Job Description Summary & Additional Information

About UMCES and Maryland Sea Grant

 

The University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science (UMCES) is a premier research institution dedicated to advancing scientific understanding of the environment and applying that knowledge to address pressing environmental challenges. With a mission to conduct world-class research, educate future environmental leaders, and provide unbiased scientific information to inform public policy, the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science (UMCES) plays a vital role in protecting and restoring our natural resources. UMCES researchers work across a wide range of disciplines, from ecology and oceanography to environmental economics and social science, to understand complex environmental challenges facing Maryland, the nation, and the world.

 

For over 40 years, Maryland Sea Grant (MDSG) has worked to support research to address knowledge gaps in science-based management; to guide extension and outreach efforts to engage multiple audiences; and to drive formal and nonformal education work to build a science-literate workforce across the Chesapeake and coastal bays and their watersheds. Integrating among these efforts, MDSG creates programming to address critical environmental issues, including restoring water quality, supporting sustainable fisheries, addressing climate change, and building resilient communities. Maryland Sea Grant fosters healthy coastal ecosystems, communities, and economies through science, education, outreach, and broad collaboration.

 

Position Summary

The Director of Maryland Sea Grant (MDSG) provides leadership, vision, and administrative oversight for the MDSG program. As outlined in the Maryland Strategic Plan (2024 – 2027) the Director must ensure the program’s continued growth and innovation, while aligning with the University System of Maryland and the NOAA National Sea Grant College program.  This Director position carries a 100% administrative appointment within the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science (UMCES) focused on MDSG administration and leadership. The Director also oversees a subaward to the University of Maryland Sea Grant Extension program within the University of Maryland, College Park where Extension faculty and staff reside. The Director is expected to set program strategy and collaborate among Maryland’s universities, and with state and federal agencies, policymakers, private sector partners, municipalities, and non-governmental organizations. The Director takes a multifaceted approach to advance MDSG's mission while overseeing programmatic, fiscal, and operational functions. The Director is responsible for creating a safe and supportive work environment which retains talent and allows MDSG staff and colleagues to thrive.

The Director of MDSG will have a full-time (12-month) staff appointment within UMCES located at the MDSG office in College Park, MD.

Responsibilities:

Leadership & Strategy

• Develop and implement MDSG's strategic vision and long-term goals.

• Secure and manage external funding to ensure fiscal sustainability and growth.

• Advance actionable research to meet strategic goals and support higher education’s educational mission.

• Maintain strong strategic partnerships with MDSG’s key university partners, UMCES and University of Maryland, College Park, while engaging across Maryland’s university landscape.

• Successfully manage MDSG budget and staffing plan across multiple funding sources (e.g. state, federal, private) to meet program goals and objectives.

• Strengthen partnerships with government agencies, private industry, local governments, local education agencies (LEAs), and NGOs to enhance program impact.

• Maintain strong collaborations with the Sea Grant Association, the National Sea Grant College Program Network, and the NOAA National Sea Grant Office.

• Provide organizational vision informed by the cutting-edge and historical issues of the state.

 

Program & Staff Management

• Provide executive oversight for MDSG 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.

• Achieve success directing MDSG’s expansive research, education, fellowship, extension, and outreach programs across secondary, undergraduate, graduate, and post-graduate students and professionals.

• Ensure compliance with Sea Grant network requirements and reporting obligations.

 

External Relations & Partnerships:

• Serve as the primary representative of MDSG to academic, local, state, and federal partners and constituents.
• Engage with policymakers, advisory boards, and funding agencies to advocate for MDSG's mission.
• Maintain, and where consistent with MDSG priorities, expand collaborations with Maryland’s higher education institutions, private sector partners, and non –governmental organizations.
• Guide MDSG's engagement with Sea Grant programs throughout the United States and coordinate among MDSG staff, faculty, and Sea Grant networks.

