Apply now to join FAU, where tomorrow begins. For more information on everything FAU has to offer, please visit www.fau.edu/jobs. Note: Current FAU employees must apply as an internal applicant by logging into their existing Workday employee account. Position Summary: Florida Atlantic University is seeking an Executive Director of Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute- Ft Pierce, FL. The Executive Director of the Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute (HBOI) provides visionary leadership to advance the Institute as a world-class center for oceanographic research, innovation, and impact. Reporting to the Vice President for Research, this position drives scientific excellence, industry engagement, strategic partnerships, and resource development while strengthening HBOI's national and international reputation. The Executive Director leads the growth of HBOI's research enterprise, expands external funding opportunities, cultivates relationships with government, industry, philanthropic, and academic partners, and fosters interdisciplinary collaboration across Florida Atlantic University. The role oversees the Institute's research, operational, administrative, and financial functions, including stewardship of HBOI's unique waterfront campus and specialized facilities, while creating opportunities for faculty, staff, and students to contribute to solving critical coastal, ocean, and environmental challenges. As HBOI's chief ambassador, the Executive Director champions innovation, entrepreneurship, workforce development, and transformative research that advances ocean discovery, environmental sustainability, and economic development. Summary of Responsibilities: Provide the vision and leadership necessary to advance HBOI as a world-class oceanographic research and innovation institute. Advance and strengthen HBOI’s core environmental, coast, and ocean research enterprise, supporting scientific excellence and growth in areas such as marine ecosystem conservation, coastal and ocean health, water quality, aquaculture and food security, marine biotechnology, ocean exploration, coastal defenses, and related fields. Serve as the primary external ambassador for HBOI, developing strong relationships with industry executives, government leaders, federal agencies, donors, research organizations, and other strategic partners. Develop and execute a comprehensive strategy for industry engagement and collaboration, including attracting companies to conduct research, testing, and technology development at HBOI. Work with university leadership to establish a consistent framework for industry partnerships that ensures appropriate returns to FAU through sponsored research, student experiences, faculty collaboration, infrastructure investment, and other institutional benefits. Significantly increase sponsored research and diversify HBOI’s funding portfolio, with particular emphasis on federal, defense, industry, and other external research support. Identify and cultivate opportunities for large-scale multidisciplinary and multi-institutional research programs and partnerships. Build interdisciplinary research initiatives that connect environmental and marine science with ocean engineering, autonomous systems, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and other emerging technologies to address complex coastal and ocean challenges. Expand connections with the defense, maritime, autonomous systems, ocean technology, biotechnology, and related industries where HBOI and FAU have distinctive capabilities. Create meaningful pathways for students to engage with industry through internships, research experiences, sponsored projects, workforce development, and employment opportunities. Work collaboratively with faculty at HBOI and throughout Florida Atlantic to strengthen interdisciplinary research and identify opportunities to connect faculty expertise with industry and government needs. Develop relationships with federal and state agencies and strengthen HBOI’s visibility and competitiveness for major research initiatives and funding opportunities. Work closely with the Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute Foundation and its Board of Directors to align Foundation activities with the strategic needs and opportunities of HBOI and to expand external engagement. Partner with Florida Atlantic’s advancement team to identify and cultivate philanthropic support for HBOI priorities. Lead a diverse and effective team and provide oversight of the Institute’s research, administrative, operational, and budgetary functions. Provide strategic oversight and stewardship of HBOI’s complex 144-acre waterfront campus and 32 facilities, including specialized laboratories, engineering and testing spaces, aquaculture systems, small-boat and waterfront operations, educational and public-facing facilities, housing and critical infrastructure, ensuring safe and efficient operations and long-term alignment with the Institute’s research, education, and outreach missions. Recruit, develop, and retain outstanding faculty and staff and foster a collaborative environment that supports excellence, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Work collaboratively with the HBOI Faculty Assembly and other university stakeholders in the shared governance of the Institute. Serve on the Vice President for Research’s leadership team and contribute to the broader growth and direction of Florida Atlantic’s research enterprise. Represent HBOI and Florida Atlantic at national and international conferences, meetings, industry gatherings, and scientific and governmental forums. FAU Benefits and Perks If Benefits & Perks are important to you, then FAU is the place to be! Working at FAU has its perks! In addition to helping drive change and having a positive impact by supporting our students, staff, and faculty, FAU offers: Excellent benefit packages including Medical (PPO/HMO $50 per month single & $180 per month family), Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Flexible Spending plans, Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and much more. State retirement options including tax-deferred annuities and Roth 403(b) plans. State employees Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. Sick Leave Pool Program. Paid time off (eligible employees) including vacation and sick leave, 1 personal day, 9 paid holidays, and paid winter break (at President’s discretion). Paid Community Engagement Volunteer Service Day Employee Educational Scholarship Program (EESP) for eligible Staff/Faculty - Tuition assistance after 6 months of full-time employment. For in-unit faculty, the EESP program may be extended to spouses and dependent children (eligibility rules apply). For details on FAU's amazing offers visit us at https://www.fau.edu/hr/benefits/index.php Minimum Qualifications: Master's degree in an appropriate area of specialization and seven years of appropriate