The International Astronomical Union (IAU) Office for Astronomy Outreach (OAO) is a hub for coordinating astronomy public outreach activities worldwide. The aim is to make it easier for the public to access information about our Universe and local and global astronomy events while building networks to support and disseminate information to amateur astronomy and public outreach communities. The IAU OAO is located at the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan (NAOJ), Mitaka Campus, Tokyo, Japan.

The IAU and NAOJ seek an excellent individual to join the IAU OAO, to support the IAU OAO activities. Candidates should meet the following requirements:

• Experience in working and communicating with diverse astronomical and/or outreach/education communities;
• Honors degree or equivalent in astronomy or a closely related field;
• Experience in communications management (including social media management and digital content production);
• Experience in project management of international projects;
• Experience in writing and editing publications:
• Fluency in written and spoken English;
• Good computer skills, including knowledge of social media platforms, design tools (e.g. Microsoft Office, Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, Photoshop, InDesign, Hootsuite, Mailchimp) and willingness to learn new ones;
• Demonstrable teamwork and interpersonal skills while working/managing multicultural teams;
• Demonstrable good time management. 

Experience in, or working knowledge of, Japanese would be advantageous. This position requires the applicant to undergo regional and intercontinental travel. 

The IAU Office for Astronomy Outreach Deputy Director (IAU OAO Deputy Director) will be appointed according to the standard conditions of service of NAOJ employees. This is a contract position for three years, with the possibility of renewal subject to performance.

Interested candidates should send (1) a cover letter, (2) a full CV, and (3) the contact details of at least three (3) references, by email to the IAU OAO Director, Lina Canas (lina.canas@nao.ac.jp). 

The deadline for applications is September 30 2021 (JST).

More information

The IAU is the international astronomical organisation that brings together more than 12 000 active professional astronomers from more than 100 countries worldwide. Its mission is to promote and safeguard astronomy in all its aspects, including research, communication, education and development, through international cooperation. The IAU also serves as the internationally recognised authority for assigning designations to celestial bodies and the surface features on them. Founded in 1919, the IAU is the world’s largest professional body for astronomers.

Links

• Job description (PDF)
• IAU Office for Astronomy Outreach

Contacts

Lina Canas
Director, IAU Office for Astronomy Outreach
Tel: +81-(0)422-34-3966
Email: lina.canas@nao.ac.jp

Lars Lindberg Christensen
IAU Press Officer
Cell: +1 520 461 0433
Email: lars.christensen@noirlab.edu