"Director of Skidaway Institute of Oceanography and Professor"

Job Details

Position Summary

This position is based at the Skidaway Institute of Oceanography in Savannah, GA. The Director is the most senior administrator of the Skidaway Institute, and has overall responsibility for strategic initiatives and fiscal planning, promoting externally funded research and impactful educational programs, managing campus infrastructure and advancing major capital projects. Additional responsibilities for the Director include overseeing the Institute staff, serving as supervisor of record for Skidaway-based faculty, providing support for research, outreach and educational programs, and working to foster partnerships and communication. The Director models and fosters a climate of collegiality while providing the strategic and institutional vision for vigorous, collaborative research and education. The person in this position will hold their primary academic appointment as a full-professor in the UGA Department of Marine Sciences and is expected to remain active in research. The Director reports to the UGA Vice President for Research in their administrative role and to the Head of the Department of Marine Sciences and other relevant units in their faculty role.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Applicants should submit the following documentation:

• A cover letter
• A CV/Resume
• A statement of research accomplishments and goals (not to exceed 3 pages)
• A list of at least three references with contact information

For full consideration, please submit your materials by April 1, 2026. Applications received after this date will still be considered until the position is filled, but priority will be given to those received before the deadline.

Posting Details

Posting Number: F2657P
Working Title: Director of Skidaway Institute of Oceanography and Professor
Department: VPR-Skidaway Inst Oceanography
Employment Type: Employee
Benefits Eligibility: Benefits Eligible
Anticipated Start Date: 07/01/2026
Job Posting Date: 02/11/2026
Open until filled: Yes
Location of Vacancy: Savannah Area

Position Details

Classification Title: Director, College/Division/School AC
Faculty Rank: Professor
Contract Type: Fiscal (12 mo.)
Tenure Status: Tenured

Minimum Qualifications

A PhD in marine sciences, oceanography or a closely related field.

Additional Requirements

The position requires the academic credentials appropriate for appointment as a Full Professor at UGA. See the UGA Guidelines for Appointment, Promotion, and Tenure of Academic Rank Faculty and the Marine Sciences Promotion and Tenure Guidelines.
To be eligible for tenure on appointment, candidates must have been tenured at a prior institution, and bring a demonstrably national reputation to the institution. Any request for tenure upon appointment must be approved before hire.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

• Evidence of an established international reputation in marine and/or oceanographic sciences.
• Demonstrated interest and record of success in strategic initiatives, campus oversight (including familiarity with research vessel operations), personnel management (both staff and faculty), and other activities described in the job duties.
• Demonstrated understanding of the scope and responsibilities associated with academic administration.
• Evidence of successful supervision, mentorship and professional development of staff, students, and faculty.
• Prior accomplishments as a principal investigator on interdisciplinary and multi-investigator externally funded research.
• Research focus that is compatible with the with Institute and the Dept. of Marine Sciences.
• Proven record of teaching at the university level, with a strong emphasis on experiential education.
• Strong interpersonal skills and evidence of collegiality.
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written.

Duties/Responsibilities

Administration (70%)
Strategic initiatives – Takes the lead on formulating and implementing the Institute’s strategic vision; Provides high-level oversight for budget development, staffing requirements, and facilities planning; Promotes externally funded research; Identifies opportunities for collaborative partnerships.
Institute campus oversight – Manages Institute campus facilities, including the Research Vessel (R/V) Savannah; Competes for funding for major renovations and repairs; Provides leadership in the case of major disruptions such as hurricanes (including insurance claims) and other events.
Personnel management – Directly supervises the Director of Finance and Operations, Marine Superintendent, Director of External Affairs, and an Administrative Associate, and provides oversight for and supports professional development of all Institute faculty and staff; Serves as supervisor of record for Skidaway-based faculty and works with the Department of Marine Sciences Head to recruit, mentor, and evaluate faculty and prepare for promotion and tenure.
Programmatic support – Supports outreach/communications and educational programs at the Institute; Works closely with the Head of the Department of Marine Sciences to integrate Skidaway Institute faculty and students into the Department’s strategic initiatives and enhance student success, including undergraduate and graduate educational activities, such as the Semester@Skidaway experiential learning field program and graduate recruitment events.
Partnerships & communication – Partners with UGA’s other coastal units, UGA colleges and schools and University System of Georgia institutions to develop impactful initiatives consistent with their respective missions; Works closely with the UGA Office of Governmental Relations to elevate Institute legislative priorities; keeps the Office of Research, Department of Marine Sciences, and other stakeholders informed of Institute initiatives and opportunities; Represents the Institute in regional, national, and international venues.

Research (25%)
The Director is expected to remain active in their field, as evidenced by research grants awarded, publications, presentations, and activities that promote student success. The Director also has the opportunity to teach in undergraduate and graduate academic programs.

Service (5%)
All Marine Sciences faculty are expected to participate in service activities, as evidenced by service to the University and service activities that promote student success. Service to the Profession, Community and Society is included in their Research effort.

Applicant Documents

Required Documents
1. Cover Letter
2. Resume/CV
3. Research Portfolio/Philosophy
4. List of References with Contact Information