Open Position – Director, School of Oceanography
For the first time in nearly half a century, the UW School of Oceanography invites both external and internal applicants for the role of Director. This opportunity to lead comes at a time when the School is hiring into a variety of professorial roles, and is rapidly growing in size and impact via our undergraduate programs, graduate initiatives, and research programs.
The School of Oceanography invites applications for the position of Full Professor and Director of the School. The Director is appointed as a tenured professor in the School and will report to the Dean of the College of the Environment. The Professor appointment is a tenured, nine-month, full-time (100% FTE) indefinite position. The appointment is for a five-year term, includes two summer months of salary, and is renewable at the discretion of the Dean of the College of the Environment. The anticipated start date is September 16, 2024.
The UW Oceanography community actively engages with students through research and teaching, helping to develop the next generation of scientists and leaders. As a community, we believe diversity is essential to achieving excellence in research, both in the lab and at sea. We are committed to creating an equitable and inclusive community, and we aspire to conduct research and scholarship that is impactful and respectful to those whose land and lives are touched by the oceans we study.
Consistently ranked among the best Oceanography schools in the world, the UW School of Oceanography is integrated into the UW campus, and nestled in the beautiful Pacific Northwest in the city of Seattle.
Through leadership and engagement in shared governance, the Director galvanizes the School mission of the integration of teaching and research, builds consensus around academic institutional goals, and provides vision for and leads the implementation of long-range programs, plans, goals, and policies. The successful candidate will lead all matters of faculty recruitment, appointment, promotion, and tenure which are crucial to the continued success of the School. They play an important role in recruitment and retention of faculty, staff, postdocs, and students from all backgrounds, and work to ensure the School centers diversity, equity and inclusion in its work. The Director will be expected to lead efforts to expand the field of oceanography, advance diversity, equity, and inclusion, and encourage inclusive and active teaching while managing the School’s degree programs and teaching efforts. 
The Director will also provide oversight of annual budgets of ~$30 million in external funds and ~$7.5 million in state funds. They work with the College Advancement Office to enhance philanthropic funding for the School and will be expected to articulate a clear vision for the role and opportunities for graduate and undergraduate programs in oceanography.
To learn more about the School of Oceanography and this amazing opportunity to lead, please download our Director Position Profile and take a look at our 2023 Program Review. You can find additional information, including application instructions, on Interfolio.
Completed applications received by March 15, 2024 will be given priority consideration. The position will remain open until filled.
