NC Sea Grant, WRRI Seek Applications for Extension Director

Contact:
Katie Mosher, 919-515-9069, kmosher@ncsu.edu
Susan White, 919-515-2455, snwhite3@ncsu.edu

This news release was updated on Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2017 to include the date application review will begin.

North Carolina Sea Grant and the Water Resources Research Institute of the University of North Carolina system are seeking applications for leadership of extension efforts by the two state/federal partnership programs.

Review of applications will begin Oct. 9, 2017 and will continue until the position is filled.

“This is an important time for the Sea Grant and WRRI programs in our state,” says Susan White, executive director for both programs. “We have extensive traditions of connecting new research results with current and emerging needs of a wide range of communities and targeted audiences. We are seeking a strong leader to help us continue this role in the decades to come.”

The state’s Sea Grant and WRRI programs have headquarters at NC State University, but they are designated as multicampus institutes within the UNC system. Sea Grant’s federal funding partner is the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in the U.S. Department of Commerce. WRRI is part of a network led by the U.S. Geological Survey in the U.S. Department of Interior.

The opening comes as Jack Thigpen plans to retire in 2018 after two decades as extension director for Sea Grant. “Jack has played key roles, not only in the management of our program but also as a critical partner with our colleagues in agencies and organizations that are focused on similar themes,” White notes.

“The newly defined position allows us to continue building upon the synergy between the two programs, and reflects the connections that watersheds across the state have to the coastal region,” she adds.

A complete job description and application information are available online through NC State University: jobs.ncsu.edu/postings/90287. The requirements for applicants include but are not limited to:

• Advanced degree, with substantial work experience (more than 5 years) relevant to the duties described, in the natural or social sciences.
• Demonstrated capabilities in the management, performance and evaluation of extension and outreach programs.
• Extensive program management experience, including large and geographically distributed staff supervisory experience, a thorough knowledge of budgeting and financial planning, and a proven record of success in securing external funding.
• Demonstrated ability to build partnerships, collaborate in a team setting and work effectively with diverse groups of internal and external stakeholders at the local, state and national levels.
• Excellent oral and written communications and interpersonal skills.

Additional requirements, as well as preferred experience and expertise, are provided in the full job posting online.

NC State University is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as an individual with a disability, or status as a protected veteran.

Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process, please call 919-515-3148.

Final candidates are subject to criminal and sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. If highest degree is from an institution outside of the U.S., final candidates are required to have their degree verified at www.wes.org. Degree must be obtained prior to start date.

NC State University 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.

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North Carolina Sea Grant: Your link to research and resources for a healthier coast