ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR / BIOLOGICAL STATION OPERATIONS
Posting Number: S-3601
Position Number: 72600
Type of Recruitment: External
Position Summary
The Associate Director of the Beaver Island Biological Station Operations reports to the CMU Biological Station (CMUBS) director and administers all aspects of marketing, public relations, operations, and budgeting for the CMUBS on Beaver Island. The associate director works closely with the CMUBS director to enable the research and education mission of the station while identifying and engaging external partners. The associate director manages the CMUBS budget in coordination with the College of Science and Engineering (CSE) Dean’s office, and works with external vendors, contractors, and internal CMU units as needed to maintain and upgrade the physical plant. The associate director also assists the CSE dean, CMUBS director, and CMU Advancement staff in obtaining financial support for CMUBS from individuals, corporations, and foundations. This position is responsible for daily on-site operations of CMUBS during the summer season (April through September), including providing logistical support for classes, conferences, events, and the residential research experiences for faculty and staff while acting as a liaison between CMUBS and Beaver Island Community. During the off-season (October through March), this position is responsible for planning the next field season, including budgeting, event marketing and planning, scheduling, ordering supplies, hiring, and coordinating staff.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree related to biology, environmental studies, marketing, public relations, business administration, and/or finance or a combination of education and experience that equates to four years.
Possession of a valid driver’s license.
Ability to reside on Beaver Island in the months of April through September (housing provided at CMUBS).
Ability to communicate effectively and maintain positive interpersonal relationships with donors, students, staff, faculty, and the public including the Beaver Island community.
Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Demonstrated ability to be self-motivated and initiate and complete tasks independently.
Proficiency with Microsoft Outlook, Excel, Word, and online applications.
Ability to meet travel requirements from CMU to CMUBS, including air, ferry, and vehicle travel.
Must be willing to work evening and/or weekend hours, as necessary.
Ability to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.
Preferred Qualifications
Master’s degree, preferably in biology, environmental studies, business administration, or related field.
Experience working at a biological field station or with field research.
Experience working with faculty, staff, and students across multiple disciplines.
Demonstrated experience in an administrative capacity managing a complex operation.
Experience in fundraising, sales, customer service or alumni/donor relations with demonstrated successful outcomes.
Experience in budgeting and finance.
Duties & Responsibilities
Oversees CMUBS program resources, budget planning, and in coordination with CSE dean’s office, monitors seasonal expenditures and commitments.
Oversees all daily operations of the CMU Biological Station during the active season of April through September.
Carries out the necessary and appropriate actions to ensure the health and safety of CMUBS users, verifies users’ compliance with safety training (including reporting all safety hazards and maintenance concerns), as well as responding to all emergency situations.
Supervises all non-scientific staff working at the station during the season who provide support for food service, housekeeping, and general assistants; provides orientation and training for staff; deals with all on-site disciplinary action including documentation and reporting.
Serves as an on-site contact for conference and visiting group directors, students, faculty, guests, alumni, donors and university administrators.
Manages all public relations and advertising of CMUBS programs and facilities; acts as the primary contact for the Beaver Island community.
Partners with CMU and CSE leadership on fundraising efforts for the CMU Biological Station.
Participates in CMU and CSE recruitment efforts on behalf of the CMU Biological Station; coordinates the recruitment of students to CMUBS summer programs; establishes and maintains contacts with regional high schools.
Coordinates conferences, academic course offerings and researcher check-ins and check-outs, and residential unit preparation and cleaning; coordinates orientation for students and guests of CMUBS.
Coordinates with the CSE Dean’s office and chairs of academic departments to oversees summer academic course scheduling and enrollment and coordinate instructor schedules.
Tracks and prepares all user charges and billings; serves as liaison to the CSE Dean’s office regarding user billing.
Manages the CMUBS store, including oversight of cash management, ordering, and inventory of merchandise.
Coordinates transportation logistics and schedules, and other areas of station operations as assigned.
Manages the CMUBS fleet of vehicles and research vessels.
Acts as the first point of contact and is on call for all logistical operations and emergencies.
Notifies CSE Dean’s office and CMUBS Director immediately of any problems and issues.
Promotes CMUBS programs and prepares for the next active season during the off-season of October through March.
Coordinates CMUBS operations with external vendors, contractors, CMU Facilities Management, other campus units as needed.
Leverages technology including social media platforms and virtual communication tools to support outreach, marketing, and public relations operations.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Supervision Exercised
None
Message to Applicants
Central Michigan University is dedicated to fostering a broadly diverse and inclusive campus that respects all social identities, experiences, and perspectives. In an effort to further this initiative, we are especially interested in candidates who will advance and promote an inclusive and supportive environment for every member of our university community.
You must submit an on-line application in order to be considered as an applicant for this position.
Cover letters may be addressed to the Hiring Committee.
Employee Group: Professional & Administrative -Salary
Pay Range: $55,000 - $70,000 per year
Division: Academic Affairs
Department: Beaver Island
Position Status: Regular
Employment Status: Full-Time
FTE: 1.0
Position Type: 12 month
Weekly Work Schedule: Mon-Fri, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. / weekends and evenings as needed
Location: Mount Pleasant and Beaver Island, MI
Posting Ends: 04/23/2025
Open Until Filled: No
To view the full job posting & to apply, visit: https://apptrkr.com/6134551
