Heal the Bay's Santa Monica Pier Aquarium offers school groups, families and visitors a
unique view into the ocean world just outside its doors and is home to hundreds of
organisms native to the Santa Monica Bay. The Aquarium is the public learning center of
Heal the Bay and inspires visitors to learn about and advocate for our environment with a
focus on the ocean. The interactive displays, touch tanks filled with tide pool animals,
shark tank, Kids’ Corner, and microscope lab are some of the exciting features of the
Aquarium. Our educational field study programs, birthday parties, kids’ summer camps,
public education programs and volunteer opportunities draw locals and tourists alike into
the Aquarium experience.
The Aquarium serves people of all backgrounds. Entrance is free for children, and more
than 70% of our field study program comprises Title 1 schools receiving free buses to
attend. Heal the Bay is building bilingual programming to cater to our diverse audience,
and aligning Aquarium programming with Heal the Bay advocacy and campaigns.
Environmental civics is an important part of the Aquarium learning experience and gives
visitors the tools to take action on issues that inspire them.
The Aquarium Director is responsible for overseeing the management of and fundraising
for the facility and the staff. Staff includes aquarists, educators, public outreach and
administrative personnel, augmented by 120 active volunteers. The position is part of
Heal the Bay’s management team.
The Aquarium is open seven days a week from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Some evening and
weekend work is also required. This position reports to the President of Heal the Bay.
Responsibilities
Inspire, support and maintain the highest quality and standards for staff, incorporating
Heal the Bay’s mission in all efforts
Secure funding for programs, operations and staff through both earned revenue and
donations
Manage annual operating budgets and oversee grant management, cash flow and other
accounting procedures
Provide strategic vision and leadership with the Aquarium’s staff/volunteers
Provide strategic vision and leadership with the City of Santa Monica, representing the
interests of the Aquarium and Heal the Bay as the City develops a master plan for the Pier
upgrade and moves forward with land use and infrastructure projects in the surrounding
area
Develop new fundraising relationships and maintain existing relationships to secure
funding for programs, operations and staff, including capital campaigns
Increase Heal the Bay’s profile in the community, and with corporate sponsors and the
local tourism industry
Collaborate with staff to execute strategic plans, budgets, project planning and human
resource issues
Develop strategic marketing and advertising opportunities and partnerships throughout
the region
Collaborate with staff to develop experiential learning through exhibit design, educational
field studies and regional partnerships
Create and maintain interdepartmental projects of Heal the Bay’s mission and priorities
Provide leadership as a member of the management team of Heal the Bay, including the
Aquarium Advisory Board and Heal the Bay’s Board of Directors
Serve as the Educational Programming Curator for the Santa Monica Pier, curating large-
scale educational events on the Santa Monica Pier
Additional responsibilities and projects as required
Qualifications, Experience & Skills:
Experience managing a public aquarium, museum, or education facility
Proven leadership skills and ability to maintain a creative and supportive work culture
Proven background in fundraising, budgeting and grant management,
Ability to promote an organizational culture of equity and inclusion
Experience managing and communicating with multiple departments with creative,
enthusiastic and dynamic staff from a variety of disciplines/backgrounds
Able to work in a shared space in close quarters
Organized, multi-tasker with strong decision-making skills
Strong writing and public speaking skills
Passion for Heal the Bay’s mission, the ocean and the environment
An enthusiastic willingness to work over-time and on weekends from time to time
Preferred:
Background in environmental studies or education
Existing relationships with local and state decision-makers, foundations, partner
agencies, museum or science facilities
Previous experience in leading a capital campaign
Application Information
Salary Range: $80,000 Full time including some evenings and weekends required
Benefits: Heal the Bay offers full benefits
Heal the Bay is an equal opportunity employer and actively recruits to promote diversity in
our workforce.
To apply, please visit: https://healthebay.org/our-openings/
