Job Opportunities

Virginia Sea Grant is seeking an outstanding candidate for Director to lead the VASG team. 

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.