The primary function of the Technical Director is to oversee all technological aspects of the McNair-Davis Planetarium and Mississippi Museum of Art. Their primary mission is to maintain and repair all the planetarium and exhibit technologies, and to regularly train all full-time, part-time staff, and volunteers on the proper usage of these technologies.

In addition, they will collaborate with Mississippi Museum of Art staff to manage, operate, and troubleshoot the audio visual and technological elements at the Mississippi Museum of Art.

The Chief Educator ensures the integrity and efficacy of all daytime educational use of the planetarium and exhibits. Their primary mission is to develop and implement educational STEAM related programs for preschool to college level students, emphasizing Astronomy, Earth Sciences, and Space Sciences curriculums. They will book group reservations and assist with logistical aspects of programming, including materials and technology management and on-site preparation.

The Chief Educator will collaborate with the MMA education staff to coordinate a robust and meaningful school group visit to both institutions, connecting art and science through STEAM initiatives. In addition, they will collaborate with MMA staff to plan joint art museum and planetarium programming, such as Family Days and guest lecture experiences.

The Chief Educator’s goal is not to duplicate classroom experiences. Instead, this educator will use the simulation capability of the planetarium to present concepts that are difficult, if not impossible, to present in a standard classroom. In other words, the Chief Educator is not a formal classroom instructor. They will use the techniques and best practices of informal education to inspire life-long learners.