Program Associate

UNCW; Wilmington (NC); On-site; USD 45,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

University of North Carolina Wilmington is seeking a Program Associate for the Center for Marine Science in Wilmington, NC. The PA will plan events, manage records, and engage with researchers, faculty, and community stakeholders to advance coastal and marine science initiatives.

The role focuses on coordinating CMS programs, data reporting, and outreach, with a strong emphasis on collaboration, communication, and program support in a research-driven environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of training and experience.
• All degrees must be from accredited institutions.
• Familiarity with coastal and marine science and CMS programs.
• Experience planning and executing research-focused events.
• Proficiency with digital platforms, web development, data visualization, SharePoint, and Google Workspace.
• Ability to coordinate research programs and stakeholder engagement.
• Knowledge of CMS policies on space use, scheduling, budgeting, purchasing, catering, and travel.
• Strong customer service and relationship-building skills.
• Proficient in information management, data interpretation, and reporting.

Responsibilities

• Maintain understanding of CMS research programs to inform planning.
• Monitor CMS research activities; track data and prepare progress reports.
• Develop resources sharing frameworks for CMS research.
• Coordinate with leadership to plan workshops, meetings, and outreach.
• Assist leadership in short-term strategies to meet CMS goals.
• Act as a contact for faculty, staff, students, partners and the public.
• Represent CMS at events and on campus and off-campus venues.

Skills

Coastal marine science

Event planning

Digital platforms

Stakeholder engagement

Policy knowledge

Customer service

Information management

Leadership supervision

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience

Tools

SharePoint

Google Workspace

Web development

Data visualization

Job description

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

PLEASE NOTE: This posting will close at 11:59PM (Eastern time) on the posted closing date. To receive full consideration, please be sure you have fully completed the entire application, including the ‘Work History’ section before you apply for this position. Applications must be submitted through the online application system to be considered.
This position is being recruited at the Journey level. If no applicants apply who meet the required competency and training & experience requirements, then management may consider other applicants. Salary would be determined based on competencies, equity, budget, and market considerations.

Benefits of Working at UNCW

At the University of North Carolina Wilmington, we are driven by a clear purpose: to empower student success, advance innovation, and strengthen the communities we serve. Guided by our strategic vision and commitment to excellence, UNCW offers a dynamic and collaborative environment where employees can make meaningful contributions while growing their careers.
Located in coastal North Carolina, UNCW combines the energy of a thriving academic community with the natural beauty of nearby beaches and outdoor spaces. Here, professional opportunity is balanced with an exceptional quality of life—creating a workplace where you can thrive both personally and professionally.
As a member of the Seahawk community, you’ll benefit from a culture that values well-being, lifelong learning, and connection. UNCW offers a competitive and flexible benefits package designed to support your health, financial well-being, and professional growth. From comprehensive health coverage and retirement options to generous paid leave, tuition opportunities within the UNC System, learning and development opportunities, and wellness programs, UNCW is committed to helping you thrive both at work and in your personal life.

Recruitment Range

Recruitment Range $45,400 – $52,000

Recruitment Range Details

The salary range advertised is the designated recruitment range for this classification. Final salary offers will be determined by the candidate’s education, relevant experience, internal equity alignment, and departmental budgetary parameters.

Vacancy Number

Vacancy Number S02945

Position Title

Position Title University Program Associate

Working Title

Working Title Program Associate

Competency Level Journey

Home Department

Home Department Center for Marine Science - 30600

Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit

The University of North Carolina Wilmington’s Center for Marine Science ( CMS ) is recognized both nationally and internationally for conducting research that contributes to the understanding of environmental processes and problems. CMS strives to engage communities to address societal issues and promote use-inspired innovations.
Through research, education and outreach, the Center strives to increase knowledge about coastal and marine sciences and cultivate community engagement in coastal resilience. This includes a variety of fields such as physical oceanography; marine and coastal biology; marine, atmospheric, and natural products chemistry; marine geology; aquaculture; environmental sciences, marine policy, human health, and sociology. Currently there are more than 100 active research programs supported by CMS and over 140 scientists, staff and students broadly associated with the unit.
The teaching and research facility located on the Intracoastal Waterway in southeastern North Carolina features state of the art core facilities in spectrometry and spectroscopy, light stable isotopes, biotechnology, aquaculture, DNA and water quality analysis as well as running seawater systems, a coastal workboat fleet and a wide range of oceanographic equipment that are available to all CMS researchers.
CMS supports educational programs related to marine science, including the Applied Coastal and Ocean Science Ph.D. program and MS Marine Science degree as well as courses and students from various marine-science related academic departments across the breadth of UNCW . It also supports several outreach entities, including NC Sea Grant, the NC National Estuarine Research Reserve, and Marine Quest, among others.

