Magazine and Membership Coordinator, McDonald Observatory

Magazine and Membership Coordinator, McDonald Observatory The McDonald Observatory and Department of Astronomy promote excellence in research and education within the Astronomy Program. As one of the top-ranked astronomy programs nationwide, we lead innovative research in cosmology, galaxy formation and evolution, stellar development, exoplanetary systems, the Solar System, and instrumentation. The role reports to the observatory’s support staff and focuses on StarDate magazine subscriptions and Friends membership activities that advance the observatory’s education and public outreach mission. Responsibilities Coordinate StarDate magazine subscription processing and distribution. Process orders from stardate.org, mail, and phone; maintain subscriber records; generate circulation reports; print and distribute renewal letters and annual sales letters. Coordinate StarDate magazine marketing and production. Solicit bids, secure printing contracts, expand distribution channels, and maintain inventory. Prepare circulation, renewal, and new subscriber reports as needed. Support membership and fundraising activities: review and enter gift data; verify accuracy; retrieve information; update donor records; prepare thank‑you letters; support donor and member recognition, stewardship, and acquisition campaigns. Answer calls to the StarDate and Friends phone lines and respond to inquiries via email. Provide accurate, timely information on subscriptions, memberships, and policies; resolve customer concerns; route inquiries; and ensure professional communication. Participate in cross‑functional teams to support program goals. Assist with outreach, represent StarDate and the observatory at community events, help produce educational print materials, and contribute to magazine content, advertising, and related communications. Perform other duties as assigned to support business operations. Required Qualifications Bachelor’s degree. Three years of experience coordinating or administering a program. Strong computer skills using a personal computer, spreadsheet, database, and word processing applications. Excellent written and oral communication and proofreading skills. Demonstrated customer‑service skills. Ability to work as a team member, independently, and manage overlapping projects. Competency in accuracy, attention to detail, decision‑making, critical thinking, effective communication, initiative, interpersonal relationships, problem‑solving, and service excellence. An equivalent combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate. Preferred Qualifications Experience with FileMaker Pro. Experience in a magazine and print publication, membership relations field, or annual giving. Amateur astronomy interest and knowledge of the night sky. Proficiency in Spanish. Salary Range $45,000 + depending on qualifications and experience Working Conditions Standard office environment. May work around mechanical hazards. Repetitive use of a keyboard at a workstation. Climbing stairs and/or ladders. Lifting and moving 30+ lbs. Required Materials Letter of interest Resume (CV) List of three professional references Equal Opportunity Employer The University of Texas at Austin is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. It complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action and is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions. Background Checks A criminal history background check will be required for finalists under consideration for this position. -h3>Employment Eligibility and Other Policies Regular staff who have been employed in their current position for the last six continuous months are eligible for openings being recruited for through University‑Wide or Open Recruiting, including promotional opportunities and lateral transfers. Staff who are promotion/transfer eligible may apply without supervisor approval. The retirement plan for this position is the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length. If hired, an I‑9 form will be required; documents must be presented no later than the third day of employment. #J-18808-Ljbffr Phase2 Technology