Vice President, Research, Conservation, and Education

Position Title:         Vice President, Research, Conservation, and Education

Department:           Research, Conservation, and Education

Classification:         Exempt / Full-Time  

Direct Report:         Chief Animal Officer (CAO)

Position Summary:

The Vice President of Research, Conservation, and Education (VP RCE) will lead teams focused on internal and external research, local and global conservation, and education programs. The incumbent will work with the senior leadership team on developing strategic programming that meets the current and future needs of the Georgia Aquarium. They will work closely with zoological and animal health staff, as well as external researchers and conservation partners to ensure best practices in the areas of research, conservation, and education. The VP RCE will work closely with Development to convey needs and plans for mission work as well as capital projects. The VP RCE will oversee compliance with regulations related to the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC). The VP RCE will be responsible for personnel oversight and budget generation and management, and grants management across their portfolio. They will serve as a key spokesperson for issues related to conservation and research for the Aquarium.

Responsibilities:

1. Develops and maintains research and conservation goals and standards for Georgia Aquarium.
2. Oversees staff in the planning and execution of in-house and field research and both local and global conservation efforts.
3. Collaborates with zoological operations to maximize research opportunities with ex-situ specimens to further the conservation of in-situ populations.
4. Advances the science of animal welfare of aquatic animal species.
5. Facilitates Georgia Aquarium participation in scientific working groups of accrediting organizations (i.e., Association of Zoos & Aquarium, Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks & Aquariums).
6. Develops and oversees education programs to assure both high quality programming and best exposure for Georgia Aquarium.
7. Provides strategic input to the Georgia Aquarium senior leadership on matters related to research, conservation, and education.
8. Identifies, develops, and maintains relationships between Georgia Aquarium and partners in colleges and universities, government agencies, boards of education, tour and camp organizations, and conservation organizations, to create top level efforts in conservation, research, and education.
9. Serves as a key spokesperson for Georgia Aquarium on issues of research, conservation, and education. To do this most effectively, works closely with public relations and marketing to promote these topics.
10. Develops and oversees budgets to meet the fiscal responsibilities of each department in the portfolio. To do this most effectively, works closely with the development department to maximize effective funding.
11. Plays a key role in the application for and maintenance of relevant state and federal permits related to animal research both in-house and in the field. Ensures regulatory compliance for all research and conservation programs.
12. Oversees training, development, and annual reviews for all personnel in the portfolio.
13. Oversees public programming related to science and conservation such as “Science on Tap.”
14. As needed, interact on behalf of Georgia Aquarium with guests, media, academics, general public, etc.
15. To perform other duties as workload necessitates.

Qualifications:

1. Must have an advanced degree (PhD, DVM, or similarly related terminal degree in science)
2. Must have at least five years of experience in marine biology research or conservation.
3. Must have demonstrable experience with scientific publications and grants.
4. Must have at least five years of experience with AZA or comparable institutions working in biological systems or K-12 education.
5. Must have demonstrable experience with personnel management and budgeting.
6. Must have excellent written and verbal communication skills and a demonstrable team ethic.
7. Must demonstrate an ability to think and act strategically to address both short and long-term goals.
8. Must demonstrate clear leadership vision and a desire to be excellent.
9. Must have a valid passport or the ability to obtain one.

Physical Demands & Work Environment:

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk or hear; taste or smell.  The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds 100 feet.  Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color and peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time.  The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.  An employee must also have the ability to travel by car, boat and air as needed, conduct field work in the collection and research of animals, and maintain daily contact with a living collection of plants and animals.

Commitment:

I commit to Georgia Aquarium, Inc. to be a part of the following:

Mission:  Georgia Aquarium is a nonprofit committed to inspiring awareness and preservation of our ocean and aquatic animals worldwide. 

Vision:  To be the Premier Aquarium in the World for Science, Entertainment, Education and Conservation

Values: Respect, Teamwork, Integrity, Innovation, Leadership, Excellence, Appreciation & Inclusion.