Director, Florida Institute of Oceanography
The University of South Florida (USF) invites applications and
nominations for the position of Director of the Florida Institute of
Oceanography (FIO). The ideal director will provide the vision to
lead coastal oceanographic research in Florida to the forefront of
the national and international stage. USF is especially interested in
candidates who demonstrate strategic leadership that is visionary,
innovative and entrepreneurial. The mission of the FIO is to (1)
provide a diverse and collaborative statewide forum addressing
problems of concern in coastal oceanographic research and education;
(2) leverage and integrate existing physical and intellectual
resources within the SUS and throughout Florida; (3) anticipate and
plan for future infrastructure needs; (4) facilitate, promote and
support collaborative ocean-related research and education statewide;
and (5) develop and strengthen networks that enable timely
identification of oceanographic research opportunities and
distribution of research results and other information to the general
public, natural resource management agencies and local, state and
national policymakers.
Originally formed in 1967, the FIO (www.marine.usf.edu/fio) is one of
only three institutes approved by the Florida Board of Governors in
2009 as a state-wide Academic Infrastructure Support Organization
(AISO). USF serves as the host university. The FIO operates under a
Memorandum of Understanding with 21 institutions and agencies engaged
in marine research, education and resources management, including all
11 public universities in Florida. The FIO Director is informed by an
Advisory Council and Executive Committee of the membership and
reports to the BOG through the USF Provost.
The FIO serves its constituents with shared-use facilities including
two oceanographic ships, the newly acquired and refurbished RV
Weatherbird II (115 ft.) and the RV Bellows (71 ft.) and works in
cooperation with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation
Commission to operate the Keys Marine Laboratory
(www.keysmarinelab.org). Additionally, the FIO administers
inter-institutional grants and contracts, serves as a neutral
gathering place for discussion and action on major marine and
oceanographic issues, and assists with outreach to the public and to
state and federal agencies and organizations. With the cooperation of
its Advisory Council, the FIO organizes and submits proposals to
federal, state and private funding organizations for
inter-institutional research and education projects and shared-use
facilities support.
In line with the service mission of the FIO, the Director will be
expected to work to provide opportunities for the member institutions
and their faculties, to maintain close contact with the member
institutions through regular visits and to take advantage of
opportunities to serve on state and federal commissions, committees
and panels relevant to the FIO mission.
Minimum qualifications: For consideration, candidates must possess a
doctoral degree in a discipline related to oceanography or marine
science and at least five years of administrative experience that
includes facilities operations, program-building, and fund-raising.
In addition, candidates must demonstrate a vision for oceanographic
research, unquestionable integrity, and a high level of energy.
Preferred qualifications: The successful candidate will be a
recognized leader, both nationally and internationally; will have
demonstrated broad and diverse experience to recognize coming trends
in oceanography; will demonstrate success in budget planning,
financial management, and supervision of personnel; and will possess
effective organizational and communications skills.
This is a 12-month full-time administrative appointment. A faculty
appointment may be considered for an appointee with appropriate
academic credentials and accomplishments. The anticipated appointment
date is August 1, 2010. The salary will be internationally
competitive with excellent fringe benefits. The University of South
Florida values campus diversity and encourages members of
historically underrepresented groups to apply.
Applicants should apply through the University's online application
system, which may be accessed at www.usf.edu/jobs. Applicants are
asked to submit a letter communicating interest in the position, the
extent to which they meet the minimum and preferred qualifications,
and a preliminary vision statement; a curriculum vitae; and the
names, addresses, phone numbers, and e-mails of five professional
references. References will not be contacted until the advanced
stages of screening, and candidates will receive prior notification.
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. To ensure
fullest consideration, complete applications should be submitted no
later than May 8, 2010.
Nominations may be communicated via email to [email protected]. For
additional information regarding this position or the search process,
please contact Ms. Desiree Woroner at [email protected] or 727-553-1632.
The University of South Florida is one of the nation's top public
research universities and one of only 25 public research universities
nationwide with very high research activity that is designated as
community engaged by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of
Teaching. USF was awarded $380.4 million in research contracts and
grants in FY 2008/2009. The University offers 232 degree programs at
the undergraduate, graduate, specialist and doctoral levels,
including the doctor of medicine. The USF System has a $1.8 billion
annual budget, an annual economic impact of $3.2 billion, and serves
more than 47,000 students on institutions/campuses in Tampa, St.
Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee and Lakeland. USF is a member of the Big
East Athletic Conference.
The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity, affirmative
action, equal access institution. For disability accommodations
contact Ms. Desiree Woroner at [email protected] at least five working
days in advance of need.
