Job Opportunities
Digital Experience Manager
Virginia Sea Grant - Virginia Institute of Marine Science | William & Mary
The Digital Experience Manager’s responsibilities will include building, monitoring, moderating, and providing technical assistance for an online community called the Aquaculture Information Exchange (AIE). The community consists of members of the aquaculture industry, including growers, hatchery managers, university researchers, students, federal or state agency staff, and equipment manufacturers. Prior knowledge of the U.S. aquaculture industry is not required for this position.Â
The Digital Experience Manager will ensure community guidelines are being adhered to, assist in the posting of content, and assist in the updating and maintenance of the AIE community platform. The Digital Experience Manager will work with the Virginia Sea Grant Assistant Director for Communications to create email marketing campaigns to grow membership, as well as email campaigns to keep existing members informed of and engaged in AIE community activities. The Digital Experience Manager will attend aquaculture-related conferences to promote the Exchange and recruit new membership. The Digital Experience Manager will assist with the creation and posting of social media and online advertising content. The Digital Experience manager will also be able to perform website content editing and design as needed.
Additionally, the Digital Experience Manager will work with other Virginia Sea Grant Communications staff to assist with social media account management and campaigns, as time allows.
Required Qualifications:
- Associate’s degree in communications, public relations, visual arts, computer science, or closely related field or equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the position.
- Demonstrated knowledge of social media platforms, with the ability to use website design platforms like WordPress or similar type of Content Management System.
- Self-starter, creative approach with analytical skills and the ability to produce a variety of digital communications products.
- Excellent software skills to include word processing, spreadsheets, and Adobe Creative Cloud.
- Demonstrated ability to quickly learn software and technology on Mac platforms.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to interact with a diverse constituency in a collaborative style as well as work effectively as part of the VASG team.
- Strong organization skills with the demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities concurrently while meeting deadlines.
- Experience in managing, developing, or designing websites.
- Experience managing multiple social media accounts for a company or organization.
- Experience creating content for social media posts.
- Experience scheduling and running social media campaigns.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, visual arts, computer science, or closely related field or equivalent combination of education, experience, and training.
- Demonstrated interest in marine/coastal sciences and policy specifically related to aquaculture.
- Demonstrated skills using cPanel and Web Host Manager (WHM) to manage and maintain websites.
- Website coding including Cascading Style Sheets, HTML, and/or Javascript.
- Moderating social media user activity, including comments and uploaded content.
- Experience designing WordPress website pages using page builder software or other WordPress specific tools.
- Experience with online learning platforms like LearnDash or LifterLMS.
- Experience with WordPress-based membership platforms like BuddyBoss or MemberPress.
- Experience with customer relationship manager (CRM) systems to maintain contact lists and create email campaigns.
- Experience with popular online publishing websites and apps, including Flickr, YouTube, and all social media platforms is highly preferred.
Conditions of Employment:
- This is a 2-year grant-funded position and continued employment is dependent on funding availability.
- This is a non-exempt position, eligible to receive overtime in accordance with the Fair Labor Standards Act and university policy.
- This position may be subject to overtime during high peak times, etc. as directed and approved by the supervisor.
- Occasional evening and weekend work.
- Travel in the state, regionally, and nationally.
- This is a restricted position subject to the availability of funding.
Salary: Up to $60,000 commensurate with experience.
Additional Job Description:
- Specialized expertise in defined areas such as fund raising, market analysis, public/media relations and publications.
- Applies knowledge of public relations and/or marketing principles, and research techniques.
- Ability to plan and organize work, and analyze and interpret complex information for various audiences.
- Ability to research, write, and edit for publications or other documents, such as speeches or presentations.
- Promotes commodities, services, or programs through contacts with business and media representatives; local, state and federal officials; special interest groups and/or donors.
Application Deadline: October 24, 2025.
Director, Virginia Sea Grant
Virginia Sea Grant - Virginia Institute of Marine Science | William & Mary
Virginia Sea Grant is seeking an outstanding candidate for Director to lead the VASG team.Â
The Director of Virginia Sea Grant (VASG) provides strategic leadership, vision, and administrative oversight for the VASG program, ensuring its continued growth, innovation, and alignment with the National Sea Grant program and overall goals of the Commonwealth and VIMS in coastal and marine systems. This Director position carries a 100% administrative appointment focused on VASG administration and leadership. The Director is expected to collaborate with state and federal agencies, policymakers, private sector partners, and partner academic institutions in the VASG organization (George Mason University, Norfolk State University, Old Dominion University, University of Virginia, Virginia Commonwealth University, VIMS, Virginia Tech, and William & Mary) to advance VASG’s mission while overseeing programmatic, fiscal, and operational functions.
The Director of VASG will also have a full-time (12-month) tenure/non-tenure eligible faculty appointment within William & Mary’s Batten School and will be stationed at the VIMS campus in Gloucester Point, VA. This position is open to tenured and non-tenured faculty members, likely at the rank of Professor (if tenured) or Research Professor (if hired as a non-tenure eligible position). The position is anticipated to begin in Fall 2025.
Key Responsibilities:
Leadership & Strategy
- Develop and implement VASG’s strategic vision and long-term goals.
- Maintain strong strategic partnerships with all VASG partner academic institutions.
- Strengthen partnerships with government agencies, private industry, and NGOs to enhance program impact.
- Secure and manage external funding to ensure fiscal sustainability and growth.
Program & Staff Management
- Provide executive oversight for VASG staff, fostering a supportive and high-performance working environment.
- Provide accountability for recruitment, hiring, performance management, and professional development efforts for staff.
- Develop and maintain a positive team environment that encourages collaboration, innovation, and employee growth.
- Ensure success with VASG fellowships, extension programs, and professional development initiatives.
- Ensure compliance with Sea Grant network requirements and reporting obligations.
External Relations & Partnerships
- Serve as the primary representative of VASG to academic, local, state, and federal stakeholders.
- Engage with policymakers, advisory boards, and funding agencies to advocate for VASG’s mission.
- Expand collaborations with Virginia’s higher education institutions, private sector partners, and nonprofit organizations.
- Serve as VASG’s primary spokesperson when communicating with the 33 other Sea Grant programs throughout the United States.
Governance & Advisory Services
- Lead the review and refinement of VASG’s advisory board structure, bylaws, and charter.
- Collaborate with VIMS leadership to ensure program alignment with institutional strategic priorities.
- Contribute to workforce development and training initiatives within Virginia’s coastal and marine science sectors.
Required Qualifications:
- Ph.D. or equivalent advanced degree in a relevant field such as marine science, environmental policy, coastal resilience, or related discipline.
- Demonstrated experience in program administration, strategic planning, and leadership within an academic, governmental, or nonprofit setting.
- Strong understanding of local, state, and federal funding mechanisms, grants, and financial management.
- Proven ability to cultivate and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders, including policymakers, industry leaders, and academic institutions.
- Significant experience in people management, including staff supervision, performance evaluations, mentorship, and team development.
- Strong leadership skills with a commitment to fostering a workplace culture of belonging, engagement, and excellence.
- Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
