Planetarium and Media Technologies Manager - Framingham State University in Framingham, Massachusetts at Framingham State University

Location: Framingham, MA Category: Staff Job Type: Full-time Posted On: Sun Jun 21 2026 Job Description:

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

The McAuliffe Center is seeking a Planetarium and Media Technology Manager to support a wide range of educational programs focused on the Center's digital planetarium, integrating with a range of advanced multimedia systems, including the Center's immersive visualization environments and interactive display technologies. This role is an integral part of the Center's McAuliffe Simulation Lab (MSL) and its creative and technical operations.

The Planetarium and Media Technology Manager is responsible for driving the development of the technical and educational capacity of the FSU Planetarium, and ensuring effective integration, deployment, and interoperability across the McAuliffe Simulation Lab (MSL), which includes the Planetarium, two virtual reality CAVE rooms, and a large interactive video display.

The ideal candidate is a visionary thinker with an inquisitive mind, keen to integrate new technologies, and who enjoys a collaborative environment. The role will contribute to the continued evolution of the Center's media capabilities while maintaining reliable day-to-day operations within the McAuliffe Simulation Lab.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

Director

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:

Contractors, interns

EXAMPLES OF SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop and host Planetarium and multimedia experience programs that fully utilize the technical and educational capacity of the planetarium projection system. Specifically:
  • Develop and facilitate Planetarium and multimedia experiences for FSU undergraduate courses in collaboration with FSU Faculty.
  • Develop and manage entertainment programming for the campus community that leverage the live stage setting and the multiple engagement capabilities of the McAuliffe Center.
  • Develop general content for the MSL's interactive large screen display.
  • Develop and facilitate VR CAVE experiences for FSU undergraduate courses in collaboration with FSU Faculty.
• Supervise staff facilitating daily programs and activities in the Planetarium and using the Center's multimedia systems.
• Supervise and train staff on interactive content development to fully utilize the technical and educational potential of the Planetarium and other MSL multimedia assets, while ensuring cross-compatibility.
• Coordinate with Center staff assigned to our Challenger Learning Center space mission simulator on activities and logistics to ensure a coherent flow for visiting field trip groups.
• Act as the primary interface with outside software development studios creating interactive realtime 3D multimedia content. Compose specifications, communicate requirements, test iterative prototypes, and supervise implementation on-site.
• Act as the primary interface with FSU Facilities and IT Services for MSL systems. Track major Center assets and cooperate with inventory audits.
• Manage the major computer and A/V systems of the Planetarium and MSL. To include: periodic projector alignment, audio system maintenance, special event configuration.
• Work with student interns and outside development organizations that support the work of the McAuliffe Center. Set a positive, professional example for junior staff and third-party groups.
• Staff occasional evening and weekend events at the McAuliffe Center.
• Accountable for ensuring that equal opportunity, equity, and inclusion are integrally tied to all actions and decisions in areas of responsibility.
• Responsible for reporting to the Equal Opportunity Officer or Title IX Coordinator knowledge or receipt of reports of discrimination, discriminatory harassment, and retaliation from students or other members of the university community.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Must be available to work weekends (once per month) and evenings (twice per month)

Job Requirements:

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree or substitute work experience in planetariums, immersive media environments, or computer science or related field.
• Experience programming digital planetarium systems or realtime 3D engines, such as:
  • DS Dark Matter (preferred)
  • Unreal Engine (preferred)
  • DigiStar
  • SkyExplorer
• Experience working with Blender and other 3D modeling tools such as Cinema4D, Maya, 3ds Max, ZBrush, or similar.
• Strong multimedia production skills, including image editing, audio editing, and familiarity with common 3D object formats.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Strong knowledge of astronomy, space exploration, physics, and/or related STEM fields.
• Experience writing, performing, and deploying planetarium shows.
• Experience developing educational experience in VR environments.
• Experience in motion capture and character animation.
• Candidates who are bilingual in English and Portuguese or English and Spanish are strongly encouraged to apply.

Additional Information:

This is a full-time, exempt, benefits-eligible position in the Association of Professional Administrators (APA) bargaining unit with a union title of Assistant Director. The starting salary range is $75,000 - $82,000

Framingham State University conducts criminal history and sexual offender record checks on recommended finalists prior to final employment for all positions.

Framingham State University is an equal opportunity employer. The University considers all qualified candidates without regard to race, color, sex, age, national origin, disability status, Veteran status, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other characteristics protected by law.

Members of underrepresented or minoritized groups, women, veterans, persons with disabilities, and all persons committed to equity, diversity, and inclusive excellence are strongly encouraged to apply.