Chair, Discovery Hall Programs; outreach & Education

CHAIR, DISCOVERY HALL PROGRAMS (OUTREACH & EDUCATION)

Dauphin Island Sea Lab (DISL)

The Dauphin Island Sea Lab invites applications for the position of Chair of Discovery Hall Programs (DHP), also recognized as the Assistant Director for Outreach & Education. The Chair serves as the chief academic administrator for DISL’s Outreach and K-12 Education programs and is responsible for academic, personnel, financial, and administrative leadership.

The Chair holds a dual role as both faculty member and administrator. Responsibilities include curriculum development, teaching support, and maintaining academic rigor; providing overall direction and supervision of DHP; and reporting to the Executive Director.

The successful candidate will lead faculty in a collaborative environment, ensuring open communication, shared governance, and informed decision-making.

• Develop, update, and oversee academic-year classes, K–12 programming, summer activities, and professional development offerings.
• Fulfill departmental administrative obligations, including budgeting, reporting, and evaluations.
• Ensure collection and analysis of program activity data.
• Write and manage grants and associated reporting requirements.
• Hold regular departmental meetings and lead the annual faculty/staff retreat.
• Select participants for summer and professional development programs.
• Hire and supervise faculty, staff, counselors, and interns.
• Conduct annual performance reviews and recommend promotions and salary adjustments.
• Maintain departmental website accuracy and assist in publicizing activities.
• Oversee equipment and infrastructure maintenance.
• Sustain professional credibility and collaborative relationships with regional educators and organizations.

• Doctoral degree (Ph.D.) in marine science, environmental science, science education, or a closely related field.
• 5-7 years experience directing or coordinating educational programs at the K–12, undergraduate, or professional level.
• Demonstrated success in grant writing and grant management.
• Experience with budgeting, reporting, and departmental administration.
• Evidence of scholarly activity, publication, or professional contributions in science education.
• Experience leading retreat planning, committee participation, or institutional initiatives.
• Familiarity with coastal or marine education networks, Gulf-region partnerships, or outreach institutions.
• Demonstrated teaching experience in formal or informal science education.
• Experience in academic program development or curriculum design.
• Administrative or leadership experience in an educational or outreach setting.
• Experience supervising staff or managing teams.
• Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with faculty, staff, and external partners.