Public Programmes Officer
We are looking to recruit a Public Programmes Officer to present science through public programmes activities to the National Space Centre’s various audiences, delivering our live public programmes activities for families, groups, and adult visitors daily, especially on weekends and during school holidays.
The successful candidate will have a good knowledge of science, astronomy and space and excellent communications skills (including confidence when presenting to a live audience). A degree in a science subject is desirable.
Salary: £26,730 per annum
Hours
35 hours per week, with flexibility of times to meet customer requirements (including evenings, weekends, and Bank Holidays). Additional hours worked will be compensated with time off in lieu
Workplace
National Space Centre with potential travel off-site as required.
Please note that this role is permanent (subject to successful completion of probationary period) and not suitable for temporary or holiday only working.
Working with Children – An Enhanced Disclosure is required for this role. Information about the Disclosure service can be found at the Directggov website.
Please refer to the Job Description.
To apply please submit your CV and a covering letter via BambooHR.
(No agencies).
Closing date for completed applications is 12 noon Friday 31st July 2026.
Please note - We reserve the right to bring forward the closing date if we receive a suitable number of high-quality applications from which to make a shortlist. Therefore, we recommend that you apply as soon as possible rather than wait until the published closing date.
Interviews for short-listed candidates - TBC.
Invited applicants will be asked to prepare a 5-minute presentation/ activity on a space topic that they believe would be of interest to a multi-aged family audience which they will then deliver during their interview. The use of ‘props’ is encouraged but no PowerPoint, AV or IT equipment should be incorporated into the presentation. Please note that National Space Centre members of staff should not be approached for assistance with the presentation.
Further information about the National Space Centre may be found on our website https://spacecentre.co.uk/
Candidate privacy statement:
https://spacecentre.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/National_Space_Centre_GDPR_Candidate_privacy_notice-2.pdf
Job Description
Job Title
Public Programmes Officer.
Reports to
Public Programmes Manager.
Overall Purpose
To present science through public programmes activities to the National Space Centre’s various audiences, to enhance the visitor experience, and to increase the knowledge and awareness of space-related phenomenon and news. To develop and maintain public programmes content.
Main Tasks
- Delivery of space and science content to the public.
- To engage and inspire National Space Centre visitors and the public about science.
- To communicate and interpret space news and information to the public.
- To interpret astronomy and science content displayed within the galleries to visitors showing how space is a gateway to all sciences.
- To present live programmes including outreach (including talks, tours and planetariums shows).
- To run Tetrastar Spaceport experience including ride simulator and mission programmes.
- To proactively provide general information and guidance to all visitors to ensure their experience is enjoyable, safe and of the highest standard.
- Development of space and science content for the public.
- To develop and maintain public programmes activities and content, ensuring these are risk assessed in line within in-house procedures.
- To write blogs and assist with social media posts
- Assist with the smooth running of public programmes.
- To deputise for Public Programmes Team Leaders in coordinating a cohort of part-time, weekend presenters.
- To assist Public Programmes Team Leaders in the training of part-time, weekend presenters.
- Collaborate with other teams
- To assist when necessary in the delivery of education and community content including evening and out of hours shifts in off-site locations.
- Other reasonable tasks as may be designated.
Training Provided
- Work with other departments including the Education and Operations teams to gain experience in science communication, public outreach, and customer care.
- Undertake other in-house training as necessary.
Person Specification
Essential
- A good knowledge of science, astronomy, and space.
- Passionate about communicating space-related news and information.
- Excellent communication skills, including confidence when presenting to a live audience.
- Experience of working face-to-face with members of the public.
- Ability to produce factually accurate work, suitable for a range of audiences.
- Ability to work autonomously and as a member of a team.
- Ability to prioritise busy and varied workload and take initiative.
Desirable
- Degree in a science subject.
- Experience communicating science with the public.
Working with Children
An Enhanced Disclosure is required for this role. Information about the Disclosure service can be found at: www.disclosure.gov.uk.
