The City of Los Angeles seeks a Curator of Griffith Observatory, a proven, academically credentialed leader in astronomy, astrophysics and/or related scientific fields to:

• Manage all Griffith Observatory programs and associated staff, assets, collections, exhibits, technology, and the website and library resources;
• Design, develop, implement, and sustain programs that inspire wonder, advance the public’s appreciation for astronomy, and share knowledge of the history, practices and scientific findings of astronomical observation;
• and Engage people of all ages, identities, incomes, ability/disability and backgrounds in public astronomy.

Griffith Observatory is an icon of Los Angeles, the world’s most visited public observatory, and is open six days a week to host 1.5 million visitors annually. The Observatory was founded by namesake benefactor Griffith J. Griffith to make astronomy accessible to the public. Griffith donated over 3,000 acres to the City of Los Angeles for the Observatory and Park, and the Observatory opened in 1935. Located 1,134 feet above sea level, this unique facility provides a stunning overview of Los Angeles, a clear view of the horizon, and supports free public observing every night that the building is open and skies are clear. The 290-seat Samuel Oschin Planetarium is the third planetarium established in the U.S., and there are over 60 other displays and installations that turn visitors into observers. The City of Los Angeles owns, operates, and largely funds the Observatory and its staff through the Department of Recreation and Parks, and most Griffith Observatory programs are free to the general public. The Curator of Griffith Observatory is a City of Los Angeles employee.

The Observatory’s essential partner and collaborator is Griffith Observatory Foundation. The Foundation was chartered as an independent 501c3 fundraising, advocacy, and support organization in 1978 by Debra and Harold Griffith (grandson of the Observatory benefactor) and the current Observatory Director Dr. E. C. Krupp. For 48 years, the Observatory and Foundation have worked in unison to advance Griffith Observatory interests.

The Observatory has an annual budget of roughly $8 million, which is dedicated almost entirely to staffing costs, with $900,000 for materials, supplies, and contractual services. The Foundation annually provides about $2 million to underwrite programs, upgrades, specialty personnel, and specialized expenses, and the Foundation periodically funds major projects at the Observatory. Griffith Observatory employs 24 full-time staff, and over 270 part-time staff whose hours roughly equate to 80-90 FTE. All staff are employees of the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks. The Foundation engages additional staff and volunteers to assist with events, programs and advocacy.

This Curator is the executive team member primarily responsible for the visitor experience of Griffith Observatory programs, educational activities, and exhibits. In tandem with the Director and Deputy Director, the Curator advances the reputation and iconic place Griffith Observatory has in the community, in public astronomy, and in popular culture, ensures an inspiring visitor experience, and oversees the dissemination of knowledge of astronomy and observation. The Observatory is an iconic place and asset to the people of Los Angeles, and the Curator’s teams function as the “public face” of the institution.

The Curator manages the Programming division with five full-time staff responsible for: public & education programming, astronomical observation, lectures and exhibits, materials, video & social media. Additionally, there are over 100 part time staff (amounting to about 50 – 60 FTE staff) that are managed directly or indirectly by the Curator. The full team has responsibility for interpreting exhibits, presenting shows and programs, guiding public telescope observing, and providing administrative support across all programs.

Candidates must have a Ph.D. degree from an accredited college or university in Astronomy, Physics, or Planetary Science; and four years of full-time paid professional experience at a public observatory, major planetarium, science museum, or related facility supervising staff involved in developing and implementing astronomy and physical science programs and exhibits for the public. Experience in budgeting, program development, management and delivery, and personnel management is strongly desired.

Working for the City of Los Angeles

The City of Los Angeles is a progressive, equal-opportunity employer with attractive employee benefits that include: competitive salary, comprehensive health insurance, a defined-benefit pension, a deferred compensation program and generous holiday & earned leave provisions.

Application Process for Interested Parties

m/Oppenheim is assisting the Observatory and Foundation by providing information on the Curator opportunity and helping interested candidates get answers to questions. The application and selection process, however, will be administered by the City of Los Angeles. The City has opened the application process and interested candidates must complete and submit the online application as specified by the City job bulletin. A civil service exam, as described in the bulletin, will be provided to qualified applicants by the City of Los Angeles Personnel Department to determine a ranked-order list of candidates. Observatory senior managers will then conduct selection interviews of the highest-ranked candidates from the exam.

The complete position description can be found here. We appreciate any candidate nominations you have and sharing this opportunity with your networks.

For more information about this opportunity, please contact Lisa Grossman, Steve Oppenheim, Stacy Brooks, or Mark Oppenheim at info[at]moppenheim[dot]com.