Founded in 1856, University of Maryland, College Park is the state’s flagship institution. Our 1,250-acre College Park campus is just minutes away from Washington, D.C., and the nexus of the nation’s legislative, executive, and judicial centers of power. This unique proximity to business and technology leaders, federal departments and agencies, and a myriad of research entities, embassies, think tanks, cultural centers, and non-profit organizations is simply unparalleled. Synergistic opportunities for our faculty and students abound and are virtually limitless in the nation’s capital and surrounding areas. The University is committed to attracting and retaining outstanding and diverse faculty and staff that will enhance our stature of preeminence in our three missions of teaching, scholarship, and full engagement in our community, the state of Maryland, and in the world.

Offers of employment are contingent on completion of a background check. Information reported by the background check will not automatically disqualify someone from employment. Prior to any adverse decision, finalists have an opportunity to provide information to the University regarding the background check.

The University reserves the right to rescind offers of employment or otherwise decline or terminate employment if the information reported by the background check is deemed incompatible with the position, regardless of when the background check is completed.

Offers are contingent on providing proof of employment eligibility in the United States no more than 3 days after the initial start date. If this proof is not provided within this timeframe, the offer may be rescinded or employment terminated.

The Coastal Resilience Strategy Program Specialist at the University of Maryland Sea Grant Extension Program (UMDSGEP) is responsible for program coordination, project management, and leadership in developing a comprehensive coastal resilience strategy.

This role involves facilitating reporting processes, managing grant applications, and responding to NOAA National Sea Grant Office (NSGO) requests. The Program Specialist will spearhead research, analysis, and strategy development focused on community climate adaptation, stakeholder engagement, and equity & justice.

Reporting Line: Reports directly to the Assistant Director/State Program Leader of Environment, Natural Resources, and Sea Grant.

Experience:

Personal transportation, valid driver’s license, and willingness to travel within the state, including occasional night and weekend work.

Employment is contingent upon successful completion and clearance of a Criminal History Record Check.

Key Responsibilities:
Sea Grant Extension Program
 Collaborate with UMDSGEP and Maryland Sea Grant (MDSG) faculty and staff to streamline data collection, impact assessments, and reporting processes.
 Ensure accuracy and completeness in compiling reports based on collected data.

Grants & Funding
 Participate in identifying, developing, and submitting grant proposals and funding applications for applied climate and sustainability research and extension projects.

NOAA NSGO Requests
Collaborate with the Assistant Director:
 Handling requests from MDSG, NOAA NSGO, and other Sea Grant partners.
 Preparing materials for site reviews and other activities related to NOAA NSGO requests.

Special Projects and Initiatives
 Provide support for emerging projects and initiatives directed by the Assistant Director.
 Collaborate with Extension programming teams to enhance efforts where applicable.

Coastal Resilience Strategy
 Conduct comprehensive landscape analysis on coastal resilience, emphasizing climate adaptation, stakeholder engagement, and equity & justice.
 Attend relevant events and webinars, participate in communities of practice, and build relationships with stakeholders.
 Identify organizational roles and compile findings into actionable recommendations.

Strategy Development
 Develop a strategic plan for coastal resilience initiatives in collaboration with the Assistant Director and stakeholders.
 Ensure alignment with UME strategic plans and Maryland Sea Grant 2024 – 2027.

strategic goals
 Engage with experts in social equity and justice to integrate these principles into strategies.

Initiative Development & Stakeholder Engagement
 Facilitate the transition of strategies into implementation phases, developing specific programs with UMDSGEP, MDSG faculty and staff, and partners.
 Cultivate and maintain relationships with community leaders, organizations, and governmental bodies to ensure inclusive development and implementation of coastal resilience strategies.

The University of Maryland, College Park, an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, age, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, creed, marital status, political affiliation, personal appearance, or on the basis of rights secured by the First Amendment, in all aspects of employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.