Director – Seymour Marine Discovery Center, Santa Cruz, CaliforniaSummary of PositionThe University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC) is seeking an experienced leader to serve as the next Director of the Seymour Marine Discovery Center (SMDC).
SMDC, whose mission is to educate "people about the role scientific research plays in the understanding and conservation of the world's oceans," serves as the public outreach arm of UCSC's Institute of Marine Sciences (IMS) and a bridge between UCSC and the surrounding community.SMDC is experiencing a moment of renewal after a period of internal analysis.
As part of that analysis, SMDC underwent an in-depth organizational assessment that identified SMDC's strengths and central challenges; the resulting recommendations position SMDC for future growth and change.The next SMDC Director will build upon the organization's significant strengths while providing a new vision for the future that will grow and deepen visitor engagement, strengthen ties to UCSC administration and students, and ensure long-term financial sustainability.ResponsibilitiesThe Director reports to the Dean, Physical and Biological Sciences Division (PBSCI), and has full administrative authority and responsibility as the chief executive officer of SMDC.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:Serving as a highly visible leader, spokesperson, and advocate for SMDC, and an effective bridge between UCSC and the surrounding communityInitiating and implementing a strategic plan, resulting in renewed vision, mission, and priorities for SMDCShaping the direction of SMDC programming and ensuring it reflects the evolving needs of both UCSC and the publicDirecting SMDC in keeping with UCSC's mission of public service, teaching, and researchMaintaining close collaborative relationships with UCSC leadership, including IMS, PBSCI, and Campus Provost and Executive Vice ChancellorBuilding connections with UCSC faculty and integrating relevant research into the SMDC visitor experience in compelling and contemporary waysProviding direction and leadership to the SMDC staff in support of the organization's mission, vision, and goals; ensuring a supportive work environmentWorking with and supporting a large, well-trained volunteer group to implement SMDC's education visionDeveloping, managing, and growing the annual operating budget to effectively support SMDC's operations and programmingDiversifying sources of revenue by increasing contributed revenue and evaluating earned income potential in support of operating and programming goalsWorking closely with the Friends of the Seymour Marine Discovery Center Board of Directors to enhance their role in support of SMDCBuilding awareness of SMDC through effective marketing and outreachImplementing the re-opening of SMDC's facility to the public when public health directives and UCSC policies allowIdeal Candidate CharacteristicsDemonstrated ability to effectively lead and manage a self-funded, mission-based organization or centerDeep knowledge of museum practices and standardsRecord of success in financial management, fundraising, community relations, marketing, and Board developmentAbility to work collaboratively and productively with professional staff, volunteers, and constituents to foster a positive and cooperative work environment, and enhance SMDC's profile on- and off-campus to enhance the center's impactEntrepreneurial spirit and collaborative leadershipProven ability to communicate effectively with diverse groupsAbility to establish and cultivate mutually beneficial partnerships that will enhance SMDC's impactA core commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusionExperience in strategic planningExperience/EducationA minimum four to six years of leadership and management experience in progressively more responsible positions in a nonprofit or museum setting.
Possession of a Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience is required; a Master's degree in a related field is preferred.CompensationCompensation will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.
An attractive benefits package will also be provided.Application ProcedureThe search process for the SMDC Director position is being led by Museum Management Consultants, Inc. (MMC).
Individuals applying for this position must submit a letter of interest and resume to UCSC using this link (please note, the official UCSC job description is posted at this location).
MMC will follow up with applicants directly after submission of materials.#J-18808-Ljbffr
