Board members wanted
Are you looking for an out of this world volunteer position that is fun and educational?
The multigenerational, diverse Board of Directors at the Friends of the Dominion Astrophysical Observatory might be what you are looking for!
The Friends of the Dominion Astrophysical Observatory is a charitable organization that operates the Centre of the Universe Visitors Centre. At the heart of our organization are dedicated volunteers who literally work day and night to promote scientific literacy in the community. We have created a culture that emphasizes education for school students and the general public, cooperation with local businesses, and a platform for people to appreciate and understand the role astronomy plays in our society and in other cultures.
What we are looking for:
Advocates & Ambassadors: People who will actively promote and represent our organization, and help us to build strong partnerships within the community
Engaged Leaders: People who bring empathy, vision, positivity, courage and decision-making skills to the organization
Collaborative Minds: People who like to work together to reach common goals
Fundraising focused Individuals: People who can help to seek out, vision and find creative solutions to fundraising and donor appreciation.
Specific Skills sought after:
Communications
Non-profit management (any of governance, finance, and grant application)
Leadership
Outreach
Volunteer Coordination
Finance
Museum Management
Indigenous Knowledge Keeping
What your commitment is:
Inspiration & wonder: Being motivated to inspire members of local communities, students, and visitors is perhaps the most important attribute of a member of our board. Keeping up to date on new discoveries, new technology, science news and opportunities is vital.
Meeting involvement: Attend monthly board meetings, held in person at the Centre of theUniverse or virtually via Google Meet. (this is 2 hour per month commitment, we meet for 11 months of the year
Active participation: We are a working board, whose participation in the ongoing operations of the organization is needed. Tasks include helping out with staƯing the visitors’ centre during star parties, opening hours, and other events, and operations such as routine administration, and public outreach (newsletters, website content, and social media). Total commitment is anywhere from four hours per month to whatever involvement level you want!
Continuous Learning: Our board members seek out learning opportunities to help them continue to grow. Together with our dedicated volunteers they learn how to operate our planetarium, telescopes, virtual reality equipment etc., and will have a say in the development of new science exhibits in the next few years.
When you join our board you get the opportunity to make a real difference in the education and outreach to the people in our community. It is a chance to volunteer to be part of something meaningful and have a chance to create change in how the centre is accessed and viewed in the future. You can use your skills and connections to help to inspire visitors of all ages by expanding their understanding of their place in the universe and making Canada’s historic Plaskett Telescope and the Centre of the Universe sites of learning, creativity, and community for all. This is a great opportunity to sit on a fun board with like minded individuals. If you are interested in inspiring people and instilling a lifelong passion for science, we want to hear from you!
The Friends of the Dominion Astrophysical Observatory Society envisions a future where every visitor to the site leaves inspired and with a lifelong passion for science. This will be achieved through engaging storytelling that illuminates the pivotal Canadian contributions to space sciences and explores our strong connection to the cosmos. The stories will celebrate the rich history and culture of our local community, including the perspectives and knowledge of the W̱SÁNEĆ peoples.
Please express your interest by sending your resume and covering letter to
Book an appointment.
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.