Program Associate

Position Details Working Title: Program Associate Position Title: University Program Associate Vacancy Number: S02945 Position Number: 8482 Competency Level: Journey FTE: 1.0 FTE (40 hours per week) Months Per Year: 12 Months Work Days: Monday - Friday Work Hours: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Type of Position: Permanent Job Posting Date: 10/29/2026 Posting Close Date: 11/04/2026 Number of Openings: Single Incumbent Recruitment Range $45,400 - $52,000 The salary range advertised is the designated recruitment range for this classification. Final salary offers will be determined by the candidate's education, relevant experience, internal equity alignment, and departmental budgetary parameters. Location Location of Workplace: CMS Myrtle Grove College: Center for Marine Science - 306 College Home Department: Center for Marine Science - 30600 Benefits of Working at UNCW At the University of North Carolina Wilmington, we are driven by a clear purpose: to empower student success, advance innovation, and strengthen the communities we serve. Guided by our strategic vision and commitment to excellence, UNCW offers a dynamic and collaborative environment where employees can make meaningful contributions while growing their careers. Located in coastal North Carolina, UNCW combines the energy of a thriving academic community with the natural beauty of nearby beaches and outdoor spaces. Here, professional opportunity is balanced with an exceptional quality of life-creating a workplace where you can thrive both personally and professionally. As a member of the Seahawk community, you'll benefit from a culture that values well-being, lifelong learning, and connection. UNCW offers a competitive and flexible benefits package designed to support your health, financial well-being, and professional growth. From comprehensive health coverage and retirement options to generous paid leave, tuition opportunities within the UNC System, learning and development opportunities, and wellness programs, UNCW is committed to helping you thrive both at work and in your personal life. Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit The University of North Carolina Wilmington's Center for Marine Science (CMS) is recognized both nationally and internationally for conducting research that contributes to the understanding of environmental processes and problems. CMS strives to engage communities to address societal issues and promote use-inspired innovations. Through research, education and outreach, the Center strives to increase knowledge about coastal and marine sciences and cultivate community engagement in coastal resilience. This includes a variety of fields such as physical oceanography; marine and coastal biology; marine, atmospheric, and natural products chemistry; marine geology; aquaculture; environmental sciences, marine policy, human health, and sociology. Currently there are more than 100 active research programs supported by CMS and over 140 scientists, staff and students broadly associated with the unit. The teaching and research facility located on the Intracoastal Waterway in southeastern North Carolina features state of the art core facilities in spectrometry and spectroscopy, light stable isotopes, biotechnology, aquaculture, DNA and water quality analysis as well as running seawater systems, a coastal workboat fleet and a wide range of oceanographic equipment that are available to all CMS researchers. CMS supports educational programs related to marine science, including the Applied Coastal and Ocean Science Ph.D. program and MS Marine Science degree as well as courses and students from various marine-science related academic departments across the breadth of UNCW. It also supports several outreach entities, including NC Sea Grant, the NC National Estuarine Research Reserve, and Marine Quest, among others. University Information The University of North Carolina Wilmington, the state's coastal university, is dedicated to the integration of teaching, mentoring, research, and service. UNC W is distinguished by its commitment to putting students first, supporting world-class faculty and staff, delivering transformative learning experiences, and leveraging its unique proximity to the ocean. Recognized nationally for scholarly excellence and affordability, UNC W offers a powerful academic experience that stimulates creative inquiry and critical thinking and reflects emerging industries and interdisciplinary innovation. A public institution with nearly 20,000 students, UNC W offers a full range of baccalaureate- and graduate-level programs, as well as doctoral degrees in educational leadership, marine biology, nursing practice and psychology; and many distance learning options, including clinical research, an accelerated RN-to-BSN program, an Executive MBA program structured for working professionals, and the nation's first bachelor's degree program focused on coastal engineering. The university's efforts to advance research and scholarly activities have earned UNC W the elevated designation of "Doctoral Universities: High Research Activity" institution (R2 University) by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. Founded as Wilmington College in 1947, UNC W moved to its present location in the heart of New Hanover County in 1961. The 660-acre campus is only minutes from Wrightsville Beach and historic downtown Wilmington and features Georgian architecture and designated conservation areas. Wilmington International Airport (ILM) provides commercial air service to cities both domestic and abroad and is just six miles from the UNC W campus. UNC W has been part of the University of North Carolina System since 1969. Job Summary This position works closely with unit leadership to promote research activities at the Center for Marine Science. The Program Associate (PA) is responsible for planning and successfully executing events; developing special programs focused on research and innovation, collecting information and curating records; preparing operational and budget-related reports. The program associate also must demonstrate matter knowledge of UNCW's marine science research and education programs; keep current with research advancements in coastal and marine science as well as university policy and accurately convey information to diverse stakeholders. The PA is the main point of contact for special CMS programs. The PA will: Independently maintain a comprehensive understanding of major CMS research programs, including goals, needs, and deliverables, to inform strategic planning and budget stewardship. Monitor ongoing CMS-based research and student activities; develop and manage data/information tracking efforts; analyze trends; contribute to the development of progress reports. Develop frameworks for sharing research related resources and ensuring platforms are available to relevant audiences. Coordinate with leadership and researchers to plan and deliver research development workshops, stakeholder engagement meetings, and outreach programming. Assist leadership in developing short-term strategies to address Center goals and/or research initiatives prioritized by CMS. Act as a point of contact for university faculty, staff, students, university partners and community stakeholders seeking information related to coastal and marine science research at UNCW. Represent CMS to a wide range of audiences, including members of the public, researchers, community partners, donors, and leadership at on and off campus venues. Minimum Education and Experience Requirements Bachelor's degree; or equivalent combination of training and experience. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions. Preferred education, professional skills and experience Demonstrated expertise in coastal and marine science, including familiarity with UNCW research programs, regional needs, and the ability to engage with experts across disciplines. Proven experience in planning and executing research-focused events, such as workshops, symposia, and outreach initiatives. Skilled in digital platforms and tools, including web development, data visualization, social media, SharePoint, and Google Workspace. Strong ability to coordinate and support research programs, including stakeholder engagement, scope development, database management, and administrative tasks. Knowledgeable in University and CMS policies related to space use, scheduling, budgeting, purchasing, catering, and travel. Exceptional customer service and relationship-building skills, with the ability to respond to inquiries and foster collaboration among internal and external stakeholders. Proficient in information management, including data interpretation, report generation, and assisting users with CMS tools and software. Effective communicator and leader, capable of supervising interns, chairing committees, and representing CMS programs in public and professional settings. Required Certifications or licensure None EEO Statement UNCW does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of his or her race, sex (such as gender, gender identity, marital status, childbirth, and pregnancy), age, color, national origin (including ethnicity), religion, disability, sexual orientation, political affiliation, veteran status, military service member status, genetic information, or relationship to other university constituents - except where sex, age, or ability represent bona fide educational or occupational qualifications or where marital status is a statutorily established eligibility criterion for State funded employee benefit programs. Eligibility for Employment Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. UNC Wilmington 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. External Link to Posting #J-18808-Ljbffr University of North Carolina Wilmington