Associate Director of Education

About the role

UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant provides integrated research, education and extension programs that foster the responsible use of Georgia’s coastal resources by individuals, decision-makers and management agencies. Our program is managed through a federal-state partnership between the University of Georgia (UGA) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Sea Grant College Program, a national network of 34 Sea Grant programs located in coastal and Great Lakes states and territories.

Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant’s mission is to improve the environmental, social and economic health of the Georgia coast through research, education, training and outreach. We believe an engaged and informed public support thriving coastal ecosystems and resilient and inclusive communities.

The Associate Director of Education is a non-tenure-track Public Service Faculty position responsible for strategic leadership and operational oversight of the Marine Education Center and Aquarium. The role oversees daily operations, including supervision of faculty and staff, facilities, vessels, and vehicles, while ensuring compliance with institutional policies and effective budget administration. This position serves on the Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant leadership team and leads the design, delivery, and evaluation of marine education and outreach programs aligned with unit priorities and National Sea Grant initiatives. The position fosters collaboration across university units, government agencies, and external stakeholders, and represents the organization at professional and public forums. Additional responsibilities include guiding strategic planning, supporting development initiatives, securing external funding, and integrating education initiatives across multiple locations.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and operational oversight of the Marine Education Center and Aquarium.
• Oversee daily operations, including supervision of faculty and staff, facilities, vessels, and vehicles.
• Ensure compliance with institutional policies and effective budget administration.
• Serve on the Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant leadership team.
• Lead the design, delivery, and evaluation of marine education and outreach programs aligned with unit priorities and National Sea Grant initiatives.
• Foster collaboration across university units, government agencies, and external stakeholders.
• Represent the organization at professional and public forums.
• Guide strategic planning and support development initiatives.
• Secure external funding and integrate education initiatives across multiple locations.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in education, environmental science, biology, museum studies, or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in informal education within an education center, zoo, aquarium, museum, or similar institution.
• Demonstrated success in strategic planning, team leadership, and program development.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ph.D. in education, environmental science, biology, museum studies, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• Minimum of 5 years of leadership experience in informal education within an education center, zoo, aquarium, museum, or similar institution.
• Experience working in a university environment, multitasking, and working with multiple constituencies.
• Experience working with federal, state, and non-profit groups, as well as experience in business administration.