 

Governance & Advisory Services:

• Lead MDSG's External Advisory Board and Institutional Council.
• Collaborate with UMCES leadership to ensure program alignment with institutional strategic priorities.
• Lead MDSG engagement with Maryland’s Congressional delegation.
• Maintain close collaboration with Maryland Sea Grant Extension Program and University of Maryland College Park leadership particularly within the School of Agriculture and Natural Resources.
• Embrace UMCES culture of inclusion and equity and demonstrate a strong commitment to service work for the institution.
• Support local, state, regional and national activities by participating on committees, review panels, working groups, etc. as necessary for advancing healthy coastal ecosystems and strong governance. 
• Contribute to workforce development and training initiatives within Maryland’s coastal and marine science and related sectors.

 

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in a relevant field such as aquatic/marine science, coastal environmental policy, or related discipline.
• Strong leadership skills with a commitment to fostering a workplace culture of belonging, engagement, and excellence.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Minimum ten years’ experience in program administration, strategic planning, and leadership within an academic, governmental, or nonprofit setting.
• Deep acumen in academic and federal funding mechanisms, grants, and financial management.
• Proven ability to cultivate and maintain relationships with diverse audiences, including policymakers, industry leaders, non-governmental/local organizations, and academic institutions.
• Proven experience in people management, including staff supervision, performance evaluations, mentorship, professional development, and team leadership.
• Demonstrated expertise working with the National Sea Grant College Program (NSGCP), the Sea Grant Association (SGA), and the SGA national networks (e.g. research, fiscal, communications) including collaboration on NSGCP and SGA initiatives.

 

Preferred Competencies of Competitive Applicants

• Experience writing and submitting interdisciplinary grants with multiple institutions and complex multi-year project goals and budgets.
• Experience using Workday management software and eSeaGrant.
• Experience in workforce development, professional training, participatory learning, and mentoring programs.
• Experience in building and leading effective teams in science, education and outreach.
• Knowledge of Maryland, the Chesapeake and coastal bays and their watersheds, and regional coastal policy and economic development efforts.
• Experience fundraising from public and private sources.
• Experience developing and promoting learning opportunities for students, from secondary through post-graduate education and supporting education staff.

 

Required Application Materials:

• Cover letter
• CV
• Candidate statement that describes your leadership experience working with multi-disciplinary and multi-institutional groups, building partnerships to accomplish shared goals, and your leadership philosophy. This should include a vision for Maryland Sea Grant in the next five year, including growth and funding opportunities. Describe your approach to building internal and external coalitions. (1200 word limit)
• The names (including titles and institutions), addresses, e-mail addresses, and telephone numbers of 3 professional references is also required as part of the application.

 

Best Consideration Date: November 15, 2026

 

Open Until Filled: Yes

 

Minimum Qualifications

• Ph.D. in a relevant field such as aquatic/marine science, coastal environmental policy, or related discipline.
• Strong leadership skills with a commitment to fostering a workplace culture of belonging, engagement, and excellence.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Minimum ten years’ experience in program administration, strategic planning, and leadership within an academic, governmental, or nonprofit setting.
• Deep acumen in academic and federal funding mechanisms, grants, and financial management.
• Proven ability to cultivate and maintain relationships with diverse audiences, including policymakers, industry leaders, non-governmental/local organizations, and academic institutions.
• Proven experience in people management, including staff supervision, performance evaluations, mentorship, professional development, and team leadership.
• Demonstrated expertise working with the National Sea Grant College Program (NSGCP), the Sea Grant Association (SGA), and the SGA national networks (e.g. research, fiscal, communications) including collaboration on NSGCP and SGA initiatives.

Department

University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science

Worker Sub-Type

Staff Regular

Salary Range

$150,000 to $200,000

EEO Statement

The University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science is an equal opportunity employer. The Center’s policies, programs, and activities are in conformance with pertinent Federal and State laws and regulations on nondiscrimination regarding race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, and disability. Inquiries regarding compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Title IX of the Educational Amendments; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990; or related legal requirements should be directed to the Assistant Vice President of Human Resources, Center Administration, 2020 Horns Point Rd, Cambridge, MD 21613.