experience; or a bachelor's degree in an appropriate area of specialization and nine years of appropriate experience required. Preferred Qualifications: Candidates must possess a doctoral degree in oceanography, marine science, engineering, biology, biotechnology, chemistry, aquaculture or another field relevant to the mission of Harbor Branch. Candidates should have significant senior-level leadership and management experience in a research-intensive university, research institute, government laboratory, industry research organization or comparable environment. Candidates must have or be able to obtain a Personnel Security Clearance (PCL). Strong candidates will demonstrate: • A distinguished record of scientific, engineering or research accomplishment and the professional stature necessary to lead a major research institute. • A sustained record of securing and managing significant public and/or private research funding. • Demonstrated experience developing substantive partnerships with industry, including sponsored research, technology development, testing, commercialization, joint initiatives or other collaborative programs. • A track record of cultivating relationships with senior executives, government leaders, federal agencies and other external partners. • Experience leading large, multidisciplinary research initiatives and building effective teams across organizational boundaries. • Demonstrated success growing research programs, developing new revenue sources and translating institutional assets and expertise into strategic partnerships. • Strong communication, interpersonal and relationship-building skills and the executive presence necessary to serve as the public face and leading advocate for HBOI. • Experience related to environmental and coastal science, marine ecosystem conservation, ocean technology, maritime systems, national defense, autonomous systems, marine science, biotechnology or other areas aligned with Florida Atlantic’s strategic research priorities is strongly preferred. Salary: Salary Commensurate with Experience Exempt Administrative, Managerial, Professional (AMP) College or Department: Division of Research Location: Harbor Branch (HBOI) Work Days and Hours: Monday-Friday some weekends Application Deadline: 2026-11-07 Special Instructions to Applicant: APPLICATION DOCUMENTS REQUIRED: Resume Cover letter OFFICIAL SEALED TRANSCRIPTS REQUIRED: Final candidate will be required to have official, sealed transcripts and original NACES evaluation, if applicable, sent from their educational institution to Human Resources prior to the start of employment. PRE-EMPLOYMENT SCREENINGS REQUIRED: Selected candidates must successfully complete and pass all employment screenings prior to the start of employment. Employment screenings may include a criminal background check (level I and level II), motor vehicle check, credit check, reference checks, alcohol, and drug screening check. REQUEST FOR ACCOMMODATIONS: Individuals with disabilities requiring accommodations may contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX at 561-297-3004 or send an email at accommodate@fau.edu. To contact Human Resources, please call 561-297-3057. For communication assistance call 7-1-1. Florida Atlantic University is Where Tomorrow Begins. As a nationally recognized Carnegie R1 research institution and one of only 13 universities nationwide to also hold Carnegie designations for Opportunity and Community Engagement, Florida Atlantic is advancing discovery, driving economic growth, and preparing graduates to lead in a rapidly changing world. As South Florida's Hometown University, Florida Atlantic serves as a destination for learning, culture, athletics, and community engagement. Through NCAA Division I athletics, world-class performing arts and cultural events, public lectures, gallery exhibitions, environmental education programs, and one of the nation's largest Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes, Florida Atlantic welcomes thousands of residents, visitors, and learners to its campuses each year. From inspiring environmental education programs to providing enriching experiences for retirees, professionals, families, and sports fans, Florida Atlantic is deeply connected to the communities it serves. Through these experiences and partnerships, the university helps strengthen the region's cultural vitality, workforce, economy and quality of life. For more information, visit www.fau.edu. In order to be considered for a position, you must apply through this job website. For more information on how to apply for a position, please review the applicable Applicant Tutorial. To contact Recruitment Services, send an e-mail to jobs@fau.edu. Florida Atlantic University is an equal access/equal opportunity employer that complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination. If you require an accommodation to participate in any part of the recruitment process, please contact Florida Atlantic’s Office of Civil Rights and Title IX at 561-297-3004 or send an email to accomodate@fau.edu. To contact Human Resources, please call 561-297-3057 or email jobs@fau.edu. For communications assistance, call 7-1-1. Clery Act Information Consumer Information Visit Florida Atlantic's Consumer Information page for more information about financial aid, its campus, facilities, student athletes, campus security, fire safety, as well as preventing drug and alcohol abuse. Paper copies are available upon request by contacting the Office of Student Financial Aid. Florida Statute 1010.35 - Screening Foreign Researchers Pursuant to Florida law, any applicant or student seeking employment in a research or research-related support position who is a citizen of a foreign country and not a permanent resident of the U.S., or who is a citizen or permanent resident but is affiliated with or has had at least 1 year of employment or training in China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, Cuba, Venezuela, or Syria is subject to additional screening. Applicants meeting those criteria will be required to provide the following information before any offer of employment can be made: every institution of higher education attended; all previous employment since the applicant’s 18th birthday; list of all published material, current and pending research funding from any source, including details about the research, your role, funding source, and amount; list and description of any non-university professional activities; any affiliation with an institution or program in a foreign country. Selected applicants will be required to provide additional information per the Statute, including a complete copy of your passport; and, if available, the most recently submitted DS-160 (Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application).

Executive Director of Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute.

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