Director, Virginia Sea Grant & Professor

Position Number : F0097V

Position Title :

Director, Virginia Sea Grant & Professor

Unit Mission Statement :

The mission of William & Mary’s Batten School of Coastal & Marine Sciences & Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) is to seek and broadly communicate knowledge in marine and coastal science to the Commonwealth of Virginia, the nation, and the world through research, education, and advisory service. The Batten School & VIMS make seminal advances in understanding coastal and marine systems through research and discovery, translate research findings into practical solutions to complex issues of societal importance, and provide new generations of researchers, educators, problem solvers, and managers with an education of unsurpassed quality.

Virginia Sea Grant’s (VASG) mission is to provide transformative, integrated education, research, communication, extension, and legal and policy programs, to create a coastal, estuarine, and marine innovation workforce and novel solutions to challenges in coastal communities. VASG aims to nurture sustainable, resilient communities through knowledge-informed personnel, business, policy, and management decisions.

Position Summary :

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

External Relations & Partnerships :

Governance & Advisory Services :

Required Qualifications :

Preferred Qualifications :

Conditions of Employment :

Tenure Consideration :

Department :

112100 VA Sea Grant Office

Location : VIMS - Gloucester

Job Open Date : 05 / 08 / 2025

Review Begin Date : 06 / 09 / 2025

Open Until Filled : Yes

Employment Category :

Faculty

Special Application Instructions :

Application materials for the position must include :

1) a CV

2) a cover letter

3) a candidate statement that describes your experience providing strategic leadership to multi-disciplinary or multi-institutional groups, your experience working with diverse partners (ideally, if applicable, including state and federal agencies and the private sector) to accomplish shared goals, and your leadership philosophy and approach to creating a collaborative environment for internal and external partners.

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.

For priority consideration, applications should be received by the initial review date of June 9, 2025.

Background Check Statement :

William & Mary is committed to providing a safe campus community. W&M conducts background investigations for applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include reference checks, a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check.

EEO Statement :

EEO is the Law. Applicants can learn more about William & Mary’s status as an equal opportunity employer by viewing the “Know Your Rights” poster published by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. https : / / www.eeoc.gov / know-your-rights-workplace-discrimination-illegal

Benefits Summary Statement :

William & Mary offers our employees a full array of benefits including retirement, health insurance with options for expanded dental and vision along with group and optional life insurance with coverage for spouse and children, flexible spending accounts, and an EAP (Employee Assistance Program).

Our employees enjoy additional university benefits such as educational assistance, professional development, wellness benefits, and a robust holiday schedule. All employees have access to fitness facilities on campus. Staff members also have access to the university libraries, and much more. To learn more, go to : https : / / www.wm.edu / offices / uhr / benefits / index.php?type=none