Director of Extension

Director of Extension

Salary

$85,000.00 - $95,000.00 Annually

Location

Charleston County, SC

Job Type

FTE - Full-Time

Job Number

191462

Agency

Sea Grant Consortium

Opening Date

08/06/2026

Closing Date

8/16/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

Class Code:

AH50

Position Number:

60019969

Normal Work Schedule:

Monday - Friday (8:30 - 5:00)

Pay Grade

GEN12

Hiring Range - Min.

$85,000.00

Hiring Range - Max.

$95,000.00

EEO Statement

Equal Opportunity Employer

Agency Specific Application Procedures:

While not required, applicants are strongly encouraged to submit up to two letters of recommendation.

Veteran Preference Statement

South Carolina is making our Veterans a priority for employment in state agencies and institutions.

• Description
• Benefits

Job Responsibilities

The S.C. Sea Grant Consortium (Consortium) is seeking a Director for Development and Extension to provide strategic leadership, coordination, and oversight of the Consortium's Extension Program by guiding staff development, long-range planning, applied research, and grant development while strengthening partnerships and securing extramural funding to advance program priorities. The Director for Development and Extension will plan and manage multidisciplinary research and extension initiatives, support agency-wide strategic planning and reporting, and assist the Executive Director in organizational management, stakeholder engagement, and expansion of funding and program opportunities. The Director for Development and Extension plays a pivotal role for the Agency in leading and supervising a large team of Extension Specialists and Graduate Students.

The Consortium is a state agency established to manage the Sea Grant College program for South Carolina and based in Charleston, S.C. Our purpose is to optimize the environmental, social, and economic potential of the coastal and marine resources of the state and region through the support and dissemination of high-quality research, extension, and education programming.

Primary Responsibilities

Extension

• Lead, coordinate, and oversee the Consortiums Sea Grant Extension Program - currently a team of 8 specialists and 5 graduate students.
• Provide leadership and management of S.C. Sea Grant Extension staff in long-range planning, writing, reporting, applied research and outreach, grant development and management.
• Enhance and build S.C. Sea Grant Extension program areas by developing and maintaining partnerships across local, regional, state, and federal agencies, industry groups, foundations, and other appropriate entities for Consortium projects.
• Engage in regional and national Sea Grant Extension activities.

Development

• Plan, develop, and manage multidisciplinary research and extension programs and projects that draw from Consortium-wide expertise.
• Identify and maintain an awareness of potential sources of federal, state, local, and private funds to support the research and outreach program objectives of the Consortium.
• Secure and obtain extramural funds from federal and state agencies, foundations, and other sources to support the research and outreach program objectives of the Consortium.
• With the Executive Director, develop and maintain contacts in federal, state, and international agencies, industry, and private foundations to expand program activities and develop new sources of funding.

Other Responsibilities

• Assist the Executive Director in overall management of the agency.
• Work with the Executive Director and other senior management team members on strategic and tactical program planning efforts, annual accountability, and performance reporting, while providing visibility for Extension staff programs.
• Assist the Executive Director in interactions with university officials, state agency representatives, public and private sectors, and state and federal legislative members and staff.

Minimum and Additional Requirements

Required Qualifications

• Master's degree in marine/environmental science, public administration, natural resource management, coastal ecology, education, economics, or related field.
• Experience supervising, mentoring, and developing personnel, with demonstrated ability to lead teams toward shared goals
• Experience in developing multi-dimensional programs and managing project teams, including managing budgets, grants, or complex projects with multiple stakeholders
• Demonstrated ability to build partnerships and communicate, collaborate, and work effectively with diverse groups of internal and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated experience in extension or outreach work related to coastal and/or marine issues.
• Ability to interpret scientific research for non-technical audiences.
• Ability to develop applied, stakeholder-driven informational products.
• High level of analytical, organizational, and planning skills.
• Ability to work independently and as a part of a team.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Fluency in computer and communications technology.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ph.D. in marine/environmental science, public administration, natural resource management, coastal ecology, education, economics, or related field.
• Experience in and knowledge of coastal and marine issues in South Carolina and/or the southeastern United States.
• Knowledge of program evaluation methods and reporting practices.
• Experience with conflict negotiation and facilitation.
• Experience with local, state, and/or federal government systems.

Additional Comments

Work Location and Hours

This position is headquartered in Charleston, South Carolina, although alternative duty stations in coastal South Carolina may be considered. Employees assigned to a duty station outside of Charleston must report to the Charleston office at least two days per week. Normal Consortium business hours are Monday through Friday 8:30 am to 5:00 pm. However, work beyond regular business hours, including evenings and weekends, may be necessary in order to complete the requirements of the position. Telecommuting options are available to employees following a year of employment and a review of performance. Travel throughout the state and region is necessary. A valid driver's license is required.

The SC Sea Grant Consortium is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions including, but not limited, to lactation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information.

The SC Sea Grant Consortium offers an exceptional benefits package for full time (FTE) employees:

• Health, dental, vision, long-term disability, and life insurance for employees, spouse, and children. Click here for additional information.
• 15 days annual (vacation) leave per year
• 15 days sick leave per year
• 13 paid holidays
• Paid Parental Leave
• S.C. Deferred Compensation Program available (S.C. Deferred Compensation)
• Retirement benefit choices *
• State Retirement Plan (SCRS)
• State Optional Retirement Program (State ORP)

Benefits for State Employees

The state of South Carolina offers eligible employees generous benefits, including health and dental insurance; retirement and savings plan options; and paid vacation and sick leave. Plus, work-life balance programs such as telecommuting and flexible work schedules are available to employees of some state agencies.

Insurance Benefits

Eligible employees may enroll in health insurance, which includes prescription coverage and wellness benefits. Other available insurance benefits include dental, vision, term life insurance, long term disability and flexible spending accounts for health and child care expenses.

Retirement Benefits

State employees are also offered retirement plan options, including defined benefit and defined contribution plans. Additionally, eligible employees may elect to participate in the South Carolina Deferred Compensation Program, which is a voluntary, supplemental retirement savings plan offering 401(k) and 457 plan options.

Workplace Benefits

State employees may also be eligible for other benefits, including tuition assistance; holiday, annual and sick leave; and discounts on purchases, travel and more.

Note: The benefits above are available to most state employees, with the exception of those in temporary positions. Employees in temporary grant and time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some or none of these benefits as benefits are associated with each position type. For these positions, contact the hiring agency to determine what benefits may be available.

Employer State of South Carolina

Agency Sea Grant Consortium Address 287 Meeting Street

Charleston, South Carolina, 29401

Phone 843-953-2078

The language used in this document does not create an employment contract between the employee and the agency. This document does not create any contractual rights or entitlements. The agency reserves the right to revise the content of this document, in whole or in part. No promises or assurances, whether written or oral, which are contrary to or inconsistent with the terms of this paragraph create any contract of employment.