Associate Director of Research

Posting Number:F2587PWorking Title:Associate Director of ResearchDepartment:PSO-Sea Grant ProgramAbout the University of Georgia:Chartered by the state of Georgia in 1785, the University of Georgia is the birthplace of public higher education in America and is the state’s flagship university (https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 240 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University’s main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University’s enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including our newly established School of Medicine.About the College/Unit/Department: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.Mission and Focus AreasMarine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant’s mission is to improve the environmental, social and economic health of the Georgia coast through research, education and extension.Every four years, our program develops a long-range strategic plan that describes our goals and priorities for the coming years. To create this plan, we utilize a multi-step process that incorporates fresh input from a broad constituency. Read Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant’s 2024-2027 Strategic Plan here.The strategic plan outlines goals, strategies, outcomes and corresponding performance measures organized under the program’s four focus areas:Environmental Literacy and Workforce DevelopmentHealthy Coastal EcosystemsSustainable Fisheries and AquacultureResilient Communities and EconomiesCollege/Unit/Department website:https://gacoast.uga.edu/#Posting Type:ExternalRetirement Plan:TRS or ORPEmployment Type:EmployeeBenefits Eligibility:Benefits EligibleUnderutilization:NoneAdvertised Salary:Compensation will be determined by the qualifications and experience of the successful applicantAnticipated Start Date:05/01/2026Job Posting Date:12/02/2025Open until filled:YesSpecial Instructions to Applicants:All applications received by February 14, 2026 are assured full considerationLocation of Vacancy:Athens Area EEO Statement:The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR (hrweb@uga.edu).USG Core Values Statement:The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning, as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.Classification Title:Public Service Professional ACFaculty Rank:Public Service AssociateContract Type:Fiscal (12 mo.)Tenure Status:Non-Tenure TrackMinimum Qualifications:Master’s degree in a discipline related to marine science, ecology, environmental science, natural resources management, or a closely related field is required.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.This position is based in Athens, Georgia, but requires state, regional,national and potentially international travel. This is an administrative, full time, benefits eligible, non-tenured public service faculty appointment in the public service faculty career ladder at The University of Georgia.Additional Requirements: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.The successful candidate will be appointed at the rank of Public Service Assistant, Public Service Associate, or Senior Public Service Associate. For information about the requirements for each rank, please see Guidelines for Appointments and Promotion (http://outreach.uga.edu/policies/appointment-and-promotion-guidelines/).Relevant/Preferred Education, Experience, Licensure, and/or Certification: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.Preferred Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies:Familiarity of coastal and marine environments and issues, particularly as it relates to coastal managementExtremely 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 publicAbility to work collaboratively with research faculty, educators, students, and outreach and extension agentsAbility 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 useStrong ability to work in an interdisciplinary environment and to develop productive partnerships and collaborations with varied stakeholdersAbility to travel on an as needed basis is essentialFamiliarity with impact documentation and assessmentAbility to supervise and manage staffAbility to organize and facilitate seminars, workshops, and conferences and to organize peer reviewsPhysical Demands:The position will require extensive travel in order to communicate between various constituencies on the coast, throughout the state and in Athens, where the position is located.Is this a Position of Trust?:YesDoes this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources?:YesDoes this position require a P-Card? :NoIs having a P-Card an essential function of this position? :NoIs driving a responsibility of this position?:YesDoes this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care?:NoDoes this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications):NoCredit and P-Card policy:Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website.Background Investigation Policy:Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website.Duties/Responsibilities:Management of Competitive FundingManage the unit’s competitive funding opportunities, including biennial research awards, student funding programs, and other grant initiatives.Oversee the full funding cycle for different opportunities: develop requests for proposals, coordinate peer review, assemble and submit the omnibus proposal, and monitor funded projects.Provide guidance to principal investigators and students on proposal development, grant compliance, and expectations.Serve as the primary point of contact with funded researchers, staying informed of progress, milestones, and emerging findings.Percentage Of Time:20Duties/Responsibilities:Reporting and Program EvaluationOversee 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.Support evaluation of funded projects and overall program outcomes to inform strategic planning and continuous improvement.Supervision of reporting and evaluation coordinatorPercentage Of Time:15Duties/Responsibilities:Internal Research CoordinationShare 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.Serve as a champion of the research program within the unit, ensuring funded research informs and strengthens all aspects of the unit’s mission.Percentage Of Time:15Duties/Responsibilities:Research Promotion and PartnershipsRecruit 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.Collaborate with communications staff to translate research findings into accessible formats for external stakeholders, partners, and the public.Percentage Of Time:15Duties/Responsibilities:Strategic Planning and LeadershipServe 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.Align research priorities and funding strategies with organizational goalsPercentage Of Time:15Duties/Responsibilities:Other DutiesCoordinate 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.Percentage Of Time:20