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.

Position Overview

The Chair of Discovery Hall Programs serves as the chief academic and administrative leader for DISL’s Outreach and Education programs. This position oversees all academic, personnel, financial, and operational functions of the department. The Chair is both a faculty member and an administrator, responsible for curriculum development, program instruction, strategic leadership, and maintaining the academic rigor and reputation of the department.

The Chair works collaboratively with faculty and staff to ensure high‑quality educational programming, effective administration, and alignment with the goals of the Dauphin Island Sea Lab.

Reports To: Executive Director, DISL

FLSA Status: Exempt

Location: Dauphin Island Sea Lab

Key Responsibilities

• 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.

Academic Leadership

• Develop, modify, and implement curricula for academic‑year classes, summer programs, workshops, and professional development programs through knowledge of national and state literacy standards.
• Work with other DISL Departments to facilitate interdepartmental collaboration to meet the organization’s mission and strategic initiatives.
• Assist with teaching for academic‑year courses, summer programs, and workshops as needed.
• Represent the department in professional and public venues.

Program Development & Oversight

• Work collaboratively with DHP/O&E faculty to update and enhance academic and non‑academic programming, including K–12 activities and professional development offerings.
• Integrate educational messages and materials with Alabama Aquarium personnel.
• Ensure consistency and excellence in departmental messaging and external recognition.

Administrative Management

• Provide direction and supervision for departmental operations.
• Meet departmental obligations to DISL administration, including budgeting, reporting, and evaluations.
• Oversee collection and analysis of data related to departmental activities.
• Hold regular faculty/staff meetings and lead the annual departmental retreat.
• Participate in DISL committee meetings to represent departmental interests.

Personnel Management

• Hire faculty, staff, counselors, and interns with input from faculty and oversight from DISL administration.
• Conduct annual performance reviews of DHP/O&E faculty and staff.
• Make recommendations regarding promotions, salaries, and leave.
• Sign timecards for departmental personnel.
• Participate in the annual performance review of the Chair’s own position by core DHP/O&E faculty and five-year comprehensive review process that includes a seminar presentation.

Grants & Funding

• Write grants to fund or expand departmental activities.
• Ensure that all grant obligations—including reporting and budgeting—are met.

Communications, Outreach & Partnerships

• Work with IT and administrative staff to ensure that the website and public materials are current and accurate.
• Support the publicizing of departmental activities.
• Maintain collegial relationships with Gulf region educators and partner organizations.
• Publish departmental activities and innovations where appropriate.

Operations & Infrastructure

• Oversee maintenance of departmental equipment and infrastructure.
• Serve as the responsible point of contact for student summer programs.

Other Duties

• Maintain credibility among educators and research scientists
• Perform additional duties assigned by the Executive Director.

Conditions & Physical Requirements

Nature is our primary classroom, and the Chair is expected to lead by example in the field. Candidates must be prepared for:

• All-Weather Operations: Working in all weather conditions, including the high heat, humidity, and heavy rain typical of a coastal environment.
• Aquatic Environments: Ability to work safely and effectively in and around water (marshes, beaches, and vessels).
• Physical Stamina: Capacity for extensive walking and physical activity across the DISL campus and various field sites.
• Licensure: Ability to obtain a Class B CDL (with passenger endorsement) for student transportation.

Professional Competencies

• Collaborative leadership and communication skills
• Strong administrative and organizational abilities
• Curriculum development and teaching expertise
• Grant writing and budget management
• Commitment to educational excellence and public outreach
• Ability to foster a climate of mutual respect and inclusivity

Preferred Qualifications

• 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.

Application Process for the Chair, Discovery Hall Programs

Application Materials

Applicants should submit the following as a single PDF:

1. Cover Letter
   • Describe interest in the position
   • Address leadership experience, teaching experience, curriculum development, and outreach background
2. Curriculum Vitae
3. Statement of Teaching and Outreach Vision for a remote marine station (1–2 pages)
4. Statement of Leadership or Administrative Philosophy (1–2 pages)
5. Contact information for 3–5 professional references

Submit all application materials by email to search@disl.edu (for questions email Ms. Chris Shaw, cshaw@disl.edu). Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

Search Timeline

• Review begins: 4–6 weeks after posting
• Campus interviews: 6–10 weeks after posting
• Preferred start date: 2–4 months after candidate selection

EEO Statement

The Dauphin Island Sea Lab is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages applications from individuals of diverse backgrounds.

Background Check Notice

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check.

Contact for Inquiries For questions about the position, contact: Ms. Chris Shaw, HR Manager, cshaw@disl.edu