Associate Director of Research

Job Overview

Associate Director of Research – Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant at UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. This non‑tenure track public service faculty position (Public Service Professional AC FLSA Faculty Rank Public Service Associate) advances the mission of Marine Extension by providing strategic leadership and coordination for the program’s research portfolio. The role is based in Athens, GA and requires state, regional, national and potentially international travel.

Posting Number: F2587P
Posting Type:
External Retirement Plan TRS or ORP

Employment Type:

Employee (Fiscal 12 mo.)
Effective End Date: (for Limited‑Term postings)
Anticipated

Start Date:

05/01/2026
Job Closing Date:
Open until filled

• Environmental Literacy and Workforce Development
• Healthy Coastal Ecosystems
• Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture
• Resilient Communities and Economies

• Manage competitive funding opportunities, including biennial research awards, student funding programs, and other grant initiatives; oversee the full funding cycle, develop requests for proposals, coordinate peer review, assemble submissions, and monitor funded projects.
• Oversee preparation and submission of required federal and university reports, ensuring compliance with National Sea Grant Office requirements; develop and maintain performance metrics and accountability materials to assess program effectiveness and research impact.
• Share research updates with faculty, staff, and communications personnel to support integration of research into unit activities; identify opportunities for collaboration and overlap among research, extension, and education programs to maximize the impact and relevance of Sea Grant–supported research.
• Recruit and engage university faculty and students across the state to participate in Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant funding competitions; represent the unit at state, regional, and national meetings to strengthen partnerships, advance research priorities, and promote opportunities.
• Serve on the Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant leadership team and act as primary contact for the National Sea Grant Office; lead strategic planning efforts, oversee omnibus development, and manage the advisory board, including meetings, agendas, and follow‑up actions.
• Coordinate student opportunities including research, fellowships, and internships for the unit; secure extramural funding through grants and/or contracts to support applied research and outreach programs that address stakeholder and industry needs.

• Master’s degree in marine science, ecology, environmental science, natural resources management, or a closely related field.
• At least 2 years of experience in program coordination, community engagement, or providing research, education, and technical assistance to communities or related stakeholders on coastal issues.

• Ph.D. and related research, education, or extension record in natural or social sciences of marine, coastal, or natural resource disciplines.
• Demonstrated commitment to improving exchange between scientists, educators, extension agents and stakeholders.
• Record of working in a university environment, multitasking, and working with multiple constituencies.
• Record of working with federal, state, and non‑profit groups and experience in business administration.

• Familiarity with coastal and marine environments and issues, particularly as it relates to coastal management.
• Extremely strong communication skills, both verbally and in writing, especially for interpreting and translating research‑based technical information for decision makers, practitioners, and the public.
• Ability to work collaboratively with research faculty, educators, students, and outreach and extension agents.
• Ability to self‑motivate, work independently and as a member of a team, and develop annual plans of work with measurable outcomes.
• Relevant skills applicable to education and outreach, public speaking, facilitation, technical writing, statistical analysis, and computer use.
• Strong…