Director, Dyer Observatory na Vanderbilt University

NOTE: Applications require both a resume and a cover letter. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Position Summary: 

The Director of Vanderbilt University Observatory will lead and manage the vision, strategic direction, and operations of the university's observatory and its associated programming. This position, situated within the Division of Government and Community Relations, will focus on developing initiatives that strengthen the connection between Vanderbilt University and the local community, leveraging the observatory as a resource for both STEAM education and cultural programming and public engagement. The Director will be a key leader in creating programs that promote learning and foster collaboration between the university, local schools, community organizations, and individuals.

This role requires a dynamic and visionary leader with a passion for serving the Vanderbilt and Nashville community in STEAM education, and for positioning Dyer as an important mid-state resource for accessing community and cultural opportunities. The Director will be responsible for developing collaborations and executing outreach programs that serve as bridges between the university’s academic resources, the unique Dyer campus, and the community. Additionally, the Director will manage the observatory’s operations, staff, and cultivate partnerships that advance the mission of the observatory and the university.

About this Work Unit: 

Vanderbilt Dyer Observatory’s mission is to inspire public interest in science, technology, engineering, math, and astronomy through community events, student outreach, and educational resources. The Observatory is an inholding within the boundaries of Radnor Lake State Park and is home to the historic Seyfert Telescope. The facility provides a variety of STEAM educational opportunities and summer science camps. It also hosts teacher workshops, lectures, field trips, celestial viewings, and general tours to achieve its overarching mission to bring the excitement of astronomy and physics to students and the public throughout the middle TN region. Public events, such as Bluebird on the Mountain concerts and private rental events, also utilize this unique property.

Dyer Observatory is housed within the Division of Government and Community Relations. The division is responsible for the university’s advocacy work with all branches of government and for leading community initiatives and fostering and supporting community engagement.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Observatory Management:

• Oversee the daily operations and maintenance of the Vanderbilt University Dyer Observatory, ensuring it is operating at capacity and accessible for both academic and community public partnerships.
• Develop and implement an innovative vision for the observatory, enhancing the academic mission of Vanderbilt, with a focus on its use in learning and discovery, and public, student and faculty engagement.
• Oversee the operational priorities of the observatory to maximize its use for both university and public programs as well as private events.

2. Campus and Community Engagement & Outreach:

• Serve as the primary spokesperson for the observatory and its mission, engaging with community stakeholders and the public to promote these initiatives.
• Build and sustain strategic partnerships with campus partners, local schools and organizations, and within the community to enhance programming and outreach efforts.
• Collaborate with the Division of Government and Community Relations and other university stakeholders to ensure alignment with university goals for public engagement and community impact.
• Develop and promote initiatives that encourage active participation from community members, including educators, students, families, and local leaders.

3. STEAM Programming Oversight:

• Oversee Dyer’s diverse array of STEAM programs and educational initiatives targeting K-12 students, university students, faculty, and the broader Nashville community led by Dyer’s STEAM Program Director.

4. Leadership & Staff Development:

• Lead, manage, and inspire a team of staff and volunteers responsible for running the observatory and mission-driven programming, fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment, and providing a vision, coaching, resources, and evaluation.
• Recruit, hire, train, and mentor staff involved in the observatory and related programs, ensuring they have the necessary skills and resources to succeed.
• Coordinate with faculty and academic departments to integrate student internships, service-learning projects, and research opportunities into observatory programming.

5. Budgeting & Resource Management:

• Develop, manage, and forecast the budget (with assistance from the Director of Business Operations and Financial Unit Manager) for the observatory and all facilities, ensuring efficient use of resources while maintaining high-quality programming.

• Maintain facilities and observatory campus at capacity, including staffing, revenue generation, and participation from members of the community and university at public and cultural events.

• Oversee short- and long-term maintenance, management, and planning of the facilities, including all grounds and buildings.

