Associate Director - Gcoos

Job Title

Associate Director - GCOOS

Agency

Texas A&M University

Department

Oceanography

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

College Station, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

Our Commitment

Texas A&M University is committed to enriching the learning and working environment by promoting a culture that respects all perspectives, talents & lived experiences. Embracing varying opinions and perspectives strengthens our core values which are: Respect, Excellence, Leadership, Loyalty, Integrity, and Selfless Service.

Who We Are

The Department of Oceanography in the College of Arts and Sciences at Texas A&M University (TAMU) is part of an alliance of Ocean Sciences at Texas A&M that spans the Marine Biology and Marine Sciences Departments at TAMU Galveston, Geochemical and Environmental Research Group. This alliance of Ocean Sciences represents a truly unique concentration of educational and research resources. Our educational and research capacity is greatly enhanced by close ties to the College Departments of Atmospheric Sciences, Geography, and Geology & Geophysics, as well as the Berg Hughes Center, and Texas Center for Climate Studies.

What We Want

The Gulf of Mexico Coastal Ocean Observing System (GCOOS) is the Gulf of Mexico regional component of the U.S. Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS) of NOAA and is part of the Department of Oceanography with Texas A&M University. At GCOOS we are looking for a highly motivated and experienced Associate Director of Operations interested in contributing to the management of the observing system. This Associate Director will support GCOOS grants, projects, staff, and strategic priorities. This is an ideal role for someone with interest in managing ocean observing system programs and projects. Your efforts will be integral to ocean industries, research and education benefiting society and the environment. To learn more about GCOOS at Texas A&M University visit us at: https://gcoos.org/.

If the description sounds exciting to you, we invite you to apply to be considered for this opportunity to join our team.

What You Need to Know

Salary: Compensation will be commensurate based on the selected candidate's education and experience.

This is a "Soft Money Position": All of this position is funded from a grant and/or contract provided by the federal government, which is renewed under the provisions of the grantor of the contract and/or grant. Continued employment, therefore, is contingent upon continuation of this funding and satisfactory job performance.

Export Controls: Given the nature and responsibilities for the position, the selected candidate must be a United States citizen, permanent resident, or a person granted asylum or refugee status in accordance with 15 CFR, Part 762; 22 CFR §§122.5, 123.22 and 123.26; and 31 CFR § 501.601.

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Data Science, Computer Science, GIS, Geography, Oceanography, Earth Sciences, Physics, Environmental Science, Engineering or another related field or equivalent combination of education and experience

• 8 years of experience in Computer Science, Information Technology Management, GIS, Geography, Oceanography, Earth Sciences, Physics, Environmental Science, Engineering, or another related field (Master's degree will be counted as 2 years of experience, and a PhD degree will be counted as additional 2 years of experience)

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Enthusiasm for taking on challenges, solving problems, and developing new skills along the way

• Able to work independently and as part of a team

• Desire for continuous improvement

• Able to communicate ideas effectively and to work cooperatively with others, inside and outside the organization

• Prior experience in budget development

• Prior experience in program development, management, evaluation, and proposal and scientific report writing

• Effective oral and written communication skills

• Prior experience in supervising and mentoring all levels of staff

• Knowledge of computer software programs and distance presentation methods

• Demonstrates an understanding and consideration of the differing needs and concerns of co-workers, funding agencies, and stakeholders

Preferred Education and Experience:

• Master's degree in Data Science, Computer Science, GIS, Geography, Oceanography, Earth Sciences, Physics, Environmental Science, Engineering, or related field

• 10 years of experience in Computer Science, Information Technology Management, GIS, Geography, Oceanography, Earth Sciences, Physics, Environmental Science, Engineering, or other related field (Master's degree is equivalent to two years of experience)

Preferred Licenses/Certifications:

• TX Driver's License

• Project Management/PMP Certification

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of marine sciences, ocean observations, and data management

• Experience with and advanced understanding of Integrated Ocean Observing Systems (IOOS)

• Experience in strategic planning processes

• Knowledge of engagement and outreach methods

• Experience interacting and leading discussions with scientists, industry and state and federal agencies

• Experience with fundraising; preferably with "non-traditional" sources (e.g., foundations, business and industry, etc.)

Responsibilities:

• Support of Strategic Planning and Development of Observation System: Helps develop, review and implement strategic plans, priorities and programmatic build-out efforts. Responsible for annual budget preparation. Helps monitor progress towards programmatic observing goals to ensure accountability. Participates in or leads proposal preparation opportunities. Remains current in the latest technologies for ocean observing to inform of programmatic planning.

• Management of Observation System: Supports management of observation system grants and projects and the development of policies and procedures. Performs post-award project management oversight and coordinates closely with Office of Sponsored Research, principal investigators, staff, and other collaborators, including expense control. Keeps critical Regional Association documents, manages sub award processes, reporting and compliance, and budget execution with regular report development for ED. Leads project NEPA and reporting requirements.

• Leads Data Management Program: Manages the Data Management and Cyberinfrastructure (DMAC) program across the Gulf of Mexico region. Provides operational management of DMAC system and supervises staff ensuring that DMAC managers and partners continue to carry out activities in line with NOAA/IOOS standards. Establish procedures that ensure quality control and compliance of RA with NOAA standards.

• Represents GCOOS: Represents GCOOS at regional or national working groups or committees, IOOS Network, and IOOS Association. Provides technical presentations at conferences and workshops. Supports external partnership identification and development.

• Other GCOOS Duties: Supports staff in the absence of Executive Director and performs other duties as assigned.

Why Texas A&M University?

We are a prestigious university with strong traditions, Core Values, and a community of caring and collaboration.  Amenities associated with a major university, such as sporting and cultural events, state-of-the-art recreation facilities, the Bush Library and Museum, and much more await you.  Experience all that a big city has to offer but with a reasonable cost-of-living and no long commutes.

• Medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, life and AD&D, flexible spending accounts, and long-term disability insurance with Texas A&M contributing to employee health and basic life premiums

• 12-15 days of annual paid holidays

• Up to eight hours of paid sick leave and at least eight hours of paid vacation each month

• Automatically enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas

• Health and Wellness: Free exercise programs and release time

• Professional Development: All employees have access to free LinkedIn Learning training, webinars, and limited financial support to attend conferences, workshops, and more

• Educational release time and tuition assistance for completing a degree while a Texas A&M employee

• Living Well, a program at Texas A&M that has been built by employees, for employees

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution's verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution's procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer.