Director, State Aquarium
Association Of Zoos & Aquariums, Honolulu, HI, United States
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Interested in a career in AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums? Learn more about types of zoo and aquarium jobs and relevant education programs in our career center .
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 Hawai‘i’s 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 Hawai’i 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 UHM’s strategic direction including development as a Native Hawaiian Place of Learning.
Represent Hawai’i 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.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Master’s 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.
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Ph.D. in Zoology, Marine Science, or related field.
Senior leadership experience within an accredited aquarium.
$162,156 to $291,886 annual
How to Apply To Apply:
Please click on the "Apply" button on the top right corner of the screen of this page to complete an application and attach required documents. Applicant must submit the following:
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 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.
An initial review of the applicants will begin on April 30, 2026, but the position will remain open until filled.
Note: If you have not applied for a position before using NeoGov, you will need to create an account.
For Inquiries: Contact Darren Lerner atlerner@hawaii.edu.
The University of Hawai'i is an
Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Institution
and 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 veteran. For more information or inquiries regarding these policies, please refer to the following link:
http://www.hawaii.edu/offices/eeo/eeo-coordinators/
Employment 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.
In accordance with the JeanneClery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, annual campus crime statistics for the University of Hawai'i may be viewed at
https://www.hawaii.edu/titleix/help/campus-security/ , or a paper copy may be obtained upon request from the respective UH Campus Security or Administrative Services Office.
Accommodation Request: The University of Hawai'i 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:
https://www.hawaii.edu/offices/eeo/accommodation-request/
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Interested in a career in AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums? Learn more about types of zoo and aquarium jobs and relevant education programs in our career center .
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 Hawai‘i’s 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 Hawai’i 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 UHM’s strategic direction including development as a Native Hawaiian Place of Learning.
Represent Hawai’i 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.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Master’s 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.
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Ph.D. in Zoology, Marine Science, or related field.
Senior leadership experience within an accredited aquarium.
$162,156 to $291,886 annual
How to Apply To Apply:
Please click on the "Apply" button on the top right corner of the screen of this page to complete an application and attach required documents. Applicant must submit the following:
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 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.
An initial review of the applicants will begin on April 30, 2026, but the position will remain open until filled.
Note: If you have not applied for a position before using NeoGov, you will need to create an account.
For Inquiries: Contact Darren Lerner atlerner@hawaii.edu.
The University of Hawai'i is an
Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Institution
and 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 veteran. For more information or inquiries regarding these policies, please refer to the following link:
http://www.hawaii.edu/offices/eeo/eeo-coordinators/
Employment 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.
In accordance with the JeanneClery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, annual campus crime statistics for the University of Hawai'i may be viewed at
https://www.hawaii.edu/titleix/help/campus-security/ , or a paper copy may be obtained upon request from the respective UH Campus Security or Administrative Services Office.
Accommodation Request: The University of Hawai'i 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:
https://www.hawaii.edu/offices/eeo/accommodation-request/
#J-18808-Ljbffr