ECO Magazine
Ocean Career: Georgia Sea Grant Associate Director of Research
ECO Magazine, Florida, New York, United States
Ocean Career: Georgia Sea Grant Associate Director of Research
Chartered by the state of Georgia in 1785, the University of Georgia (UGA) is the birthplace of public higher education in America and is the state’s flagship university. The proof is in our more than 240 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant provides integrated research, education and extension programs that foster the responsible use of Georgia’s coastal resources by individuals, decision‑makers and management agencies. Our program is managed through a federal‑state partnership between the University of Georgia (UGA) and the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Sea Grant College Program, a national network of 34 Sea Grant programs located in coastal and Great Lakes states and territories.
Position Summary The associate director of research, a non‑tenure track public service faculty position, advances the mission of Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant by providing strategic leadership and coordination for the program’s research portfolio. This position oversees the administration of competitive research projects, ensuring alignment with Sea Grant and university priorities and compliance with federal and institutional requirements.
The associate director of research facilitates collaboration among faculty, extension and education professionals, and external partners to address critical coastal and marine issues, guiding the development, review, and reporting of research proposals and awards. In addition to managing the unit’s competitive funding, the position supports the dissemination of research results through communications, workshops, and symposia that connect science to application.
Working closely with Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant leadership, the associate director of research contributes to strategic planning, program evaluation, and initiatives that enhance the impact, visibility, and relevance of Sea Grant–supported research across Georgia and the broader region.
Required Qualifications
Master’s degree in a discipline related to marine science, ecology, environmental science, natural resources management, or a closely related field is required.
At least 2 years of experience in either program coordination, community engagement, providing research, education and technical assistance to communities or related stakeholders related to coastal issues.
Preferred Qualifications
Ph.D. and related research, education or extension record in natural or social sciences of marine, coastal or natural resource disciplines is preferred.
The applicant’s record should demonstrate a commitment to improving exchange between scientists, educators, extension agents and stakeholders.
Record of working in a university environment, multitasking, and working with multiple constituencies is desirable.
Record of working with federal, state, and non‑profit groups is also desirable as is a record of working in business administration.
Familiarity of coastal and marine environments and issues, particularly as it relates to coastal management
Extremely strong communication skills both verbally and in writing particularly as it pertains to interpreting/translating research‑based technical information for the understanding and use by decision makers, practitioners, and the public
Ability to work collaboratively with research faculty, educators, students, and outreach and extension agents
Ability to self‑motivate, to work independently and as a member of a team, and to develop annual plans of work which include measurable outcomes.
Relevant skills applicable to education and outreach, public speaking, facilitation, technical writing, statistical analysis and computer use
Strong ability to work in an interdisciplinary environment and to develop productive partnerships and collaborations with varied stakeholders
Ability to travel on an as needed basis is essential
Familiarity with impact documentation and assessment
Ability to supervise and manage staff
Ability to organize and facilitate seminars, workshops, and conferences and to organize peer reviews
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Position Summary The associate director of research, a non‑tenure track public service faculty position, advances the mission of Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant by providing strategic leadership and coordination for the program’s research portfolio. This position oversees the administration of competitive research projects, ensuring alignment with Sea Grant and university priorities and compliance with federal and institutional requirements.
The associate director of research facilitates collaboration among faculty, extension and education professionals, and external partners to address critical coastal and marine issues, guiding the development, review, and reporting of research proposals and awards. In addition to managing the unit’s competitive funding, the position supports the dissemination of research results through communications, workshops, and symposia that connect science to application.
Working closely with Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant leadership, the associate director of research contributes to strategic planning, program evaluation, and initiatives that enhance the impact, visibility, and relevance of Sea Grant–supported research across Georgia and the broader region.
Required Qualifications
Master’s degree in a discipline related to marine science, ecology, environmental science, natural resources management, or a closely related field is required.
At least 2 years of experience in either program coordination, community engagement, providing research, education and technical assistance to communities or related stakeholders related to coastal issues.
Preferred Qualifications
Ph.D. and related research, education or extension record in natural or social sciences of marine, coastal or natural resource disciplines is preferred.
The applicant’s record should demonstrate a commitment to improving exchange between scientists, educators, extension agents and stakeholders.
Record of working in a university environment, multitasking, and working with multiple constituencies is desirable.
Record of working with federal, state, and non‑profit groups is also desirable as is a record of working in business administration.
Familiarity of coastal and marine environments and issues, particularly as it relates to coastal management
Extremely strong communication skills both verbally and in writing particularly as it pertains to interpreting/translating research‑based technical information for the understanding and use by decision makers, practitioners, and the public
Ability to work collaboratively with research faculty, educators, students, and outreach and extension agents
Ability to self‑motivate, to work independently and as a member of a team, and to develop annual plans of work which include measurable outcomes.
Relevant skills applicable to education and outreach, public speaking, facilitation, technical writing, statistical analysis and computer use
Strong ability to work in an interdisciplinary environment and to develop productive partnerships and collaborations with varied stakeholders
Ability to travel on an as needed basis is essential
Familiarity with impact documentation and assessment
Ability to supervise and manage staff
Ability to organize and facilitate seminars, workshops, and conferences and to organize peer reviews
#J-18808-Ljbffr