Associate Director of Education

The University of Georgia; Athens (GA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Georgia seeks an Associate Director of Education for the Marine Education Center and Aquarium. This non-tenure-track Public Service Faculty role provides leadership, oversight of operations, and supervision of faculty and staff across facilities, vessels, and outreach programs in Coastal Georgia.

The position leads program development, aligns education with National Sea Grant initiatives, develops partnerships with university units and external stakeholders, and pursues

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in informal education within an education center, zoo, aquarium, museum, or similar institution.
• Preferred knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies include strategic planning, team leadership, program development, and effective communication.

Responsibilities

• Administration and Leadership – oversee daily operations including supervision of faculty and staff, facilities, vessels and vehicles; serve as emergency point of contact.
• Marine Education Program Development – develop and evaluate marine education programs for diverse audiences and coordinate with national Sea Grant initiatives.
• Strategic Planning and Development – lead planning for the unit’s education program and collaborate with Development to support funding.
• Other Duties – participate in committees and perform additional duties as assigned.

Skills

Leadership experience

Public speaking

Strategic planning

Team management

Education

Master’s degree in education, environmental science, biology, museum studies, or related field

Job description

Posting Number:

F2755P

Working Title:

Associate Director of Education

Department:

PSO-Marine Extension Service

About the University of Georgia:

Chartered by the state of Georgia in 1785, the University of Georgia is the birthplace of public higher education in America and is the state’s flagship university (https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 240 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University’s main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University’s enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including our newly established School of Medicine.

About the College/Unit/Department:

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 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.
Mission and Focus AreasMarine 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.
Every four years, our program develops a long-range strategic plan that describes our goals and priorities for the coming years. To create this plan, we utilize a multi-step process that incorporates fresh input from a broad constituency. Read Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant’s 2024-2027 Strategic Plan here.
The strategic plan outlines goals, strategies, outcomes and corresponding performance measures organized under the program’s four focus areas:

1. Environmental Literacy and Workforce Development
2. Healthy Coastal Ecosystems
3. Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture
4. Resilient Communities and Economies

College/Unit/Department website:

https://gacoast.uga.edu/

Posting Type:

External

Retirement Plan:

TRS or ORP

Employment Type:

Employee

Benefits Eligibility:

Benefits Eligible

Underutilization:

None

Advertised Salary:

Compensation will be determined by the qualifications and experience of the successful applicant

Anticipated Start Date:

11/02/2026

Job Posting Date:

07/21/2026

Open until filled:

Yes

Special Instructions to Applicants:

All applications received by September 1, 2026 are assured full consideration.

Location of Vacancy:

Outside Athens

EEO Statement:

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR ([e-mail]).

USG Core Values Statement:

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning, as well the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 08.02.18.01.02.
Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 06.05 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom.

Classification Title:

Public Service Professional AC

Faculty Rank:

Public Service Assistant

Contract Type:

Fiscal (12 mo.)

Tenure Status:

Non-Tenure Track

Minimum Qualifications:

Master’s degree in education, environmental science, biology, museum studies, or related field.

Position Summary:

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. The position requires demonstrated expertise in informal education leadership, program development, and team management, along with strong communication skills and a deep understanding of coastal and marine issues, particularly those relevant to Georgia’s coast.This is an administrative, non-tenured public service faculty appointment in the public service faculty career ladder at the University of Georgia. The successful candidate will be appointed at the rank of Public Service Assistant Associate, or Senior Public Service Associate. For information about the requirements for each rank, please see Guidelines for Appointments and Promotion (http://outreach.uga.edu/policies/appointment-and-promotion-guidelines/).

Additional Requirements:

Minimum of 5 years of experience in informal education within an education center, zoo, aquarium, museum, or similar institution.

Relevant/Preferred Education, Experience, Licensure, and/or Certification:

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

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies:

• Demonstrated success in strategic planning, team leadership, and program development is required
• Expertise in developing and implementing innovative marine education programs
• Ability to work collaboratively with research faculty, educators, students, volunteers, and outreach and extension agents
• Familiarity of coastal and marine environments and issues, particularly as it relates to Georgia’s coast
• Ability to self-motivate, to work independently and as a member of a team, and to develop annual plans of work which include measurable outcomes.
• Relevant skills applicable to education and outreach, public speaking, facilitation, technical writing, and computer use
• Ability to work in an interdisciplinary environment and to develop productive partnerships and collaborations with diverse stakeholders
• Evidence of evaluation and data-informed decision-making
• Demonstrated supervisory and management skills

Physical Demands:

This position will involve working outdoors in a variety of coastal weather conditions, including rain, wind, salt spray and coastal habitats, including salt marsh, sandy beach, maritime forest and on boats and barrier islands. Physical demands may include:- Sitting or standing for extended periods of time- Driving- Lifting up to 25 pounds

Is this a Position of Trust?:

Yes

Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources?:

Yes

Does this position require a P-Card? :

No

Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position? :

No

Is driving a responsibility of this position?:

Yes

Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care?:

Yes

Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications):

Yes

Credit and P-Card policy:

Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website.

Background Investigation Policy:

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website.

Duties/Responsibilities:

Administration and Leadership – 50%

• Oversee daily operations at the Marine Education Center and Aquarium including supervision and responsibility for the faculty and staff, facilities, vessels and vehicles; serve as an emergency point of contact for the campus
• Serve on the leadership team for Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant, facilitating communication and integration of personnel and education efforts between the aquarium, the Shellfish Research Lab, the Brunswick office, and the headquarters office in Athens
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing, multi-tiered education team
• Establish clear goals, performance metrics, and accountability structures across the department
• Oversee education related expenditures and budgets and insure that all UGA policies are implemented at the Marine Education Center and Aquarium
• Secure extramural funding through grants and/or contracts to support marine education and outreach programming or facility upgrades
• Represent Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant and UGA at public and professional events

Percentage Of Time:

50

Duties/Responsibilities:

Marine Education Program Development – 25%

• Develop field, laboratory, discussion and outreach programs in marine science and coastal ecology for diverse audiences
• Instruct and evaluate marine education programs that include field and lab studies as well as discussion and distance learning experiences for a wide range of audiences to include Pre-K-12 students, educators, college students and adults
• Coordinate education activities with Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant’s research and extension programs and with National Sea Grant Program initiatives
• Evaluate effectiveness of educational programming
• Coordinate development of engaging, accessible visitor experiences within the aquarium

Percentage Of Time:

25

Duties/Responsibilities:

Strategic Planning and Development – 20%

• Lead strategic planning and program development for the unit’s education program
• Partner with the Development team to support funding opportunities and cultivate donors for education initiatives
• Work in partnership with communications and education staff to drive visitor growth, promote programs, and enhance public visibility of the aquarium and education initiatives
• Cultivate partnerships with with university units, government agencies, and external partners

Percentage Of Time:

20

Duties/Responsibilities:

Other Duties – 5%

• Serve on university and unit committees
• Perform other duties as assigned

Percentage Of Time:

5