Nonprofits Launching Careers into Orbit on #NationalSpaceDay
- MissionEB
- May 2
- 3 min read
Observed on the first Friday of May, this day honors the achievements, benefits, and boundless potential of space exploration and the people and organizations working to advance it.
But space isn’t just about astronauts. It takes engineers, coders, educators, designers, analysts, and visionaries to launch missions into orbit and to spark curiosity here on Earth.
In celebration of National Space Day, we’re highlighting nonprofits that are expanding access to space science, promoting STEM education, and empowering the next generation of explorers.
The Planetary Society
Co-founded by Carl Sagan, The Planetary Society empowers space enthusiasts to take part in exploration through science advocacy, educational programming, and even crowdfunded space missions like the LightSail.
Roles they hire for: Science Communicators, Advocacy Managers, Data Analysts, Program Coordinators.
Space Foundation
The Space Foundation is on a mission to inspire, educate, connect, and advocate for the global space community. Their Discovery Center and STEM outreach programs make space fun and accessible for students across the country.
Roles they hire for: STEM Educators, Program Managers, Development Officers, Event Coordinators.
Challenger Center
Founded by the families of the Challenger crew, this nonprofit creates immersive STEM learning experiences through simulated space missions that allow students to become engineers, scientists, and astronauts for a day.
Roles they hire for: Curriculum Designers, Simulation Coordinators, Education Program Managers.
Career Page: Careers | Challenger Center
National Space Society (NSS)
The NSS promotes social, economic, and technical advancement in space development. From space settlement advocacy to student design competitions, they’re all about building a future beyond Earth.
Roles they hire for: Communications Specialists, Policy Advocates, Membership Managers.
Career Page: Space Jobs - National Space Society
Blue Marble Space Institute of Science
An interdisciplinary nonprofit focused on planetary science and space ethics, BMSIS runs research programs and fellowships aimed at developing sustainable space policy and astrobiology.
Roles they hire for: Research Fellows, Science Writers, Sustainability Analysts.
Students for the Exploration and Development of Space (SEDS-USA)
SEDS is a student-led organization that encourages young people to explore the final frontier through hands-on engineering competitions, space startups, and networking opportunities with industry leaders.
Roles they support: Chapter Leaders, Student Engineers, National Team Members.
Career Page: SEDS USA
AIAA Foundation (American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics)
Through scholarships, K-12 outreach, and STEM grants, AIAA’s foundation helps aspiring aerospace professionals take their ideas sky-high.
Roles they support: Aerospace Mentors, Scholarship Coordinators, Program Administrators.
Career Page: Careers in Aerospace | AIAA
The Mars Society
Dedicated to promoting human exploration and settlement of Mars, this nonprofit supports Mars simulation missions, university rover challenges, and educational outreach to prepare future explorers for the Red Planet.
Roles they hire for: Research Scientists, Simulation Support, Project Managers, Event Coordinators.
Career Page: Career opportunity Archives - The Mars Society
Million Girls Moonshot
This national initiative works to inspire girls in STEM, especially those from underrepresented communities, through space-related learning, mentorship, and engineering design challenges.
Roles they support: STEM Mentors, Program Advisors, Outreach Coordinators.
Career Page: Million Girls Moonshot
Explore Mars, Inc.
This nonprofit is laser-focused on getting humans to Mars—sooner rather than later. Through conferences, public engagement, and corporate partnerships, Explore Mars connects everyday people to the future of space.
Roles they hire for: Communications Managers, Research Leads, Logistics Coordinators.
Career Page: Careers at Explore Mars
Explore Careers on National Space Day
From launching simulated missions in classrooms to planning the future of human life on Mars, these nonprofits prove that space exploration isn't just for astronauts, it's for all of us.
Whether you're passionate about engineering, education, policy, or planetary science, there's a place for you in the mission to explore the unknown.
Space isn’t just out there, it starts right here. In our classrooms. In our communities. In the minds of young people dreaming of stars. So get involved. Spark curiosity. And help shape a future where anyone can be part of the journey beyond Earth.
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