Like every other organisation, we had to dig deep to navigate the pandemic. We used the time wisely, keeping connected with our visitors and stakeholders, launching many new projects, and investing time in robust analysis to inform our future direction.
We have big ambitions and aim to extend the reach of our public events, and continue to develop programmes with impact, and we are actively seeking to develop partnerships with Dark Sky Parks around the world and replicate this success both here in the UK and globally.
We are so proud of what we have achieved, and what more we can achieve and we hope you’ll join us as we develop new activities, projects, and programmes that convey that very special “Kielder moment” to as many people as possible.
We create opportunities for people of all backgrounds and abilities to experience moments of inspiration, revelation, wonder, and hope through observing the cosmos.
We aim to promote an interest in the science of astronomy, facilitating the education of the science of astronomy, and maintaining a world-class astronomical observatory in Kielder Forest in which these activities take place.
Our primary activity is public outreach, inspiring people with our love of the night sky. We do this via events at the Observatory, hosting thousands of people a year.
We also deliver one of the most significant STEM schools outreach programmes in the North East, visiting hundreds of schools and inspiring thousands of students every year and we provide pathways into STEM at all ages, with work placements, paid internships, teacher CPD, and a thriving volunteer programme.
Many of our staff (and our trustees) started as volunteers, and many have come to us straight from university.
Reporting to the Board of Trustees, the post’s primary purpose is to fulfill the vision, mission, and charitable objects of Kielder Observatory Astronomical Society, implementing the agreed strategy, leading the team, supporting the Board of Trustees, ensuring good governance and regulatory compliance, and overseeing the efficient operation of KOAS’s events, arts, education, and science programmes, and other activities as they arise.
Leadership
Governance
People
Strategy
Financial Management
Income Generation
Marketing and Communications
External
Compliance
Our expectations are high. As our new CEO, you will need to evidence and demonstrate commitment and be fully engaged and motivated by our vision and bring the necessary experience, expertise, and energy demanded by the role.
Qualifications
Skills
Knowledge
Possess an excellent working knowledge of:
Attributes
Kielder Observatory is a public outreach astronomical facility located in Kielder Forest, Northumberland, under some of the darkest skies in Europe.
It is in the largest Gold Tier International Dark Sky Park in Europe, as designated by the International Dark Skies Association. It is set in the largest man-made forest in Western Europe and near Kielder Water, the largest man-made reservoir in Europe.
The primary function of the observatory is outreach via public events. It hosts upwards of 40 of these events every month. Since opening in 2008, we have played host to tens of thousands of people to observe and engage with the night sky via talks, activities, and telescope observing sessions. We do this in a way that is friendly, informative, and interesting through our amazing team of astronomers, guest speakers, and volunteers.
A clear sky at Kielder is truly special: the air is crisp, the silence is bewitching, the stars are mesmerising. It is a reminder of how lucky we are to be alive on this tiny little planet near one of the billions of stars in one of the billions of galaxies that exist in the known universe. That’s the Kielder moment, and it can transform people’s lives.
If you would welcome the opportunity to apply, please forward:
Your completed application should be sent to Philip Nelson at philip.nelson@thehiringdept.com. An anonymised diversity monitoring form will also be sent to you for completion.
Please also let us know if you need any special provisions should you be called forward for an interview.
Closing Date: Sunday 2nd July
Preliminary Interviews: Thursday 13th & Friday 14th July
Final Panel Interviews: tbc
For an informal and confidential discussion, to ask a question on any aspect of the appointment process, or for additional information, please contact our advising consultant Philip Nelson on 020 3590 9978 or via email at philip.nelson@thehiringdept.com.
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