Job Title: Director of Georgia Sea Turtle Center

Department/Division: Georgia Sea Turtle Center / Amenities

Status: Regular, Full time, Exempt Employee

Pay:  $71,000 – $79,000  (DOQ) 

Reports to: Sr. Director of Amenities

Benefits: Full Benefits eligible including health insurance, flex benefits, 10 paid holidays, vacation and sick leave accrual, amenities and parking pass.

Retirement Benefits: State Employee Retirement System - GSEPS (Pension plus matching 401k)

Closing date:  4:00pm July 16, 2025   *Note: This position is subject to close at any time once a satisfactory applicant pool has been identified. Only fully completed applications with required accompanying documents will be considered.  

To Apply: Fill out the application completely and attach your resume AND a cover letter.  Incomplete applications or applications without accompanying documents when required will not be considered.  Applicants are highly encouraged to include and communicate their relevant skills and experiences for this role. 
 
Jekyll Island is dedicated to maintaining the delicate balance between nature and humankind through conservation, education, and preservation. Surrounded by salt marshes, expansive oceanfront, and ancient maritime forests, it is situated within the chain of the Golden Isles, and just a few miles from St. Simons Island, Sea Island, and Brunswick. As a State Park, Jekyll Island is a coastal haven where nature and humans peacefully co-exist.  

Job Summary:
Under general direction and utilizing broad objectives and guidelines, the Director of the Georgia Sea Turtle Center (GSTC) provides strategic direction, fiscal management, and evaluation of program operations within the education and rehabilitation departments of the GSTC and Jekyll Island Authority (JIA)  missions. The Director operates the GSTC at a high standard providing a safe, meaningful, and inclusive environment for the public and staff. The Director builds and maintains good working relationships and communication with internal and external partners of the JIA which includes the JIA executive team, the Board of Directors, the JIA Conservation Department, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, and the Jekyll Island Foundation. Responsibilities include staff management/supervision, regulatory compliance oversite, facility maintenance, GSTC promotion, and community engagement. 

Description of responsibilities:

• Direct the operations of the Rehabilitation and Education departments for the GSTC, ensuring investments are mission-driven, including program planning and development, operations and accountability, fiscal planning and management, center promotion and marketing, and staff management.  
• Collaborates with the Veterinarians to establish humane, respectful, and environmentally responsible practices and procedures in compliance with all state and federal regulations. 
• Collaborate with the Director of Retail Operations and GSTC Giftshop Manager to establish and maintain high-quality, front-line customer service, promotions of programs and supporter initiatives, and environmentally conscious merchandising and displays within the GSTC giftshop. 
• Collaborate with each GSTC department, including the Veterinarians, to establish long- and short-term goals and objectives, annual budget planning, and business forecasting and planning.  
• Direct the leadership team within the GSTC and formulate work plans for the Veterinary staff, Education Program Manager, Rehabilitation Program Manager, and Ticketing & Supporter Manager.
• Work with the JIA Human Resources Dept. for personnel hiring, onboarding, training, and evaluation including annual performance review, promotion plans, coaching, technical training, and support. 
• Assure compliance with ethical, fiscal, and professional standards aligned with JIA requirements for all staff and departmental assets (e.g., fleet vehicles, hospital equipment, field research equipment).
• Ensure that all permits are in place and all periodic reports are filed with the appropriate regulatory bodies, funding sources, and insurance agencies.
• Regularly monitor and assess GSTC facilities including upgrades and work orders in both public and hospital areas including exhibit change outs and refreshes to ensure established criteria are met.
• Partner with the Jekyll Island Foundation and internal teams to apply and secure funding in support of operations and other initiatives. Assist with development and fundraising activities and in the preparation of funding proposals.
• Attends JIA board meetings and communicates meeting highlights to GSTC staff, presents to JIA Board as requested.
• Collaborate with the JIA Marketing department to develop and implement a marketing plan that promotes GSTC education programs, grows the supporter and adoption programs, promotes the GSTC website, and drives daily admission.
• Collaborate with the JIA Volunteer Program Manager for volunteer training, onboarding, and planning.
• Participate in behind-the-scenes tours, speaking engagements, media communication, and guest education. 
• Serve as a Georgia Sea Turtle Center and Jekyll Island Authority representative to professional agencies, institutions, and committees, attend professional meetings and conferences, and participate in regional conservation projects.  
• Establish and maintain relationship with other institutions and project partners. Communicate regularly with professional colleagues at other institutions.
• Oversee site and facility planning, emergency preparedness training, and disaster management planning. This position may be deemed as an “essential employee” in response to certain emergency conditions.
• Actively participate in the planning and installation exhibits with the aid of the Education Program Manager. Coordinate with the Veterinarian and the Associate Veterinarian as technical leads regarding animal care, health and safety. Determines appropriate personnel to review all animal-related graphics and text for accuracy.
• Prepare reports, articles, and correspondence as assigned by the Senior Director of Amenities.
• Perform other duties as assigned. 

 Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in business management, operations, or related field from an accredited college or university plus seven (7) years of related experience OR 
• Master’s degree in business management, operations or related field from an accredited college or university plus five (5) years of related experience.  
• Minimum of three (3) recent years in business management and leadership role required; knowledge of managing, mentoring, and inspiring people; cultivating a positive teamwork environment; management of facilities and staff in similar venue preferred.
• Must possess a familiarity and passion for the marine sciences and wildlife conservation.
• Must possess strong interpersonal skills, strong communication skills including writing and public speaking, previous experience in grant writing, and/or grants management preferred.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively with others; budget management, program planning, and program evaluation required.  
• Must be able to travel for work related responsibilities including conferences, seminars and workshops, must have valid driver’s license.
• Exceptionally organized with great attention to detail.
• Must have ability to work on numerous activities and responsibilities simultaneously.
• Flexible schedule required with availability to work at night and weekends based on program activities and the needs of the center.  

Physical Requirements/Working Conditions:

• Exert up to 50 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. 
• More than 50% of the typical workday may be spent walking, sitting, standing and using repetitive motions of the wrists, hands or fingers. 
• Between 25% and 50% of the typical workday may be spent climbing stairs, pushing and pulling. 
• Less than 25% of the typical day is spent balancing, stooping and/or crouching, kneeling, reaching. 
• Sensory abilities required are feeling, grasping and touching with more than 50% of the time spent talking and hearing.
• Visual abilities to perform tasks required are to operate motor vehicles and determine the accuracy, neatness, thoroughness of work assigned or to make general observations of facilities or structures. 
• The majority of the work is conducted within an inside, office setting, however, on occasion work is performed outside with exposure to extreme heat, high humidity and occasionally adverse weather conditions as well occasional extreme cold.
• Will be exposed to hazards such as moving mechanical parts and moving vehicles.
• May be subject to atmospheric conditions such as fumes, oils, odors, dusts, mists, or poor ventilation.
• Noise levels are generally considered normal. 

This description of job responsibilities is intended to reflect the major responsibilities and duties of the job. It is not intended to describe minor duties or other responsibilities that may be assigned from time to time. 
 
This position is subject to close at any time once a satisfactory applicant pool has been identified. Applicants who complete the online application process will receive an email receipt of submission to the email address provided. If the email confirmation is not received, the applicant may contact Human Resources at 912-635-4081 for confirmation; however, due to the volume of applicants received, we cannot provide information on the application status after receipt. Applicants who need assistance to accommodate a disability may request an accommodation by contacting Human Resources at 912-635-4024. 
 
All qualified applicants will be considered but may not necessarily receive an interview. Only complete applications or applications with accompanying documents, when required, will be considered. Selected applicants will be contacted for the next steps in the selection process. Successful completion of background checks requires credit when applicable to the position. Relocation expenses are not authorized; applicants should consider this when applying.  
 
Jekyll Island Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Authority supports equal employment opportunities for all persons regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.  The Jekyll Island Authority is a Drug Free workplace.