To those of you who have read my recent blog posts or attended one of my public talks, it should come as no surprise that astronomy is changing rapidly. Robotic telescopes, large sky surveys, advances in data science, and now artificial intelligence are transforming how astronomical research is conducted. At the same time, these changes are creating exciting new opportunities for amateur astronomers and students to participate in scientific discovery.
Recognizing these changes, the AAVSO has spent the past several years strengthening its governance and engaging in long-term strategic planning to ensure that the organization remains well positioned for the future. At both the 2024 and 2025 Annual Member Meetings, President Richard Berry highlighted the importance of these efforts. I’m happy to report that those investments are beginning to bear fruit. At the 2025 Annual Member Meeting, I reported that the number of active observers increased by 10% and that our scientific databases grew by between 3% and 54% year-over-year. I also noted that AAVSO data, products, and services contributed to more than 250 peer-reviewed publications.
These accomplishments would not have been possible without the dedication of our observers, members, volunteers, donors, and staff. The staffing investments announced below represent the next step in AAVSO’s evolution. Together, these positions will help us expand our scientific capabilities, strengthen our educational programs, build the financial resources needed to support the organization, and deepen volunteer engagement for years to come.
An Additional Staff Scientist Position Authorized
At its June 6, 2026 meeting, the AAVSO Board of Directors authorized the creation of an additional Staff Scientist position.
Over the coming months, the Board and staff will work together to determine how this position can best support AAVSO’s long-term scientific priorities. While details are still being developed, the role will likely focus on emerging or rapidly growing areas within our scientific portfolio, including stellar spectroscopy, exoplanet photometry, and data science. We envision this position being filled by a scientist who is passionate about both research and working with amateur astronomers to create new opportunities for meaningful scientific participation.
This investment was made possible through a generous bequest from the estate of Gerald (Jerry) Persha, founder of Optec Inc., and designer of the Solid State Photometers used by AAVSO’s Photoelectric Photometry Special Interest Group. In the long run, the position will be supported by resources freed through AAVSO’s transition to a fully remote organization following the expiration of our Cambridge office lease in May 2027.
Legacy gifts such as Jerry’s play an important role in AAVSO’s future, allowing us to pursue new opportunities and make strategic investments that would otherwise be difficult to support through our annual operating budget alone. If you are interested in learning more about including the AAVSO in your estate plans, we encourage you to contact us for a confidential conversation.
We are excited about the opportunities this position will create and look forward to sharing additional details in the coming months.
Now Hiring: Science Educator
We are also seeking a full-time Science Educator to lead and expand AAVSO’s training and education programs.
Two of the key objectives identified in our strategic plan are helping people become more skilled observers and creating new opportunities for them to engage in astronomy. The Science Educator position is central to both efforts. As the AAVSO grows, we must ensure that the next generation of observers, researchers, and volunteers has access to the training and support needed to succeed.
The individual selected for this role will oversee courses, workshops, webinars, mentoring activities, and educational content while expanding opportunities for amateur astronomers and students to participate in scientific research.
To learn more about this opportunity, please visit the job listing on the AAS Job Register.
Now Hiring: Development Director
To support the organization’s continued growth, we are seeking a full-time Development Director.
The Development Director will serve as AAVSO’s lead fundraising professional, helping us build the financial resources needed to sustain and expand our programs. This individual will lead fundraising strategy, cultivate relationships with donors and sponsors, pursue grant opportunities, and help secure the long-term financial support needed to advance AAVSO’s mission.
If you know someone who might be interested in this position. Please encourage them to review the job posting on the Association of Fundraising Professionals website.
Hired: Volunteer Coordinator
In addition to the approximately 1,500 observers who contribute scientific data each year, more than 200 volunteers assist headquarters with its day-to-day operations. As the AAVSO grows, we need dedicated staff to help recruit, train, support, and recognize these volunteers.
To help meet that need, I’m pleased to announce that Joanna DiStefano has joined the AAVSO as our Volunteer Coordinator. Joanna brings more than a decade of experience in volunteer leadership development, community organizing, and event coordination. In her new role, she will help strengthen volunteer engagement across the organization and ensure that volunteers have meaningful opportunities to contribute and succeed.
Please join me in welcoming Joanna to the AAVSO team.
Looking Ahead
The AAVSO’s mission is to provide amateur astronomers and students with the opportunity to make real and direct contributions to astronomy. Achieving that mission not only requires your dedication, but also talented staff who can build new programs, develop new opportunities, and support a growing scientific community.
I am excited about what these investments represent for the future of the AAVSO. Together, they will help ensure that we remain at the forefront of citizen science, education, and astronomical research for years to come.
Clear skies,
Brian Kloppenborg
Executive Director, AAVSO