The USGA is a mission-based nonprofit organization whose purpose is to unify the game, showcase the best talent in golf, provide impartial governance and advance our impact on critical issues such as sustainability, accessibility and inclusion. We conduct the U.S. Open, the U.S. Women’s Open and 13 other national championships at America’s iconic golf venues. The USGA’s headquarters is located in Liberty Corner, N.J., with a new satellite Golf House Pinehurst campus scheduled to open in Dec. 2023. For more, visit usga.org.
About this role:
Manage and provide administrative support for Green Section research activities, namely the Davis Program, 15/30/45, and other cooperative and internal research. Support the development of educational products derived from Green Section research.
What you'll do:
Davis Program Management and Support
- Coordinates the annual Davis Program call for proposals, including circulation, receiving and organization of proposals, and liaising with potential and funded scientists on proposal statuses.
- Liaises with universities and the director of Green Section research to execute agreements for all projects.
- Collaborates with USGA accounting and the director of Green Section research to make payments to all funded universities.
- Requests, organizes, and collates annual Davis Program progress reports from funded investigators.
- Coordinates research committee meetings and site visits to funded universities, and distribution of meeting agendas and other materials.
- Helps to maintain and update the research projects database.
Research Support
- Supports field research activities for 15/30/45 and other agronomic foci, as time allows, through execution of administrative and technical activities. This may include assisting with the development of educational materials, traveling to document research progress, and carrying out research protocols.
- Potentially supports golfer experience research (as needed and depending on the skills of the successful candidate).
Other
- Represents the USGA at scientific, environmental, and educational meetings and conferences.
- Develops educational materials to support the research program, as needed.
- Assists the Green Section Record editorial staff to identify new research content from USGA-funded research.
- Remains current in turf-related literature associated and golf course maintenance.
- Maintains a fundamental understanding of the Green Section department plan.
- Assists with other departmental activities and projects, as assigned.
Where you'll be:
- This role will be based at our new headquarters in Pinehurst, North Carolina, scheduled to open in Dec. 2023.
What you bring:
- Golf course work experience is required; experience with maintenance in a leadership role is preferred.
- Research experience is required.
- Demonstrated project management experience is required.
- Must be able to balance multiple projects and prioritize deadlines.
- Must have an interest and aptitude for developing relationships and working in cross-functional teams.
- Must be highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to work independently.
- Excellent communication skills are required.
- Experience working with university sponsored programs offices is preferred.
- A Bachelor of Science degree in agriculture, horticulture, agronomy, agricultural engineering, or a related field is required (a graduate degree is preferred).
What the USGA brings:
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, including a zero cost medical plan offered for all full-time employees
- Retirement plans, with up to 10% annual USGA contribution
- Suite of programs to promote physical, emotional, and financial well-being
- Generous bank of paid time off, plus the week between Christmas and New Years Day off
- Off-site team building events
- Professional development opportunities
The USGA is an equal opportunity employer. Our organization believes we are stronger by embracing our diverse backgrounds and perspectives, promoting equity so all teammates can excel and grow in their careers, and fostering experiences to drive inclusion in our workplace and game. Golf is a game for everyone, and you are always welcome.