Description

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock invites applications for the inaugural Director of the Science Triangle – R0088141. This exciting leadership opportunity will guide one of the university's most ambitious public engagement initiatives. The Science Triangle unites three signature facilities—the Shellam Flake Planetarium, the UA Little Rock Observatory, and the Museum of Natural History to advance STEM education, scientific discovery, experiential learning, and community engagement across Arkansas. This position offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of STEM education and public engagement in Arkansas by leading an innovative initiative that combines astronomy, natural history, and interdisciplinary science programming within a dynamic metropolitan research university. The successful candidate will help establish the Science Triangle as a premier destination for lifelong learning, public science, and community engagement while creating meaningful educational experiences for students, educators, families, and visitors across the region. 

The Director of Science Triangle responsibilities will include leading strategic planning and implementation for the Science Triangle while fostering collaboration among the planetarium, observatory, and museum to maximize their educational and public impact; developing engaging public programs such as lectures, exhibitions, astronomy nights, science festivals, workshops, and K–12 outreach initiatives; fostering partnerships with schools, museums, libraries, nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and industry; supporting curriculum-connected educational experiences and experiential learning opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students; supervising personnel, student workers, and volunteers; coordinating programming across facilities; assisting with budgeting, assessment, and long-range planning; and collaborating with the University's Advancement and Research offices to secure philanthropic support, grants, sponsorships, and other external funding opportunities. This position reports to the Dean of the Donaghey College of STEM and is responsible for continued development of innovative educational programs, expanding public outreach, strengthening community partnerships, and enhancing the university's visibility as a regional leader in science communication and informal STEM education. Working collaboratively with faculty, facility managers, educators, students, and community partners, the Director will create a vibrant interdisciplinary environment that inspires curiosity, promotes scientific literacy, and connects the university with learners of all ages. This position is governed by state and federal law and agency/institution policy. 

This position offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of STEM education and public engagement in Arkansas by leading an innovative initiative that combines astronomy, natural history, and interdisciplinary science programming within a dynamic metropolitan research university. 

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock is a metropolitan research university committed to innovation, student success, and community engagement. Located in Arkansas's capital city, Little Rock offers an outstanding quality of life, a vibrant cultural community, and abundant outdoor recreation while serving as Arkansas's educational, governmental, and business hub of the state.

Working at UA Little Rock has its perks!

• Benefit packages including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, healthcare flexible spending accounts, and an Employee Assistance Program;
• Paid time off, including annual and sick leave;
• Retirement savings options;
• Employee discounts;
• Education assistance. 

For more benefits information, go to the UA Little Rock Human Resources website (https://ualr.edu/humanresources/).

Application materials must be submitted through the online application system. Additional information about this position and application requirements is available under the Jobs link on the Human Resources’ website at http://ualr.edu/humanresources/.  Incomplete applications will not be considered. 

This position is subject to a pre-employment criminal and sex offender registry background check. A criminal conviction or arrest pending adjudication and/or adverse financial history information alone shall not disqualify an applicant in the absence of a relationship to the requirements of the position. Background check information will be used in a confidential, non-discriminatory manner consistent with state and federal law.

The University of Arkansas is an equal opportunity institution. The University does not discriminate in its education programs or activities (including in admission and employment) on the basis of any category or status protected by law, including age, race, color, national origin, disability, religion, protected veteran status, military service, genetic information, sex, sexual preference, or pregnancy. Federal law prohibits the University from discriminating on these bases. Questions or concerns about the application of Title IX, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, may be sent to the University's Title IX Coordinator and to the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights.

Requirements

Required Education and/or Experience:  Master's degree in a STEM field, museum studies, natural sciences, STEM education, public administration, or a closely related discipline, along with demonstrated leadership experience in science outreach and STEM education programming. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills; Experience developing partnerships and collaborative programs; and experience managing educational or public-facing scientific facilities, programs, or initiatives

Preferred Education and/or Experience:  Earned doctorate; experience directing or managing a planetarium, observatory, museum, science center, or similar public engagement organization; a record of securing external funding through grants or philanthropy; experience working with K–12 educational systems and community organizations; experience supervising multidisciplinary teams; and familiarity with informal STEM learning, museum exhibits, and emerging educational technologies.