Director of Skidaway Institute of Oceanography and Professor

About the role

The Director of Skidaway Institute of Oceanography and Professor 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Qualifications

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

Benefits

The University of Georgia offers benefits eligibility. For more details, refer to the University of Georgia Benefits Website.

Pay

The anticipated start date is July 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. For full consideration, please submit your materials by April 1, 2026.

Schedule

The position requires driving and has access to financial resources. Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check.