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NOIRLab Ambassador program

Ambassador Program

The NOIRLab Ambassador program is a joint initiative with Vera C. Rubin Observatory Construction that aims to increase public engagement with NOIRLab and its Programs, including Rubin Observatory, by working together with motivated and enthusiastic volunteers to share the excitement and science of our organizations. 

Ambassadors can be NOIRLab or Rubin staff and scientists as well as external enthusiasts who support our mission in astronomy. They will contribute to NOIRLab’s public engagement efforts in addition to sharing NOIRLab and Rubin science with their own communities in order to spread our mission and science to new audiences. 

Ambassador’s Profile

NOIRLab Ambassadors should have at least one of these characteristics:

  • Personable, creative, enthusiastic and approachable
  • Confident in public speaking in English or Spanish
  • Have an interest in promoting public awareness of NOIRLab’s astronomy and related science
  • Willing to represent NOIRLab and its Programs, including Rubin Observatory,in a professional manner and promote NOIRLab’s planned initiatives and activities.
  • Willing to post NOIRLab provided content (e.g. photos, stories, notice of upcoming events/talks) on their social media accounts and webpages.
  • Able to provide creative content that can be used in social media and internal communication platforms in coordination with the Communications team.

NOIRLab Ambassadors 

Audiovisual Ambassadors

Social Media Ambassadors

Music Ambassadors

Education Ambassadors

Dark Skies Ambassadors

Art Ambassadors

How to join the program

Please indicate your interest in the following areas in this form (may be more than one area):

  1. Audiovisuals Ambassador (Image and Video)
  2. Music Ambassador
  3. Art Ambassador (painting, drawing, knitting, etc.)
  4. Education Ambassador
  5. Social Media Ambassador (influencers, etc.)
  6. Dark Skies Ambassadors

NOIRLab’s Ambassador program is open to NOIRLab and Rubin Construction staff, affiliates and scientists as well as external people.

Selection process

Candidates go through a selection process with a committee that will review their application and decide which candidates are selected. The committee is made up of the Head of Communications, Education and Engagement of NOIRLab; NOIRLab Communications Manager; Rubin EPO representative; Rubin social media coordinator; and NOIRLab social media coordinator. The application remains open, with a one-month review process. We notify new ambassadors by email.

Time commitment

This is a flexible position that adapts to your availability, but we require a minimum one-year commitment. Ambassadors are contacted as appropriate and offered the opportunity to renew their participation each year depending on their contributions to the Ambassador program. They will also be able to help us welcome new ambassadors.

What to expect

Once the Ambassador is selected, they receive the following benefits:

Ambassadors Benefits:

  • Social media training
  • Approved social media template posts
  • Ambassador’s content will be published in our website and social media channels with their specific credit
  • Special digital folder
  • Ambassadors meetups (virtual, quarterly)
  • Annual gift and Welcome Kit
  • Access to Ambassador community
  • If opportunity permits: Occasional special visits to the summit (Gemini North, Kitt Peak, Cerro Tololo or Cerro Pachón) 

Seniority (more than 3 years) in the program will also include:

  • Special NOIRLab Blog post featuring the Ambassador’s work
  • Special video of our Ambassador published in our social media

What Ambassadors will deliver

Once selected, the Ambassador contributes photos, videos, and other creative output that reflect her experiences at NOIRLab, and they collaborate with the social media team to coordinate the sharing of these stories on their own networks. If you have any questions, please contact NOIRLab Social Media Coordinator, Camila Ibarlucea (camila.ibarlucea@noirlab.edu)