Director, State Aquarium (0089376)

Title: Director State Aquarium
Position Number: 89376
Hiring Unit: School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology
Location: Waikiki Aquarium
Date Posted: March 23 2026
Closing Date: Continuous recruitment application review begins April 30 2026
Salary Range: SM-3 $162156 to $291886 annual
Additional Salary Info: Salary commensurate with qualifications and experience
Full Time/Part Time: Full-time
Temporary/Permanent: Permanent
Funding: General funds

INTRODUCTION
The Director serves as the chief executive officer of the Waikiki Aquarium and reports directly to the Dean of SOEST. The Director provides strategic financial operational and personnel leadership for all Aquarium programs and infrastructure exercising significant authority and independent judgment in advancing institutional goals.
The Director oversees approximately 29 full-time staff across multiple operational divisions more than 200 volunteers and a complex organization that includes live exhibits education programs retail operations membership services facilities management marketing and special events.
The Director ensures financial sustainability while pursuing innovation growth and long-range capital planning.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and implement long- and short-range strategic plans aligned with SOEST and University priorities.
• Lead planning for facility renewal capital improvements and future expansion initiatives.
• Maintain the Aquarium as a regional and global leader in Pacific marine science and conservation.
• Ensure the highest standards of animal welfare husbandry quarantine and life support systems.
• Advance innovative exhibit design that integrates research technology and immersive learning.
• Maintain full compliance with all federal state and local regulations governing marine organisms and water quality.
• Guide the Aquarium in achieving and sustaining accreditation.
• Oversee robust educational programming serving tens of thousands of learners annually by expanding partnerships with Hawaiis public and private schools.
• Oversee budget development expenditure control and financial reporting.
• Lead fundraising and membership development efforts in partnership with the Friends of the Waikiki Aquarium.
• Strengthen earned revenue streams including retail and visitor services.
• Work with Hawaii State Legislature to develop bills for funding and support of personnel and development.
• Engage government agencies and policymakers on matters affecting marine conservation and public institutions.
• Serve as chief spokesperson for the Aquarium and the University on issues related to marine life conservation and animal welfare.
• Integrate Indigenous knowledge and place-based learning into programming consistent with UHMs strategic direction including development as a Native Hawaiian Place of Learning.
• Represent Hawaii in national and international aquarium and zoological networks.
• Adhere to applicable laws regulations and policies and procedures of the University raise awareness among staff and direct them in such a way that University compliance requirements are met.
• Identify and mitigate through policy development revision enhancement and training areas of risk and developing risk to the University e.g. legal financial reputation and compliance risk and ensure team is aware and focused on addressing same.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Masters degree in marine science biology environmental science public or business administration nonprofit management or related field.
• Five (5) years of senior leadership experience in an aquarium zoo museum research unit or comparable mission-driven organization.
• Experience in financial oversight fundraising and revenue diversification.
• Deep commitment to animal welfare and regulatory compliance.
• Experience working within complex institutional environments ideally higher education.
• Ability to comprehend and interpret administrative directives and guidance to ensure IT operations align with organizational standards and industry best practices.

• Ph.D. in Zoology Marine Science or related field.
• Senior leadership experience within an accredited aquarium.

• A cover letter summarizing your interest and qualifications for the position including a detailed statement of how you satisfy each of the minimum and desirable qualifications;
• A current curriculum vitae;
• A two-page vision statement describing how you would lead the Waikiki Aquarium into the future;
• Names addresses title and contact information of at least four (4) professional references;
• Transcripts showing degree awarded with confidential information (i.e. social security number birth dates) redacted. Copies of official transcripts are acceptable at the time of application; however original transcripts will be required upon hire.

The University of Hawaii is anEqual Opportunity/Affirmative Action Institutionand is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination on the basis of race sex gender identity and expression age religion color national origin ancestry citizenship disability genetic information marital status breastfeeding income assignment for child support arrest and court record (except as permissibleunder State law) sexual orientation domestic or sexual violence victim status national guard absence or status as a covered more information or inquiries regarding these policies please refer to the following link: is contingent on satisfying employment eligibility verification requirements of the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986; reference checks of previous employers; and for certain positions criminal history record checks.

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Accommodation Request: The University of Hawaii complies with the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the EEO coordinator directly. Determination on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. For further information please refer to the following link: Experience:

Director