November 7, 2023 - REEF is seeking to hire a full-time REEF Campus Director to join our dedicated team at the REEF Campus in Key Largo, Florida (USA). The role requires a dynamic individual with strong leadership skills, a strategic mindset, and a passion for fostering a positive and collaborative environment. The ideal candidate will be organized, personable, and enthusiastic, with management and operations experience. Applications will be reviewed starting November 27, and the position will remain open until filled. The desired start date is January 8, 2024.

This position supports the Co-Executive Directors in supporting systems and programs of the REEF Campus in Key Largo, FL. The Campus Director is a key member of the leadership team, with responsibilities for overseeing facilities and maintenance, human resources, and supervision of the REEF Campus team of staff, interns, and fellows. The staff member will play a pivotal role in the organization, overseeing programs, staff, and operations of the REEF Campus and helping chart the course for the organization’s growing impact in the Florida Keys community.

How to Apply?  Interested applicants should complete the short application form online here:
www.REEF.org/director-application. As part of the application form, please upload a single electronic file, with 1) a cover letter, 2) resume/CV, 3) answers to application questions, and 4) the names and contact information for up to three references. 

*note we are also hiring two Coordinator positions at the REEF Campus. Visit this page to learn more.

Core Responsibilities

The REEF Campus Director will oversee the day-to-day operations of the REEF Campus through:

  1. Strategic Leadership:
    • Develop and implement plans to support the organization's mission and sustained growth and programmatic impact.
    • Identify, develop, and implement processes to improve the effectiveness of REEF’s Campus operations.
  2. Program Oversight:
    • Support program staff in the planning, execution, and evaluation of programs to ensure they meet established objectives and contribute to the overall impact of the organization.
    • Collaborate with program staff to identify areas for improvement and implement effective solutions.
    • Work with the REEF Communications staff to update event and promotional materials posted at the Campus and in the Keys community.
  3. Staff Management:
    • Support and manage a high-performing team, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous learning.
    • Organize and manage the Campus team and resources for programs and outreach events.
    • Manage and provide for the human resource needs of the Campus team.
  4. Operational Effectiveness:
    • Ensure efficient day-to-day operations of the REEF Campus, including facilities management and logistical coordination.
    • Implement and monitor systems to optimize processes and enhance overall organizational efficiency.
    • Coordinate with contractors working on the new REEF Marine Conservation Center, attend weekly meetings with Executive Directors and contractors, and track expenses and paperwork necessary for grant reporting for the new Center.
  5. Stakeholder Engagement:
    • Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including community partners, members, and donors.
    • Represent the organization at events, conferences, and meetings to enhance its visibility and network.
  6. Financial Management:
    • Support the finance team in ensuring financial sustainability and responsible resource allocation.
    • Identify and pursue opportunities to support the growth and expansion of REEF Campus programs.
    • Oversee some financial functions of the organization, including online REEF Store transactions, donations, and vendor payments.
    • Provide administrative support for Campus grants and operations, including activities such as insurance coverage and annual financial reviews.

 

Minimum Requirements and Desired Attributes

  • At least five years of relevant experience.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills and the ability to work effectively with individuals (including remote distributed staff) across different programs and departments.
  • Proven ability to work independently, lead peers in a team, and supervise others.
  • Highly collaborative, with excellent interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment and exemplify leadership and composure under pressure, while maintaining high morale.
  • Excellent management, human resources, and strong organizational skills.
  • Must be a well-organized professional who can take on multiple roles enthusiastically and contribute where there is a need.
  • Good judgment, accuracy, and the ability to work gracefully while balancing varied priorities.
  • Proficiency with desktop computers and office software, including Excel and Word, and other platforms such as Asana, Slack, Quickbooks, and Adobe.
  • U.S. citizenship or foreign citizen’s U.S. work permit appropriate for the work.
  • A strong interest in ocean life, marine conservation, citizen science, and diving is a plus.

 

Position Term, Compensation, Work Environment

This is a full-time position with an annual salary commensurate with experience. The position is based at the REEF Campus in Key Largo, Florida. REEF offers a competitive and generous benefits package. Benefits include a contribution towards health insurance, 20 annual days of accrued paid time off (with increases over time), an option for flex-time work weeks, and 8 holiday days per year. US and international travel may be required (travel expenses covered by REEF), as well as weekend, holiday, and after-hours work.

About REEF and the REEF Campus

REEF is a nonprofit grassroots organization that brings together people from across disciplines, professions, and perspectives to address the significant challenges facing our blue planet. REEF is dedicated to inspiring curiosity and connection with the oceans, all while empowering individuals to make a difference. Through education and hands-on experiences that increase ocean literacy, citizen science, and research collaborations, REEF is making an impact.

REEF’s mission is to protect biodiversity and ocean life. A major facet of that mission is celebrating the importance of diversity. The ocean is home to some of the most diverse habitats on the planet. Diversity is one of nature’s greatest strengths, and it should be ours as well. As individuals and as an organization, we must explore our role in addressing barriers that limit diversity amongst REEF staff, board, interns, and participants, as well as the broader areas of diving, science, and conservation. This starts with investigating how REEF, as a community of ocean enthusiasts, can use our platform to build a better world, and support actions to make scuba diving and science communities accessible and inclusive. REEF is committed to building the core values of diversity, equity, and inclusion into all aspects of our organization.

While REEF’s programs are global in nature, its roots are in South Florida. The REEF Campus in Key Largo encompasses an historic homestead, and includes the organization’s headquarters, which is housed in the oldest building in the Upper Keys, a small Interpretive Center classroom built in 2017, and a Native Plants trail. The REEF Campus has become established as a central hub for visitors and the local community alike to gather, learn, and be inspired.

In 2023, REEF is taking a bold step to expand its Campus through the addition of a Marine Conservation Center. The 4300 square-feet, two-story facility will be open and free to the public, and will include flexible learning and exploration spaces, a visitor gallery, and large seminar space. The Center will provide immersive experiences while serving as a hub for scientific research, education, and conservation. The expected opening date is Summer 2025.

REEF is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

Questions about this position? Email jobs@REEF.org