Director of the Science Triangle

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Closing Date:

Type of Position:

Professional Staff - Project/Program AdministrationNo

Job Type:

RegularNo

Institution Name:

University of Arkansas at Little Rock

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock is a metropolitan research university that provides an accessible, quality education through flexible learning and unparalleled internship opportunities. At UA Little Rock, we prepare our more than 8,900 students to be innovators and responsible leaders in their fields. Committed to its metropolitan research university mission, UA Little Rock is a driving force in Little Rock's thriving cultural community and a major component of the city and state's growing profile as a regional leader in research, technology transfer, economic development, and job creation.

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Department:

Donaghey College of Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics

Summary of Job Duties:

UA Little Rock is seeking to hire a Director of the Science Triangle. The Director will provide visionary leadership, strategic coordination, and administrative oversight for Science Triangle programs and initiatives while collaborating closely with university leadership, academic units, community partners, and Science Triangle stakeholders to advance the mission and strategic goals. The Science Triangle integrates three major public-facing scientific and educational assets of the university: Shellam Flake Planetarium, UA Little Rock Observatory, and the Museum of Natural History. The Director will unify these facilities under a shared mission focused on STEM education, public engagement, science outreach, experiential learning, community partnerships, and interdisciplinary programming. The position will strengthen the university’s role as a regional center for science communication, STEM education, and public scientific literacy while supporting academic initiatives across Arkansas. This position is governed by state and federal laws and agency/institution policy.

Qualifications:

Required Education and/or Experience:

• Master’s degree in a STEM field, museum studies, natural sciences, STEM education, public administration, or a related discipline;
• Demonstrated leadership experience in science outreach and STEM education programming;
• Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills;
• Experience developing partnerships and collaborative programs;
• Experience managing educational or public-facing scientific facilities, programs, or initiatives.

Preferred Education and/or Experience:

• Earned doctorate in a STEM field, museum studies, natural sciences, STEM education, public administration, or a related discipline;

• Experience directing or managing a planetarium, observatory, museum, science center, or public outreach program;
• Experience securing external funding through grants, sponsorships, or philanthropy;
• Experience working with K–12 educational systems and community organizations;
• Experience supervising multidisciplinary teams and coordinating public programming;
• Familiarity with STEM outreach technologies, museum exhibits, and experiential STEM learning models.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and implement a comprehensive strategic vision for the Science Triangle initiative;
• Lead the implementation and periodic updating of the Science Triangle strategic plan;
• Create synergies among the planetarium, observatory, and museum facilities to enhance educational and community impact;
• Promote interdisciplinary collaboration among faculty, students, educators, and external partners;
• Position the Science Triangle as a premier regional destination for science outreach and STEM education.

Public Engagement & Community Outreach

• Expand public programming including lectures, exhibitions, astronomy nights, science festivals, workshops, and K–12 outreach activities;
• Develop initiatives that increase community participation and scientific literacy throughout Central Arkansas;
• Build partnerships with schools, museums, libraries, nonprofits, government agencies, and community organizations;
• Serve as a public ambassador for the Science Triangle and the university at local, regional, and national events;
• Develop and manage volunteer engagement programs and advisory groups that support Science Triangle initiatives.

Educational Programming

• Support curriculum-connected educational experiences for K–12 students, undergraduate students, and lifelong learners;
• Coordinate hands-on learning opportunities involving STEM disciplines and emerging technologies;
• Create opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students to engage in outreach, science communication, informal STEM education, and public programming;
• Encourage experiential learning opportunities for students through internships, outreach activities, and facility operations;
• Develop teacher-training programs and educational resources aligned with Arkansas STEM education priorities;
• Support and participate in scholarly activities related to STEM education, informal science learning, outreach assessment, and public engagement.

Operations & Facility Coordination

• Oversee operational coordination among the planetarium, observatory, and museum-related activities;
• Assist in scheduling, program development, visitor engagement, and facility utilization strategies;
• Work collaboratively with technical staff, educators, faculty, and volunteers to ensure high-quality programming and visitor experiences;
• Support the maintenance and modernization of scientific equipment, exhibits, and educational technologies.

Advancement & External Partnerships

• Work with the University Advancement Office to cultivate donors and secure philanthropic support for Science Triangle initiatives;
• Pursue external funding opportunities through grants, sponsorships, philanthropy, and public-private partnerships;
• Develop relationships with donors, scientific organizations, cultural institutions, and industry partners;
• Collaborate with university advancement and research offices to support long-term sustainability and growth;
• Support Science Triangle advisory committees and stakeholder groups;
• Identify opportunities for regional and national visibility through collaborative initiatives and special events.

Administration & Assessment

• Manage budgets, reporting, strategic planning, and performance assessment for the Science Triangle initiative;
• Establish measurable goals related to visitor engagement, educational impact, outreach effectiveness, and partnership development;
• Develop and communicate evidence-based assessments of educational, community, and economic impact;
• Ensure compliance with university policies and safety procedures;
• Supervise personnel, student workers, and volunteers associated with the initiative.
  

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to communicate scientific concepts effectively to diverse audiences;
• Strong commitment to public engagement and science literacy;
• Ability to develop innovative educational and outreach programs;
• Ability to manage multiple facilities and collaborative initiatives simultaneously;
• Strong interpersonal and partnership-building skills;
• Commitment to fostering inclusive and accessible STEM education opportunities.

Additional Information:

$75,000Cover Letter/Letter of Application, Curriculum Vitae, List of three Professional References (name, email, business title)

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Tansel Karabacka, Ph.D. | Professor and Dean
Donaghey College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics
University of Arkansas at Little Rock
[email protected]

All application materials must be uploaded to the University of Arkansas System Career Site https://uasys.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/UASYS  

Please do not send to listed recruitment contact.

Pre-employment Screening Requirements:

Criminal Background Check, Sex Offender Registry

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock is committed to providing a safe campus community. We conduct background checks for applicants being considered for employment. Background checks include a criminal background check and a sex offender registry check. For certain positions, there may also be a financial (credit) background check, a Motor Vehicle Registry (MVR) check, and/or drug screening. Required checks are identified in the position listing. A criminal conviction or arrest pending adjudication 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. 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.

Persons must have proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment.

All application information is subject to public disclosure under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act.

Constant Physical Activity:

Grasping, Hearing, Manipulate items with fingers, including keyboarding, Sitting, Talking

Frequent Physical Activity:

Hearing, Manipulate items with fingers, including keyboarding, Sitting, Talking

Occasional Physical Activity:

Grasping, Standing

Benefits Eligible:

Yes