Education Development Specialist (IS-1750-11) chez Smithsonian Institution
Smithsonian Institution · Cambridge, États-Unis d'Amérique · Onsite
- Professional
- Bureau à Cambridge
OPENING DATE: November 17, 2025
CLOSING DATE: December 6, 2025
SERIES/GRADE: 1750/11
TYPE OF POSITION: Trust Indefinite (Non-Federal)
DIVISION: Director's Office
LOCATION: Cambridge, MA
AREA OF CONSIDERATION: This position is open to all eligible candidates.
CLOSING DATE: December 6, 2025
SERIES/GRADE: 1750/11
TYPE OF POSITION: Trust Indefinite (Non-Federal)
DIVISION: Director's Office
LOCATION: Cambridge, MA
AREA OF CONSIDERATION: This position is open to all eligible candidates.
What are Trust Fund Positions?
Trust Fund positions are unique to the Smithsonian. They are paid for from a variety of sources, including the Smithsonian endowment, revenue from our business activities, donations, grants and contracts. Trust employees are not part of the civil service, nor does trust fund employment lead to Federal status. The salary ranges for trust positions are generally the same as for federal positions and in many cases trust and federal employees work side by side. Trust employees have their own benefit program, which may include Health, Dental & Vision Insurance, Life Insurance, Transit/Commuter Benefits, Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance, Annual and Sick Leave, Family Friendly Leave, 403b Retirement Plan, Discounts for Smithsonian Memberships, Museum Stores and Restaurants, Credit Union, Flexible Spending Account (Health & Dependent Care).
Conditions of Employment
- Pass Pre-employment Background Check and Subsequent Background Investigation, as required.
- Complete a Probationary Period if applicable.
- Maintain a Bank Account for Direct Deposit/Electronic Transfer.
- The position is open to all candidates eligible to work in the United States. Proof of eligibility to work in U.S. is not required to apply.
- Applicants must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement.
OVERVIEW
INTRODUCTION
The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) is at the forefront, internationally, of the scientific exploration of the universe. SAO combines its resources with those of the Harvard College Observatory to form the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics (CfA). The CfA is the best-known astrophysics center in the world. Its programs range from ground-based astronomy and astrophysics research to space-based research, the engineering and development of major scientific instrumentation for space launch and use in large ground-based facilities, and research designed to improve science education. The research objectives of SAO are carried out primarily with the support of Government and Smithsonian Institution funds, with additional philanthropic support. Government funds are in the form of Federal appropriations or the form of contracts and grants from other agencies. In contrast, Institution funds are available to SAO through grants from the Institution's Restricted Funds, Special Purpose Funds, Bureau Activities, Business Activities, and non-Federal contracts and grants.
SUMMARY
The position serves a critical role in advancing the mission of the STARS (Scientists Taking Astronomy to Rural Schools) program by designing and delivering high-quality STEM curricula tailored to K-12 students in rural and tribal schools. This position requires a creative and meticulous educator with expertise in STEM education, curriculum design, and alignment with state and national standards. The Education Development Specialist will collaborate with scientists, educators, and delivery specialists to create engaging and impactful learning experiences that inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers
The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) is at the forefront, internationally, of the scientific exploration of the universe. SAO combines its resources with those of the Harvard College Observatory to form the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics (CfA). The CfA is the best-known astrophysics center in the world. Its programs range from ground-based astronomy and astrophysics research to space-based research, the engineering and development of major scientific instrumentation for space launch and use in large ground-based facilities, and research designed to improve science education. The research objectives of SAO are carried out primarily with the support of Government and Smithsonian Institution funds, with additional philanthropic support. Government funds are in the form of Federal appropriations or the form of contracts and grants from other agencies. In contrast, Institution funds are available to SAO through grants from the Institution's Restricted Funds, Special Purpose Funds, Bureau Activities, Business Activities, and non-Federal contracts and grants.
SUMMARY
The position serves a critical role in advancing the mission of the STARS (Scientists Taking Astronomy to Rural Schools) program by designing and delivering high-quality STEM curricula tailored to K-12 students in rural and tribal schools. This position requires a creative and meticulous educator with expertise in STEM education, curriculum design, and alignment with state and national standards. The Education Development Specialist will collaborate with scientists, educators, and delivery specialists to create engaging and impactful learning experiences that inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers
MAJOR DUTIES
Curriculum Design and Development
Develop STEM instructional material aligned with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and state education standards, with a focus on astronomy and firsthand learning. Create lesson plans, activities, and resources that are culturally responsive and tailored to the unique needs of rural and tribal schools. Incorporate experiential learning strategies, enabling students to engage with telescopes, data analysis, and real-world scientific applications. Collaborate with scientists to integrate innovative research and astronomy concepts into the curriculum.
Program Support and Implementation
Develop STEM instructional material aligned with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and state education standards, with a focus on astronomy and firsthand learning. Create lesson plans, activities, and resources that are culturally responsive and tailored to the unique needs of rural and tribal schools. Incorporate experiential learning strategies, enabling students to engage with telescopes, data analysis, and real-world scientific applications. Collaborate with scientists to integrate innovative research and astronomy concepts into the curriculum.
