Leiden Observatory, the astronomy institute of Leiden University, is involved in several European and global educational and development programs in Astronomy, some of which in close collaboration with the International Astronomical Union. In 2019 the International Astronomical Union (IAU) will celebrate its 100th anniversary and it will support the implementation of a series of activities and programs to celebrate this important date. Leiden Observatory will host the IAU 100 Years Celebrations Secretariat.

The Leiden Observatory and the IAU seek an International Project Coordinator to lead the implementation of the International Astronomical Union's 100 years celebrations globally. The candidate will coordinate the central hub of the IAU activities for the 100 Years Celebrations. The main tasks will be coordinating activities during the planning, execution and evaluation of the 100 Years Celebrations. The coordinator will liaise continuously with the relevant stakeholders within the IAU structure (Executive Committee, Divisions, Commissions, National Committee of Astronomy, Office of Astronomy for Development and Office for Astronomy Outreach) as well as the broad research community, amateur astronomers societies, science communication and education communities, media and the general public to ensure the progress of project at all levels. The coordinator will be working within the Astronomy & Society group of Leiden Observatory and co-supervised by the IAU President-elect, Prof. Ewine van Dishoeck and Astronomy & Society group leader, Dr. Pedro Russo.

The main duties and responsibilities will include:

• Plan, execute, coordinate and evaluate the global IAU 100 Years activities, projects and events;
• Liaise with all stakeholders and manage the relevant communities to ensure the progress of IAU 100 years at all levels, including the coordination and engagement with networks of volunteers;
• Serve the astronomy community, media and society with respect to all global IAU 100 Years issues;
• Represent the projects occasionally at national, European and international conferences and meetings;
• Develop and implement fundraising plans;
• Develop collaborations and communication with relevant stakeholders.

• A Masters or PhD degree in astronomy, science communication or another related field;
• Experience with education and/or communicating astronomy with the public;
• Knowledgeable in principles and models of public engagement with science;
• Knowledgeable of astronomy community (including amateur groups);
• Knowledgeable in science diplomacy and/or science for development;
• Knowledgeable of community management approaches and methodologies, including volunteer networks;
• Knowledgeable in digital technologies frameworks;
• Fluency in English and preferably an excellent knowledge of additional languages;
• Proven skills in written, visual and verbal communications;
• Proven skills with project management;
• Excellent computer skills (e.g. Word, Excel, PowerPoint or similar).

Appointment will be according to the terms of the Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities (cao Nederlandse Universiteiten), for the initial duration of one year and with the possibility for an extension until 1 March 2020. The salary will be set, depending on education and work experience, between the gross minimum of € 2,588.-  and gross maximum of € 4,084.- per month, based on full-time employment (pay scale 10).

Leiden University offers an attractive benefits package with additional holiday (8%) and end-of-year bonuses (8.3 %), training and career development and sabbatical leave. Our individual choices model gives you some freedom to assemble your own set of terms and conditions. Candidates from outside the Netherlands may be eligible for a substantial tax break. More at www.workingat.leiden.edu/.

Universiteit Leiden

Leiden is a typical university city, hosting the oldest university in the Netherlands (1575). The University permeates the local surroundings; University premises are scattered throughout the city, and the students who live and study in Leiden give the city its relaxed yet vibrant atmosphere.

Leiden University is one of Europe's foremost research universities. This prominent position gives our graduates a leading edge in applying for academic posts and for functions outside academia.

Faculty of Science

Our Faculty’s expertise spans the entire spectrum of science, ranging from Mathematics and Statistical science, Computer science and Data science, Astronomy, Physics, Chemistry and Pharmaceutical science to Biology and Environmental sciences.  We are committed to provide meaningful, rigorous and quality academic experiences in an personalized environment with a cutting edge research infrastructure. Students can expand their academic horizons while deepening their expertise and knowledge in an array of disciplines. Our faculty members are inspired by a fascination with the unknown and the urge to enlarge our fundamental knowledge. At the same time they want to contribute to solutions for the big societal issues of tomorrow. For more information, see www.strw.leidenuniv.nl/.