Assistant Director for Research and Partnerships

https://scseagrant.org/assistant-director-for-research-and-partnerships/

About the Position
The S.C. Sea Grant Consortium (Consortium) is seeking an Assistant Director for Research and Partnerships to join the management team in administering Sea Grant in South Carolina.

The S.C. Sea Grant Consortium, a state agency established to manage the Sea Grant College program for South Carolina, optimizes the environmental, social, and economic potential of coastal and marine resources of the state and region through the support and dissemination of high-quality research, education, extension, and communications programming. 

Job Responsibilities
This position will engage with the agency leadership and partners to build collaborative relationships and partnerships to support strategic needs and investments, engage with Consortium member faculty to discuss the research needs for our coastal area, meet with constituents to assess their science needs, identify and secure funding to support projects and programs that address the Consortium’s strategic plan, and assist in the administration of the Consortium.

• With the Executive Director, serve as a strategic lead to identify program needs.
• Meet with Consortium member faculty to discuss the research needs and processes for applying for Consortium research funding.
• Identify and maintain an awareness of potential sources of federal, state, local, and private funds to support the Consortium’s research and outreach program objectives.
• Develop, secure funding for, and manage multidisciplinary research and extension programs and projects that draw from Consortium-wide expertise to promote coastal science, management, and community well-being.
• Collaborate with staff in the development of research projects to meet stakeholder-identified needs.
• Collaborate with the Executive Director and management team to develop and manage federal and state budgets and reporting requirements.
• Build and maintain relationships within South Carolina’s coastal counties through partner organizations, community leaders, researchers, and educators.
  With others, represent the Consortium on local, regional, and national levels.
• Develop and maintain a presence and participation in national- and regional-level Sea Grant program initiatives.
• Supervise and mentor full-time and part-time employees as needed to complete projects.

Required Qualifications

• MS or JD in related coastal science disciplines.
• At least 8 years of related experience.
• Demonstrated ability to work across disciplines in developing applied research, extension, and communications projects to meet coastal management and decision-maker needs.
• Proficiency with translating science for municipal staff, state and federal leadership, and organizations in coastal regions.
• Proficiency in supervising staff in research, extension, and communication of scientific research and information.
• Strong interpersonal communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to prioritize and lead projects and people.
• Exceptional writing skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ph.D. with applied experience in science benefiting coastal constituents.
• 12 years related experience supervising research, extension, and administration staff.
• Experience with state and/or federal legislatures.

Position Type
Regular, full-time state position (Band 8). The Assistant Director for Research and Partnerships hiring range is $68,397 to $82,935 and based on the education and experience of the successful applicant.  The finalist for this position must successfully complete an E-verify background check.

Work Location and Hours
This position is based in Charleston, South Carolina. Normal Consortium business hours are Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Work beyond regular business hours, including evenings and weekends, may be necessary to complete the requirements of the position. Travel throughout the state and region is necessary. A valid driver’s license is required.