• Work closely with the Division of Government and Community Relations to identify and pursue external funding opportunities, including grants, sponsorships, and donations.
• Identify and cultivate relationships with potential donors, partners, and grant-makers to secure funding that supports the sustainability and expansion of observatory and STEAM programs.

6. Evaluation & Reporting:

• Monitor and assess the effectiveness of all programs and initiatives and the observatory’s impact on the community and university.
• Prepare and present detailed reports on program outcomes, participation metrics, and community feedback to university leadership and external stakeholders.
• Continuously improve programming based on evaluation data, ensuring that the programs remain relevant, inclusive, and impactful.

7. Communications & Marketing

• Develop and implement a comprehensive communications and marketing strategy with Vanderbilt University’s marketing and communications teams for the observatory and all programming to raise visibility and promote engagement both within the university and across the broader community.
• Oversee the development of promotional materials, including brochures, websites, social media content, and event flyers to communicate the observatory’s mission, events, and impact.
• Collaborate with Vanderbilt University’s marketing and communications teams to align messaging and ensure the consistent promotion of observatory and programs across multiple platforms.
• Cultivate relationships with local and regional media to secure coverage for significant observatory events, public programs, and initiatives, enhancing community awareness and participation.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for media inquiries and ensure consistent and accurate messaging in all public-facing communications.

8. Fundraising

• Lead fundraising efforts to secure financial support for the observatory and all programs, including identifying funding opportunities, preparing proposals, and cultivating relationships with individual and institutional donors.
• Work closely with the Vanderbilt University Office of Development and Alumni Relations to integrate observatory and all programming into broader fundraising campaigns.
• Organize fundraising events such as gala dinners, donor appreciation nights, and donor cultivation programs, ensuring strong relationships with key stakeholders and donors.
• Create a sustainable fundraising strategy by developing a pipeline of prospects, establishing donor recognition programs, and ensuring long-term financial support for observatory initiatives.
• Collaborate with the Division of Government and Community Relations to leverage university-wide resources and connections for successful fundraising efforts.

Supervisory Relationships:

This position has supervisor responsibilities and reports administratively and functionally to the Associate Vice Chancellor for Strategy and Operations within the Division of Government and Community Relations. 

Education and Certifications:

• A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education is necessary.
• Master’s/Advanced professional degree (MA, JD, or PhD) is preferred. 

Experience and Skills:

• At least 10 years of experience – foundation, nonprofit and/or community experience preferred – in a role requiring frequent relationship building efforts and understanding of the community is necessary.  
• Proven accomplishments with high level and strategic projects involving community engagement is necessary. Ideally projects should involve partnerships between a city councils/other municipal bodies and an institution of higher education and/or private foundation. 
• The ability to communicate and connect with university faculty and leadership, in addition to strong community relationships locally or a track record of significant community engagement outside Nashville is necessary.
• A demonstrated ability to network and connect with a variety of organizations, thinking creatively and implementing out of the box ideas is necessary. 
• An ability to develop educational initiatives and curriculum, community programming, cultural initiatives and partnerships is necessary.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills are necessary.
• Meticulous attention to detail and organization is necessary.
• A thorough knowledge of Microsoft Office suite of products is necessary.
• Experience with Salesforce is preferred
• Experience with Trello or similar project management platforms is preferred
• Comfortable with various technology platforms to develop electronic and print communications, presentations, and basic info graphics (Wordpress, Canva, LucidPress, etc.) is preferred.
• A professional attitude and considerable tact, persuasion and judgment in interactions with internal and external constituents is necessary.
• Excellent written, organizational, research and multitasking abilities are necessary.
• Clear and concise communication skills are necessary.
• Ability to maintains vibrant interpersonal connections is necessary
• Strong proofreading and editing skills with precise attention to detail are necessary.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a team setting is necessary.
• Willingness to rapidly learn new skills when the situation demands it is necessary.
• Ability to take initiative, multi-task and work well under pressure is necessary.
• Comfortable operating in a challenging business environment is necessary.
• Excellent customer service skills are necessary.

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