Ocean Career: UF Interim Associate Director of Research

Research Program Manager

Lead and manage the research portfolio of the FSG program (35%)

Ensure that research processes, programs, and activities comply with university, state, and federal regulations.

Lead and manage the design and implementation of pre-award research program functions from developing the request for proposals through advertisement and evaluation of applications; selection of applications for funding; obtaining NSGO concurrence, and helping finalize awards.

Manage and substantially contribute to the design and implementation of post-award research functions involving monitoring and reporting on project progress and performance.

Serve as the liaison between FSG and funded research teams, including in the dissemination of project progress, outcomes and impacts.

Oversee the day-to-day operations of the research program, including supervision, guidance, and evaluation of research program staff, including the Research Coordinator II position ).

Coordinate and ensure FSG's federal reporting is accurate and timely (25%)

Manage processes for collecting information from coordinators, Extension faculty and staff, and research affiliates.

Review and summarize collected information and data, and liaise with senior leadership team regarding reporting of integrated programs.

Coordinate data synthesis and annual reporting into the National Sea Grant PIER database.

Oversee the development and maintenance of data systems (e.g., Info Ready) for project and activity tracking, consistent with National Sea Grant PIER reporting metrics and performance measures (via supervisee).

Ensure that NOAA's project management information for all projects is submitted in a timely manner through eRA Commons (via supervisee).

Foster growth and relevancy of FSG's research program (20%)

Pursue regional initiatives within the Sea Grant network, including within the South Atlantic, Gulf of America, and among the islands (i.e., Caribbean and Pacific).

Respond to NSGO funding initiatives by assembling teams and submitting proposals to obtain supplemental funds to support the program, including those involving internal and external collaborators.

Explore opportunities for new partnerships and to secure extramural funding with non-profits, special taxing districts, and public-sector agencies.

Collaborate with the ASO DIR, Extension and Education to foster integration of research and Extension programming.

Maintain a network of Campus Coordinators to recruit expertise and strengthen relationships among FSG, faculty, and students around the state, and identify timely research needs.

Serve as a member of FSG's senior leadership team (15%)

Assist in the development of the strategic plan, omnibus proposal, and site review process in accordance with the National Sea Grant Office (NSGO).

Participate in the Sea Grant Association, including serving as delegate, representing FSG in the Research Coordinator's Network, and contributing to FSG's congressional relations activities.

Contribute to the management operations including staff and advisory committee meetings, application reviews, and updating research information for the website and social media.

Brainstorm novel, creative, and efficient programming and processes that lead to recognition from NSGO, collaborators and partners.

Required Qualifications:

Master's degree in an appropriate area of specialization and four years of appropriate experience, or a bachelor's degree in an appropriate area of specialization and six years of experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

Three years of experience in a similar administrative position or a PhD.

Experience working for the National Sea Grant Office or another National Sea Grant College Program.

Scholarly activity in a field of study related to ocean or coastal issues.

Knowledge of Florida's marine and coastal resources.

Experience with the National Sea Grant PIER reporting system, especially generating economic benefits and program highlights stories.

Working knowledge of the National Sea Grant Program policy and guidelines for competitive and non-competitive research program administration.

Success in securing extramural funding through grants and contracts.

Final date to receive applications:
June 4, 2026

Salary range: $100,000 – 110,000