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Associate Director of Research & Innovation
The Island School
Deep Creek, VA, USA · Goose Creek, SC, USA
Posted on Apr 2, 2025
About Us
The Cape Eleuthera Institute (CEI) is the hub for research and innovation at The Island School in South Eleuthera, The Bahamas. As part of an organization devoted to research, education, and conservation, CEI seeks to create a connection between people and the environment as a path toward a more sustainable future. We are internationally recognized for our environmental research and education programs, facilitated by outstanding access to a range of tropical habitats.
The Island School is a not-for-profit organization founded to create and support transformational educational experiences with the vision of leadership effecting change, on the island of Eleuthera. The diverse educational initiatives, including our Island School Semester and Summer Term, our Deep Creek Middle School, our Elementary Learning Center, and our Community Engagement and Partnerships, deliver unique educational journeys in partnership with the authentic and meaningful work our organization undertakes in research, sustainable development and innovation at the Cape Eleuthera Institute.
Job Summary
The Associate Director will support the Director in all of the management and operations of the Cape Eleuthera Institute. This includes oversight of assigned research and innovation projects and facilities, as well as line management of assigned staff. The Associate Director will help the Director to develop and deliver a strategic plan for the future that focuses on collaborative and innovative approaches to sustainable development and management of natural resources, that both supports our educational mission and can attract traditional and/or philanthropic funding.
The Associate Director will also maintain an active program of research and education that leads by example in delivering tangible conservation or innovation outcomes and generating funding for their work. In addition, the Associate Director will coordinate and lead the delivery of research experiences for our students.
The Associate Director will represent the organization at external events and functions to enhance the impact of our work and build relationships with key stakeholders. As an ambassador for the Island School, this role necessitates a commitment to exemplifying and representing our mission of ‘leadership effecting change’ whilst helping to achieve our collective vision.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Management of CEI operations, staff and projects:
- Collaborate with the Director to deliver all administrative, research, education and community engagement activities of the Cape Eleuthera Institute
- Oversee and manage assigned staff, budgets and associated projects in line with CEI strategy in the following areas:
- Food Security & Agriculture
- Sustainable Systems
- Marine Research & Conservation
- Work with the Cape Eleuthera Foundation team and the research team to maintain and expand private fundraising efforts
- Assist the Director in administration of CEI, including preparing reports to funders, Government and The Island School Board
- Represent the organization at national and international events
- Coordinate logistical support for visiting scientists and graduate students
- Lead an independent research program in specialist discipline, including:
- Fundraising and developing new collaborations
- Oversee budget, purchasing and maintenance for assigned projects
- Ensure permitting requirements are met
- Write and publish research papers and public communication of work
- Lead the delivery of the Island School Semester Research Class, acting as a liaison between education and research teams:
- Oversee development and documentation of the Research Class curriculum, to continually align with programmatic goals & teaching philosophy
- Lead a research class project in specialist discipline
- Coordinate support and teacher-development for research staff with Education Instructional Coach(es)
- Coordinate support for Research Class students with Learning Support Specialist(s)
- Plan and deliver the biannual Research Symposium in coordination with the Director of Research and Innovation
- Mentor and lead research staff in fundraising, producing peer reviewed and popular press publications
Other Duties
Staff with additional specialist skills that may benefit other parts of the organization will be expected to assist activities in these areas, for example:
- Dive professionals (PADI Divemaster/Instructor or equivalent; Freediver Instructor)
- Certified boating, sailing or kayaking instructors
- Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) or Wilderness Medicine specialists
- Certified school teachers
Additional duties will be tailored to your qualifications/experience and accounted for in your compensation package, based on an assessment by your manager.
Please note that this job description does not contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that may be required of the employee for this job. Duties and responsibilities may change at any time, with the needs of the organization.
Skills and Qualifications
The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
- Education – Master’s degree or higher in a relevant scientific discipline
- Experience – Prior teaching experience, preferably across different age groups
- Communication Skills – Confident in public speaking and verbal presentation of work. Can adapt communication style to different educational audiences. Proficient in scientific and grant writing.
- Analytical Skills – Expertise in experimental design, data analysis and curation
- Boating – Experience with handling small boats, preferably with formal qualification (Bahamas Class B Captain’s License, RYA Level 2 Powerboat or equivalent).
- Adaptability – Able to thrive in a small and tight-knit community located in a remote part of The Bahamas.
- Commitment to Organizational Mission – this position requires commitment to the wider mission and values of The Island School.
Compensation & Benefits
- Salary commensurate with experience
- Accommodation and utilities, with on-campus meals in our dining hall
- Comprehensive medical insurance and dental reimbursement
- 27 days of paid leave
- Funded Professional development opportunities
Schedule
This is a full-time position with annual review. The Island School operates year-round and working hours vary depending on needs but are typically Monday-Friday (40 hours/week), however, evening and weekend work will be required. Special events will require periods of time outside of normal working hours when staff must be on site for extended periods. The successful candidate should expect and desire to work a variable and mission driven schedule.