Program Support and Implementation
Work closely with delivery specialists to ensure the effective implementation of instructional materials in classrooms and during professional development workshops. Provide ongoing support to teachers, including answering resource related questions and offering guidance on integrating astronomy into classroom instruction. Adapt and refine curriculum materials based on teacher feedback and program evaluations.
Professional Development and Training
Develop and deliver training sessions for teachers, equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed to use telescopes and implement the instructional material effectively. Create user-friendly guides, tutorials, and online resources to support teacher learning and engagement. Assist in organizing webinars, in-person workshops, and virtual consultations with educators.
Collaboration and Innovation
Partner with scientists, educators, and program staff to design interdisciplinary activities that connect astronomy with broader STEM topics. Stay informed about trends and best practices in STEM education, integrating innovative approaches into the program. Participate in program evaluation efforts, gathering data to assess the material's effectiveness and inform improvements.
Documentation and Reporting
Maintain detailed documentation of development processes, including lesson plans, training materials, and evaluation reports. Contribute to reports for funders and stakeholders, highlighting the impact and outcomes of the instructional materials.
Collaboration and Innovation
Partner with scientists, educators, and program staff to design interdisciplinary activities that connect astronomy with broader STEM topics. Stay informed about trends and best practices in STEM education, integrating innovative approaches into the program. Participate in program evaluation efforts, gathering data to assess the material's effectiveness and inform improvements.
Documentation and Reporting
Maintain detailed documentation of development processes, including lesson plans, training materials, and evaluation reports. Contribute to reports for funders and stakeholders, highlighting the impact and outcomes of the instructional materials.
Performs other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
Basic Requirements:
Degree: that included or was supplemented by at least 24 semester hours appropriate to the work of the position to be filled. The course work must have included study in at least four of the following five areas:
Degree: that included or was supplemented by at least 24 semester hours appropriate to the work of the position to be filled. The course work must have included study in at least four of the following five areas:
- Learning theory, psychology of learning, educational psychology: Study of learning theories as they relate to the systematic design, development, and validation of instructional material.
- Instructional design practices: Study of the principles and techniques used in designing training programs, developing design strategy and models, and applying design methods to the improvement of instructional effectiveness.
- Educational evaluation: Study of the techniques for evaluating the effectiveness of instructional/educational programs, including developing written and performance tests and survey instruments, and determining reliability and validity of evaluation instruments.
- Instructional product development: Study of the techniques appropriate for developing training materials, including identifying learner characteristics, specifying objectives, applying training strategy, validating training materials, and evaluating training.
- Computers in education and training: Study of the application of computers in education and training, including selecting appropriate computer software
Additional Requirements:
Candidates must possess at least one year of specialized experience at or above the grade 9 level in similar positions. Specialized experience is experience that has provided the knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the work of the position.
or
Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree
or
3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities required:
Candidates must possess at least one year of specialized experience at or above the grade 9 level in similar positions. Specialized experience is experience that has provided the knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the work of the position.
or
Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree
or
3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities required:
- Knowledge and experience to design standards-aligned curricula and deliver professional development for K-12 educators.
- Strong knowledge of STEM education principles, with a particular focus on astronomy or related sciences.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to create clear, engaging instructional materials.
- Proficiency in using educational technology tools and platforms to support curriculum delivery.
- Strong organizational skills and diligence, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
- Ability to familiarity with rural or tribal education systems and cultural contexts.
- Experience and knowledge in integrating technology.
- Professional knowledge of educational theory, teaching practices, and evaluation methods related to learning.
- Experience in conducting educational and professional training programs.
- Experience in the preparing and/or adapting curricula for courses and preparing supplemental instruction materials for instructors.
- Strong communication and organizational skills to manage, coordinate, and oversee research, monitoring, and training programs, which involve multiple individuals and organization.
Education completed outside the United States must be deemed equivalent to higher education programs of U.S. Institutions by an organization that specializes in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials. This documentation is the responsibility of the applicant and should be included as part of your application package.
Any false statement in your application may result in rejection of your application and may also result in termination after employment begins.
Join us in "Inspiring Generations through Knowledge and Discovery."
Resumes should include a description of your paid and non-paid work experience that is related to this job; starting and ending dates of job (month and year); and average number of hours worked per week.
What To Expect Next: Once the vacancy announcement closes, a review of your resume will be compared against the qualification and experience requirements related to this job. After review of applicant resumes is complete, qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager.
Relocation expenses are not paid.
The Smithsonian Institution provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation should contact [email protected]. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. To learn more, please review the Smithsonian’s Accommodation Procedures.
The Smithsonian Institution provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation should contact [email protected]. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. To learn more, please review the Smithsonian’s Accommodation Procedures.
The Smithsonian Institution is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe that a workforce comprising a variety of educational, cultural, and experiential backgrounds support and enhance our daily work life and contribute to the richness of our exhibitions and programs. See Smithsonian EEO program information: https://www.si.edu/oeesd.
The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory is an equal opportunity employer. Please visit the SAO website at http://www.cfa.harvard.edu/
