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.

• Maintain credibility among educators and research scientists
• Obtain a Class B CDL (with passenger endorsement) bus license for transportation of students off campus. 
• Perform additional duties assigned by the Executive Director.
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• Application Process for the Chair, Discovery Hall Programs

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

1. Curriculum Vitae
2. Statement of Teaching and Outreach Vision for a remote marine station (1–2 pages)
3. Statement of Leadership or Administrative Philosophy (1–2 pages)
4. 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.