry out research on telescopes as decorative art
Education and Experience
• B.A. or equivalent or a higher degree in a related field such as astronomy, history, art history, or museum studies is required; some graduate coursework or training is preferred
• One year of research and curatorial experience in a museum, library or cultural institution is required; three years is preferred
Applicants must have the ability to communicate effectively and to work independently on multiple simultaneous projects, to carry projects through to completion, to have insight into museum practices, and to have some working knowledge of modern foreign languages. A working knowledge of Latin is preferred.
To apply for this position, email a cover letter, resume and salary history to:
Marguerite E. Dawson
Director of Human Resources
The Adler Planetarium
E-mail address: hr-CurResAsst@adlerplanetarium.org
Telephone: 312.322.0591
EOE
Museum Communications Intern
A part-time, temporary, unpaid position
Job Qualifications
• Communications or Journalism major preferred
• Must possess outstanding writing and communications skills with keen attention to detail and editing
• Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills
• A proven track record of prioritizing and completing multiple assignments and a self-starter that is able to work both independently and within a team setting
• Background with special events, media relations or nonprofit experience a plus
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office is required
Job Description
• Assist in the daily activities of the Communications Department
• Marketing and editorial-related tasks
• Preparation and distribution of press materials, vetting and servicing media inquiries
• Development and distribution of monthly and quarterly press information
• Media monitoring
• Assisting in the coordination and execution of special events
• Generating and managing appropriate press lists
• General clerical duties
This internship position is an excellent opportunity for students looking to pursue a career in public relations, marketing and communications, as well as those interested in entering the field of cultural or nonprofit organizations.
Hours are flexible, 14-35 hrs/week.
To apply for this position
Marguerite E. Dawson
Director of Human Resources
E-mail address: hr-MusCommIntern@adlerplanetarium.org
Telephone: 312.322.0591
EEO
 
 
© 2001-2009 Adler Planetarium. All rights reserved.
1300 South Lake Shore Drive • Chicago IL 60605 • 312-922-STAR (7827)
Regular hours: Mon.-Fri. 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., Sat./Sun. 10:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.