Chair, Discovery Hall Programs

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.

Key Responsibilities

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
• Obtain a Class B CDL (with passenger endorsement) bus license for transportation of students off campus.
• Perform additional duties assigned by the Executive Director.

Qualifications

• Doctoral degree (Ph.D. or EdD) in:
  • Marine Science
  • Environmental Science
  • Oceanography
  • Science Education with marine/environmental emphasis
  • Related natural sciences
• 5-7 years experience directing or coordinating educational programs at the K–12, undergraduate, or professional level

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

Application Process

Applicants should submit the following as a single PDF:

Submit all application materials by email to search@disl.edu.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

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.