The University of Georgia
Associate Director of Research
Posting Number: F2587P
Department: PSO‑Sea Grant Program
Location: Athens Area, Athens, Georgia
Employment Type: Employee (Non‑Tenure Track)
Benefits Eligible: Yes
Anticipated Start Date: 05/01/2026
Job Posting Date: 12/02/2025
Open Until Filled: Yes
Position Summary The associate director of research is a non‑tenure track public service faculty position that advances the mission of Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant by providing strategic leadership and coordination for the program’s research portfolio. The role oversees the administration of competitive research projects, ensuring alignment with Sea Grant and university priorities and compliance with federal and institutional requirements. It 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. 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 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.
It 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.
Minimum Qualifications
Master’s degree in a discipline related to marine science, ecology, environmental science, natural resources management, or a closely related field is required.
Additional Requirements
At least 2 years of experience in program coordination, community engagement, providing research, education, and technical assistance to communities or related stakeholders related to coastal issues.
Preferred Education, Experience, Licensure, and/or Certification
Ph.D. and a record of research, education, or extension in natural or social sciences of marine, coastal, or natural resource disciplines is preferred.
Record demonstrating a commitment to improving exchange between scientists, educators, extension agents, and stakeholders.
Experience working in a university environment, multitasking, and collaborating with multiple constituencies is desirable.
Experience working with federal, state, and non‑profit groups is desirable, as is a record of working in business administration.
Preferred Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies
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 as they pertain to interpreting/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.
Self‑motivation, the ability to work independently and as a member of a team, and the capacity to develop annual work plans with 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 develop productive partnerships and collaborations with varied stakeholders.
Ability to travel as needed 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.
Duties / Responsibilities Management of Competitive Funding (20%)
Manage 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.
Reporting and Program Evaluation (15%)
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.
Support evaluation of funded projects and overall program outcomes to inform strategic planning and continuous improvement.
Supervise the reporting and evaluation coordinator.
Internal Research Coordination (15%)
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.
Serve as a champion of the research program within the unit, ensuring funded research informs and strengthens all aspects of the unit’s mission.
Research Promotion and Partnerships (15%)
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.
Collaborate with communications staff to translate research findings into accessible formats for external stakeholders, partners, and the public.
Strategic Planning and Leadership (15%)
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.
Align research priorities and funding strategies with organizational goals.
Other Duties (20%)
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.
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, 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).
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Department: PSO‑Sea Grant Program
Location: Athens Area, Athens, Georgia
Employment Type: Employee (Non‑Tenure Track)
Benefits Eligible: Yes
Anticipated Start Date: 05/01/2026
Job Posting Date: 12/02/2025
Open Until Filled: Yes
Position Summary The associate director of research is a non‑tenure track public service faculty position that advances the mission of Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant by providing strategic leadership and coordination for the program’s research portfolio. The role oversees the administration of competitive research projects, ensuring alignment with Sea Grant and university priorities and compliance with federal and institutional requirements. It 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. 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 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.
It 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.
Minimum Qualifications
Master’s degree in a discipline related to marine science, ecology, environmental science, natural resources management, or a closely related field is required.
Additional Requirements
At least 2 years of experience in program coordination, community engagement, providing research, education, and technical assistance to communities or related stakeholders related to coastal issues.
Preferred Education, Experience, Licensure, and/or Certification
Ph.D. and a record of research, education, or extension in natural or social sciences of marine, coastal, or natural resource disciplines is preferred.
Record demonstrating a commitment to improving exchange between scientists, educators, extension agents, and stakeholders.
Experience working in a university environment, multitasking, and collaborating with multiple constituencies is desirable.
Experience working with federal, state, and non‑profit groups is desirable, as is a record of working in business administration.
Preferred Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies
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 as they pertain to interpreting/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.
Self‑motivation, the ability to work independently and as a member of a team, and the capacity to develop annual work plans with 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 develop productive partnerships and collaborations with varied stakeholders.
Ability to travel as needed 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.
Duties / Responsibilities Management of Competitive Funding (20%)
Manage 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.
Reporting and Program Evaluation (15%)
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.
Support evaluation of funded projects and overall program outcomes to inform strategic planning and continuous improvement.
Supervise the reporting and evaluation coordinator.
Internal Research Coordination (15%)
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.
Serve as a champion of the research program within the unit, ensuring funded research informs and strengthens all aspects of the unit’s mission.
Research Promotion and Partnerships (15%)
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.
Collaborate with communications staff to translate research findings into accessible formats for external stakeholders, partners, and the public.
Strategic Planning and Leadership (15%)
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.
Align research priorities and funding strategies with organizational goals.
Other Duties (20%)
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.
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, 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).
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