Chair, Discovery Hall Programs

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 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. 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. 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.

Applicants should submit the following as a single PDF: Cover Letter Describe interest in the position Address leadership experience, teaching experience, curriculum development, and outreach background Curriculum Vitae Statement of Teaching and Outreach Vision for a remote marine station (1–2 pages) Statement of Leadership or Administrative Philosophy (1–2 pages) 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.