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Job Category
Academic Staff
Employment Type
Regular
Job Profile
Outreach Specialist NE
Job Summary
The Wonders of Physics is the broad term for all outreach activities in the Department of Physics at UW–Madison. The Department of Physics has a long tradition of science outreach. The Ingersoll Wonders of Physics museum is the longest-running hands-on science museum in the country. The Wonders of Physics shows began in 1984 with a live demonstration lecture. The shows have been running annually ever since. In the late 1980s, two graduate students in the department wanted to take the Wonders of Physics off campus, launching the Wonders of Physics traveling show.
This Outreach Specialist position will be responsible for independently performing the Wonders of Physics traveling show at schools and community centers all around the state. In addition, this position will develop new demonstrations and content to keep the traveling show fresh and engaging. This position will also assist in planning and producing the annual Wonders of Physics show, maintaining the Wonders of Physics website including writing and creating content for the web and social media platforms to broaden program reach, and promoting physics education through other outreach events and programs as assigned. This position will report to the Wonders of Physics outreach program manager and will work closely with other outreach and communications staff as well as student outreach volunteers.
It is expected that employees will make individual arrangements for transportation adequate to meet position responsibilities and essential job functions. Learn more at UW-Madison Driver Authorization.
This position may be required to work occasional nights and weekends to meet the program needs. work will be on-site in Madison with some travel to off-site locations.
This position is part-time, 50% FTE, and Ongoing/Renewable
Key Job Responsibilities
- 10% Develops and evaluates curriculum and programs and provides recommendations for improvement
- 5% Leads the implementation of programs, policies, and procedures through oversight of day-to-day activities for program staff and student and community volunteers
- 25% Researches, develops, and facilitates outreach program content and materials
- 5% May assist with the monitoring of outreach program budget spending
- 40% Delivers outreach program content and materials to community members
- 10% Schedules and secures resources and communicates logistics in support of an outreach program
- 5% Identifies, promotes, and maintains external partnerships to support the outreach program
Department
College of Letters & Science, Physics, Wonders of Physics
Compensation
This position is non-exempt, hourly.
The expected compensation range for this position is $23.82–$34.07 per hour for highly experienced candidates. Actual pay will depend on experience and qualifications.
Required Qualifications
- Ability to obtain authorized driver approval. The candidate must have a valid driver's license, be at least 18 years old, and meet the University's driving record standards.
- Experience in science educational outreach, and/or K-12 or other youth-focused teaching experience
Preferred Qualifications
Well qualified candidates will demonstrate:
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
- Attention to detail and organization
- Independent problem solving and analytical skills
Education
Bachelor’s Degree required; focus in STEM or education preferred
How to Apply
Click the "Apply" button to start the application process.
You will be prompted to upload the following documents:
- Resume
- Letter of Qualifications
Applicants should attach a letter of qualifications and resume detailing their training and experience relating to the required and preferred qualifications referenced above. The application reviewers will be relying on written application materials to determine which qualified applicants will advance in the recruitment process.
The application deadline is 11:59pm on 11/12/2026.
Contact Information
Rachel Mattingly, rachel.mattingly@wisc.edu
Relay Access (WTRS): 7-1-1. See RELAY_SERVICE for further information.
Institutional Statement on Diversity
Diversity is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation for UW-Madison. We value the contributions of each person and respect the profound ways their identity, culture, background, experience, status, abilities, and opinion enrich the university community. We commit ourselves to the pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, outreach, and diversity as inextricably linked goals.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison fulfills its public mission by creating a welcoming and inclusive community for people from every background - people who as students, faculty, and staff serve Wisconsin and the world.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, including but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, or status as a protected veteran and other bases as defined by federal regulations and UW System policies. We promote excellence by acknowledging skills and expertise from all backgrounds and encourage all qualified individuals to apply. For more information regarding applicant and employee rights and to view federal and state required postings, visit the Human Resources Workplace Poster website.
To request a disability or pregnancy-related accommodation for any step in the hiring process (e.g., application, interview, pre-employment testing, etc.), please contact the Divisional Disability Representative (DDR) in the division you are applying to. Please make your request as soon as possible to help the university respond most effectively to you.
Employment may require a criminal background check.
The University of Wisconsin System will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except that the identity of the successful candidate will be released. See Wis. Stat. sec. 19.36(7).
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