College

College Center for Marine Science - 306 College

College/School Information

University Information

The University of North Carolina Wilmington, the state’s coastal university, is dedicated to the integration of teaching, mentoring, research, and service. UNCW is distinguished by its commitment to putting students first, supporting world-class faculty and staff, delivering transformative learning experiences, and leveraging its unique proximity to the ocean. Recognized nationally for scholarly excellence and affordability, UNCW offers a powerful academic experience that stimulates creative inquiry and critical thinking and reflects emerging industries and interdisciplinary innovation.
A public institution with nearly 20,000 students, UNCW offers a full range of baccalaureate- and graduate-level programs, as well as doctoral degrees in educational leadership, marine biology, nursing practice and psychology; and many distance learning options, including clinical research, an accelerated RN-to- BSN program, an Executive M.B.A. program structured for working professionals, and the nation’s first bachelor’s degree program focused on coastal engineering.
The university’s efforts to advance research and scholarly activities have earned UNCW the elevated designation of “Doctoral Universities: High Research Activity” institution (R2 University) by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education.
Founded as Wilmington College in 1947, UNCW moved to its present location in the heart of New Hanover County in 1961. The 660-acre campus is only minutes from Wrightsville Beach and historic downtown Wilmington and features Georgian architecture and designated conservation areas. Wilmington International Airport ( ILM ) provides commercial air service to cities both domestic and abroad and is just six miles from the UNCW campus.
UNCW has been part of the University of North Carolina System since 1969.

Location of Workplace

Location of Workplace CMS Myrtle Grove

Brief Summary of Work for this Position

This position works closely with unit leadership to promote research activities at the Center for Marine Science. The Program Associate (PA) is responsible for planning and successfully executing events; developing special programs focused on research and innovation, collecting information and curating records; preparing operational and budget-related reports. The program associate also must demonstrate matter knowledge of UNCW’s marine science research and education programs; keep current with research advancements in coastal and marine science as well as university policy and accurately convey information to diverse stakeholders. The PA is the main point of contact for special CMS programs.
The PA will:

• Independently maintain a comprehensive understanding of major CMS research programs, including goals, needs, and deliverables, to inform strategic planning and budget stewardship.
• Monitor ongoing CMS -based research and student activities; develop and manage data/information tracking efforts; analyze trends; contribute to the development of progress reports.
• Develop frameworks for sharing research related resources and ensuring platforms are available to relevant audiences.
• Coordinate with leadership and researchers to plan and deliver research development workshops, stakeholder engagement meetings, and outreach programming.
• Assist leadership in developing short-term strategies to address Center goals and/or research initiatives prioritized by CMS .
• Act as a point of contact for university faculty, staff, students, university partners and community stakeholders seeking information related to coastal and marine science research at UNCW .
• Represent CMS to a wide range of audiences, including members of the public, researchers, community partners, donors, and leadership at on and off campus venues.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

Bachelor’s degree; or equivalent combination of training and experience. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.

Preferred education, professional skills and experience

• Demonstrated expertise in coastal and marine science, including familiarity with UNCW research programs, regional needs, and the ability to engage with experts across disciplines.
• Proven experience in planning and executing research-focused events, such as workshops, symposia, and outreach initiatives.
• Skilled in digital platforms and tools, including web development, data visualization, social media, SharePoint, and Google Workspace.
• Strong ability to coordinate and support research programs, including stakeholder engagement, scope development, database management, and administrative tasks.
• Knowledgeable in University and CMS policies related to space use, scheduling, budgeting, purchasing, catering, and travel.
• Exceptional customer service and relationship-building skills, with the ability to respond to inquiries and foster collaboration among internal and external stakeholders.
• Proficient in information management, including data interpretation, report generation, and assisting users with CMS tools and software.
• Effective communicator and leader, capable of supervising interns, chairing committees, and representing CMS programs in public and professional settings.

Required Certifications or licensure

None

FTE

FTE 1.0 FTE (40 hours per week)

Months Per Year

Months Per Year 12 Months

Work Days

Work Days Monday - Friday

Work Hours

Type of Position

Type of Position Permanent

Anticipated Ending Date if Time-Limited

Position Number

Position Number 8482

Job Posting Date

Job Posting Date 10/29/2026

Posting Close Date

Posting Close Date 11/04/2026

Number of Openings

Special Notes to Applicants

PLEASE NOTE : This posting will close at 11:59PM (Eastern time) on the posted closing date. To receive full consideration, please be sure you have fully completed the entire application, including the ‘Work History’ section before you apply for this position. Applications must be submitted through the online application system to be considered.
This position is being recruited at the Journey level. If no applicants apply who meet the required competency and training & experience requirements, then management may consider other applicants. Salary would be determined based on competencies, equity, budget, and market considerations.

EEO Statement

UNCW does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of his or her race, sex (such as gender, gender identity, marital status, childbirth, and pregnancy), age, color, national origin (including ethnicity), religion, disability, sexual orientation, political affiliation, veteran status, military service member status, genetic information, or relationship to other university constituents – except where sex, age, or ability represent bona fide educational or occupational qualifications or where marital status is a statutorily established eligibility criterion for State funded employee benefit programs.

Eligibility for Employment

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. UNC Wilmington participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * How did you learn of this opportunity with UNCW? (2026)
  • UNCW Website
  • UNCW LinkedIn Page
  • UNCW X Account (formerly Twitter)
  • UNCW Employee Referral
  • UNCW Instagram Account (UNCW_jobs)
  • UNCW Job Alert
  • Chronical of Higher Education
  • Glassdoor
  • Higher Ed Jobs
  • Indeed
  • Inside Higher Ed
  • North Carolina Job Network
  • Craigslist
  • Career Events/Job Fairs
  • Billboards/Marquee
  • Other
• * If you selected "Other" to the question above, please explain how you found out about this opportunity. Enter N/A if not applicable.

  (Open Ended Question)