Florida Atlantic University is seeking the next Executive Director of Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute

This is an exciting opportunity to lead one of the nation’s premier oceanographic research institutes and help shape the future of marine science, innovation, education, and community engagement at FAU Harbor Branch in Fort Pierce, Florida.

We’re looking for a visionary and collaborative leader who can champion our scientists, students, and staff; foster interdisciplinary research and partnerships; expand external funding and philanthropy; and advance Harbor Branch’s mission of Ocean Science for a Better World®.

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View the position and apply:
Executive Director of Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute – Florida Atlantic University

FAU Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute has been a leader in marine science and education for more than 50 years - Join us in advancing our mission of Ocean Science for a Better World! 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.

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:

2026-10-07