Job
Announcement:
The
Alabama Aquarium at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab (DISL) seeks applications from
interested parties to lead our efforts to convey the importance of the natural
wonders of coastal Alabama to students and adults of all ages. Read on to learn
more about this exciting opportunity!
The
Aquarium Director is the principal creative visionary and administrator for
DISL’s 15,500 square foot public and teaching aquarium, the State of Alabama’s
Official Aquarium located at DISL. As such he/she works with the DISL
Director’s Council to develop and implement the long-range plan and manage a $
850,000 operating budget for the facilities for the facility. The successful
candidate will also be responsible for the day-to-day supervision of the
Aquarium complex, its buildings, and personnel, live exhibitory, and the
completion of planned upgrades including the anticipated “Shadows of the Deep”
exhibit.
This
position is responsible for all developmental and administrative functions for
the Aquarium’s educational outreach programs, life support, building
maintenance, security, and custodial functions, including project planning,
coordination, aquarium advertising and grant proposals in coordination with
other departments. This is an exciting opportunity to align your exceptional
written communication and management skills with a passion for Alabama’s
coastal ecosystem.
Supervisory
Responsibility
This
role oversees a high-performance team of curators, educators, aquarists, and
volunteers. This is a salaried position - Exempt.
Essential
Responsibilities·
- Serve as an advisor to the Executive and Deputy Directors by keeping
them informed on internal conditions and important external developments
relevant to the Aquarium and tourism trends.
- Manage a
high-performing team of 6 curators, educators, aquarists, and volunteers,
serving as a positive leader, through proactive communication, timely
feedback, staff development, efficient use of departmental resources, and
careful prioritization of institutional goals.
- Leading the
animal care and education professionals through professional training and
continuing education. Providing leadership to foster high team member
morale and motivation throughout the aquarium.
- Collaborate
with the educational staff to create, promote, and lead programs to the
visiting public.
- Work in close
coordination with the Executive Director and Deputy Director to set and
execute goals and strategic plans within operations, which support and
align with goals, mission, and strategic plans of the organization.
- Responsible for
the day-to-day supervision of the Aquarium complex, equipment, and
infrastructure related to operations. Works closely with colleagues to
ensure proactive maintenance and development of new projects to meet
animal care and exhibitory goals.
- Working
collaboratively with DISL’s Public Relations personnel to effectively
communicate the Aquarium’s mission and programming to the public according
to approved DISL graphic standards.
- Special
projects and duties as assigned by the Executive Director or Deputy
Director.
Knowledge,
Skills & Abilities
- Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in life sciences, biology, or
equivalent experience in aquarium or education field. Candidates with a
suitable combined equivalent of education and marketing experience will
also be considered.
- Proven
experience with identifying and writing Grants and their management.
- Demonstrated
leadership skills with the ability to support teams, develop culture, and
demonstrate coaching and ongoing performance management.
- Expert
knowledge of operations and management to foster a customer
service-centric culture, as well as, a culture of learning, sharing,
cooperation, and teamwork that services to organize repeatable processes
to improve efficiency throughout the organization.
- Excellent judgment
and professionalism; must be comfortable building and maintaining relationships
with internal and external customers at all levels.
- Experience in
teaching and/or public speaking.
- Working
knowledge of aquatic life support systems (LSS) and water chemistry would
be beneficial.
- Must be
computer proficient in an MS Office operating environment.
Working
Conditions
- Must be able to walk, stand, sit, knee, stoop, crawl, twist, reach
above head, pull bend, and climb stairs and ladders.
- Must be able to
lift and carry fifty (50) pounds, work on uneven and slippery surfaces,
withstand temperatures of hot and cold, and sit/stand for long periods of
time when necessary.
- Flexibility to
adapt schedules to meet operational needs on minimal notice, including
weekends and evenings if necessary.
The Alabama Aquarium is proud to be an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion, which invites individuals who bring a diversity of culture, experience, and ideas to apply.
We do
not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, ethnicity, national origin,
ancestry, creed, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual
orientation, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition,
genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or military status.
How to
apply:
- Interested and
engaged applicants should apply by submitting a CV/resume with 3
professional references to https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1zhNoEqXg-cl1OfDnliZm9VhE6nXnJ_C67kDkobtDZfw/edit
- We are
committed to ensuring individuals with disabilities are provided
reasonable accommodations to participate in the job application and
interview process.
- Requests
for reasonable accommodations can be made by emailing HR@disl.org.
- Please check
out our website https://www.disl.edu
Review of Applications will begin December 2, 2024, and continue until a successful candidate is identified.
