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Director of Research & Innovation
The Island School
North Eleuthera, The Bahamas
Posted on Jan 7, 2026
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 (DCMS), our Elementary Learning Center (ELC), and our Partnership and Programs (P&P), 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 Director will support 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 Director will help to deliver on the Institute’s strategic plan for the future that focuses on collaborative and innovative approaches to sustainable development and management of natural resources. They will also have the vision to connect our research and innovation with our educational mission, leading educators in a way that adds value to the work through student involvement. The Director will have an entrepreneurial mindset to attract traditional and/or philanthropic funding and ensure the effective business management of the Institute.
The Director will also maintain an active program of research/innovation and education that leads by example in delivering tangible conservation or innovation outcomes and generating funding for their work. The 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:
- Deliver all administrative, research, education, and community engagement activities of the Cape Eleuthera Institute
- Collaborate with the Head of School and the CEI team to deliver on the strategic plan for CEI
- Manage assigned staff, budgets and associated projects in line with CEI strategy in the following areas: Marine Conservation, Food Security, Energy/Waste/Water, and Nature-Based Tourism
- Lead the Cape Eleuthera Foundation team and the research team’s efforts to maintain and expand private fundraising efforts
- Lead in the 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 Student Research Curriculum, acting as a liaison between education and research teams:
- Lead the development and delivery of the Semester Student Research projects to continually align with programmatic goals & teaching philosophy
- Coordinate support and teacher-development for research staff with Education Instructional Coach(es)
- Plan and deliver the biannual Research Symposium
- Mentor and lead research staff in fundraising, producing peer reviewed / popular press publications and other technical documents
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; Free diver 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
- 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 Licence, 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.
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). 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.