Director of Extension

Posting number: 191462

Department: Sea Grant Consortium

Job classification: Program Manager II

Posting type: Open

Categories: Administration, Management, Executive Management, Grants Administration

The S.C. Sea Grant Consortium (Consortium) is seeking a Director for Development and Extension to provide strategic leadership, coordination, and oversight of the Consortium’s Extension Program by guiding staff development, long-range planning, applied research, and grant development while strengthening partnerships and securing extramural funding to advance program priorities. The Director for Development and Extension will plan and manage multidisciplinary research and extension initiatives, support agency-wide strategic planning and reporting, and assist the Executive Director in organizational management, stakeholder engagement, and expansion of funding and program opportunities. The Director for Development and Extension plays a pivotal role for the Agency in leading and supervising a large team of Extension Specialists and Graduate Students. 

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

Primary Responsibilities 

Extension

1. Lead, coordinate, and oversee the Consortium's Sea Grant Extension Program – currently a team of 8 specialists and 5 graduate students. 

1. Provide leadership and management of S.C. Sea Grant Extension staff in long-range planning, writing, reporting, applied research and outreach, grant development and management. 

1. Enhance and build S.C. Sea Grant Extension program areas by developing and maintaining partnerships across local, regional, state, and federal agencies, industry groups, foundations, and other appropriate entities for Consortium projects. 
2. Engage in regional and national Sea Grant Extension activities. 

Development

1. Plan, develop, and manage multidisciplinary research and extension programs and projects that draw from Consortium-wide expertise. 
2. Identify and maintain an awareness of potential sources of federal, state, local, and private funds to support the research and outreach program objectives of the Consortium. 
3. Secure and obtain extramural funds from federal and state agencies, foundations, and other sources to support the research and outreach program objectives of the Consortium.
4. With the Executive Director, develop and maintain contacts in federal, state, and international agencies, industry, and private foundations to expand program activities and develop new sources of funding. 

 Other Responsibilities 

1. Assist the Executive Director in overall management of the agency. 

1. Work with the Executive Director and other senior management team members on strategic and tactical program planning efforts, annual accountability, and performance reporting, while providing visibility for Extension staff programs. 

1. Assist the Executive Director in interactions with university officials, state agency representatives, public and private sectors, and state and federal legislative members and staff. 

Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree in marine/environmental science, public administration, natural resource management, coastal ecology, education, economics, or related field.
• Experience supervising, mentoring, and developing personnel, with demonstrated ability to lead teams toward shared goals

• Experience in developing multi-dimensional programs and managing project teams, including managing budgets, grants, or complex projects with multiple stakeholders

• Demonstrated ability to build partnerships and communicate, collaborate, and work effectively with diverse groups of internal and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated experience in extension or outreach work related to coastal and/or marine issues.
• Ability to interpret scientific research for non-technical audiences.
• Ability to develop applied, stakeholder-driven informational products.
• High level of analytical, organizational, and planning skills.
• Ability to work independently and as a part of a team.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Fluency in computer and communications technology.

• Ph.D. in marine/environmental science, public administration, natural resource management, coastal ecology, education, economics, or related field.
• Experience in and knowledge of coastal and marine issues in South Carolina and/or the southeastern United States.

• Knowledge of program evaluation methods and reporting practices.

• Experience with conflict negotiation and facilitation.
• Experience with local, state, and/or federal government systems.

Work Location and Hours

This position is headquartered in Charleston, South Carolina, although alternative duty stations in coastal South Carolina may be considered. Employees assigned to a duty station outside of Charleston must report to the Charleston office at least two days per week. Normal Consortium business hours are Monday through Friday 8:30 am to 5:00 pm. However, work beyond regular business hours, including evenings and weekends, may be necessary in order to complete the requirements of the position. Telecommuting options are available to employees following a year of employment and a review of performance. Travel throughout the state and region is necessary. A valid driver’s license is required.

The SC Sea Grant Consortium is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions including, but not limited, to lactation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information.

The SC Sea Grant Consortium offers an exceptional benefits package for full time (FTE) employees: 

• Health, dental, vision, long-term disability, and life insurance for employees, spouse, and children. Click here for additional information.
• 15 days annual (vacation) leave per year
• 15 days sick leave per year
• 13 paid holidays
• Paid Parental Leave
• S.C. Deferred Compensation Program available (S.C. Deferred Compensation)
• Retirement benefit choices *
  • State Retirement Plan (SCRS)
  • State Optional Retirement Program (State ORP)