Req Id: 42607
Job Title: Program Administration Specialist, Senior
City: West Lafayette
Job Description:
Job Summary
Senior Program Administration Specialist (Outreach Coordinator)
College of Science | Physics and Astronomy | Purdue University-West Lafayette Indiana
The Department of Physics and Astronomy is seeking a thoughtful and skilled professional to lead and evolve its K-12 outreach efforts. This role offers the opportunity to connect scientific research with broader communities while supporting meaningful learning experiences for students and educators across Indiana.
About the Role
As the Senior Program Administration Specialist, you will oversee a comprehensive portfolio of physics and astronomy outreach programs designed for K-12 students and teachers. You will guide the development of engaging, research-informed curriculum and coordinate a range of activities-from on-campus events and school visits to teacher workshops and virtual programming. Working closely with faculty, staff, and student volunteers, you will help translate complex scientific concepts into accessible, impactful learning experiences. This position plays an important role in fostering curiosity, strengthening science education, and supporting a more scientifically literate community.
The Mission of the Outreach Coordinator
The position administers a multifaceted and multimodal physics and astronomy outreach program. The position integrates faculty, their research team, and research topics into the outreach program, furthering the academic and research mission of the department. The position delivers a host of K-12 and adult education activities that showcase physics and astronomy topics and connect student learning to our faculty's world class research activities. The primary educational audience is K-12 students and teachers, with parents and adult learners a bonus audience. Through educational outreach, the position cultivates student recruitment pathways, public engagement, and service to local, regional, national, and international communities.
Key Responsibilities
This is a role well-suited to someone who values both education and engagement-someone who enjoys designing programs, building relationships, and contributing to the broader mission of science outreach.
What Were Looking For
Education and Experience Required:
Preferred:
Skills Needed:
Knowledge of:
school science programs, K-12 curricula, K-12 academic standards for physics and astronomy, other sciences, and K-12 National Education Standards
physics and astronomy, trends in science education, and ability to use technology
Creative thinking and the ability to develop materials to promote awareness and interest in physics and astronomy, and general science for K-12 audience
Able to:
be the liaison to public schools in Indiana and to coordinate the physics and astronomy K-12 outreach program
provide enhancement of the teaching of science in K-12 in the state of Indiana by providing teachers with information, activities, and pedagogical ideas
Certified teacher is desirable
Ability to:
communicate effectively with a wide variety of people at all age levels
write proposals for external funding and communicate with Purdue donors
Additional Information:
Career Stream
Professional 3
Career path maker: https://www.purdue.edu/hr/careerpathmaker/
Who We Are
Purdue is a community built on collaboration, with global perspectives, Boilermaker pride and endless opportunity to live, learn and grow. Join us and contribute to our culture.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Purdue University is an EOE employer.
Apply now
Posting Start Date: 6/16/26