Aquarium Director

This position is responsible for all developmental and administrative functions for the Aquarium’s educational outreach programs, life support, building maintenance, security, and custodial functions, including project planning, coordination, aquarium advertising and grant proposals in coordination with other departments. This is an exciting opportunity to align your exceptional written communication and management skills with a passion for Alabama’s coastal ecosystem.

Supervisory Responsibility

This role oversees a high-performance team of curators, educators, aquarists, and volunteers. This is a salaried position - Exempt.

Essential Responsibilities·

• Serve as an advisor to the Executive and Deputy Directors by keeping them informed on internal conditions and important external developments relevant to the Aquarium and tourism trends.
• Manage a high-performing team of 6 curators, educators, aquarists, and volunteers, serving as a positive leader, through proactive communication, timely feedback, staff development, efficient use of departmental resources, and careful prioritization of institutional goals.
• Leading the animal care and education professionals through professional training and continuing education. Providing leadership to foster high team member morale and motivation throughout the aquarium.
• Collaborate with the educational staff to create, promote, and lead programs to the visiting public.
• Work in close coordination with the Executive Director and Deputy Director to set and execute goals and strategic plans within operations, which support and align with goals, mission, and strategic plans of the organization.
• Responsible for the day-to-day supervision of the Aquarium complex, equipment, and infrastructure related to operations. Works closely with colleagues to ensure proactive maintenance and development of new projects to meet animal care and exhibitory goals.
• Working collaboratively with DISL’s Public Relations personnel to effectively communicate the Aquarium’s mission and programming to the public according to approved DISL graphic standards.
• Special projects and duties as assigned by the Executive Director or Deputy Director.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in life sciences, biology, or equivalent experience in aquarium or education field. Candidates with a suitable combined equivalent of education and marketing experience will also be considered.
• Proven experience with identifying and writing Grants and their management.
• Demonstrated leadership skills with the ability to support teams, develop culture, and demonstrate coaching and ongoing performance management.
• Expert knowledge of operations and management to foster a customer service-centric culture, as well as, a culture of learning, sharing, cooperation, and teamwork that services to organize repeatable processes to improve efficiency throughout the organization.
• Excellent judgment and professionalism; must be comfortable building and maintaining relationships with internal and external customers at all levels.
• Experience in teaching and/or public speaking.
• Working knowledge of aquatic life support systems (LSS) and water chemistry would be beneficial.
• Must be computer proficient in an MS Office operating environment.

Working Conditions

• Must be able to walk, stand, sit, knee, stoop, crawl, twist, reach above head, pull bend, and climb stairs and ladders.
• Must be able to lift and carry fifty (50) pounds, work on uneven and slippery surfaces, withstand temperatures of hot and cold, and sit/stand for long periods of time when necessary.
• Flexibility to adapt schedules to meet operational needs on minimal notice, including weekends and evenings if necessary.

The Alabama Aquarium is proud to be an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion, which invites individuals who bring a diversity of culture, experience, and ideas to apply.

We do not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, ancestry, creed, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or military status.