Director Of The Urban Coast Institute

Monmouth University is seeking applications for the Director of the Urban Coast Institute (UCI). The Director will report directly to the Dean of the School of Science and will be expected to collaborate with other Schools and Faculty engaged in teaching and research related to the mission of UCI broadly defined. Applications received by May 18 2026 will receive full consideration. This position is open until filled.

The UCI was founded in 2005 as a University center of distinction. The UCIs mission is (t)o serve Monmouth University and the public as a forum for research education and collaboration in the development and implementation of science-based policies and programs that support stewardship of healthy productive and resilient coastal ecosystems and sustainable communities.

New Jersey is the most densely populated coastal state with a 127 miles coastline continuing population growth and development pressures ecologically rich and sensitive habitats and a vibrant coastal and ocean economy. It presents an ideal laboratory for the study of coastal and oceans issues and development of best management practices and policies. UCI serves as the catalyst and hub for the Universitys coastal and ocean policy research and educational initiatives including hosting an annual Ocean Future Symposium and Champion of the Ocean Awards event. UCI regularly hosts major international nation and state and local speakers on campus; convenes policymakers environmental business leaders and scientists and; represents the University at regional national and international fora.

The UCI currently has four primary focus areas: (i) coastal and ocean policy and management; (ii) shore protection and coastal community resilience; (iii) healthy coastal and ocean ecosystems and (iv) academic and community engagement. The UCIs growth influence and impact on policy research and academics programs are supported by extensivecollaboration with faculty and students external partners and successful external fundraising from a variety of sources.

In 2025 UCI celebrated its 20^th Anniversary. Over that time it has substantially increased the diversity and amount of external funding and capacity including multiyear funding from NOAA and the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation to develop the MidAtlantic Ocean Data Portal; extensive partnerships with Naval Weapons Station Earle and local communities to enhance coastal community resilience and adaptation; establishment of 4 named UCI endowed student scholarships; and annual funding for the Heidi Lynn Sculthorpe Faculty and Student Research Grants. With support of the UCIs external Advisory Committee an endowed fund was established in 2025 to support student internships and experiential education fellowships. The UCI currently manages over $in external grants and contracts. UCI is an official observer to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and participates in other international ocean issues through its partnership with the Global Ocean Forum. During 2025 UCI raised over $2.5 million in unrestricted donor funds that will be dedicated to partially endow the UCI Director position and provide support for UCI operations student grants and fellowships.

The Director will have a unique opportunity to build on the UCIs past success and play the leadership role in positioning UCI for its next phase of growth translating its vision into strategy and strategy into execution. This person will manage the UCIs daily operations and a core team of six experienced professional staff and work with collaborating faculty and students. The Director will be expected to build on and expand current external partnerships donor and funding networks collaborate with academic programs and deepen UCIs engagement with and impact on the local regional and federal coastal and ocean policy and science landscape. While we recognize that no one candidate will have every experience outlined in the position description ideal candidates will display a combination of the following professional and personal qualities skills and characteristics which will set them up for success.

This is an in-person on-campus non-remote position. Some travel is expected.

For additional information about the Urban Coast Institute please visit the UCI Webpage.

Minimum Requirements:

• Masters Degree in a relevant field (i.e. Marine Science Biology Coastal and Ocean Management and Policy Public Policy Environmental Science etc.) or Juris Doctor
• 7 years of relevant experience in coastal ocean and environmental policy law science higher education or management.
• Familiarity and relevant expertise in state regional and national regulatory and policy environment
• Demonstrated leadership experience including leading applied policy or research initiatives.
• Experience in managing budgets
• Ability to engage with diverse stakeholder groups and work well with relevant constituents
• Possess excellent interpersonal organizational and communication skills

Preferred Qualifications:

• Doctoral degree or other terminal degree in a related field
• Experience working in higher education or with relevant coastal ocean and/or environment policy governmental or scientific organizations
• Demonstrated ability to establish professional relationships build teams and strategies for effective applied research policy development and implementation
• Demonstrated ability to work across disciplines
• Success in building multi-disciplinary teams and working with external advisory boards and/or committees
• Record of success in building relationships with donor private governmental and philanthropic organizations and securing external funding; including experience in fundraising and federal/state grants.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide leadership in developing strategic plans priorities and annual work plans
• Develop fundraising and financial plans and manage budgets
• Manage the UCI staff and lead its external advisory committee
• Promote the activities of the UCI and broaden visibility and participation within and outside the University
• Engage with the media and public through various forms of communication
• Establish strong relationships and cooperative arrangements that advance UCIs mission programs and activities
• Work with staff interested faculty external partners and the University Office of Grants and Sponsored Programs to develop proposal and secure funding for UCI programs projects and activities
• Participate in and build and maintain professional relations with relevant local regional and national policymakers key stakeholders public officials research collaborators and practitioners
• Work with UCI and University staff to plan and host the annual Ocean Future Symposium and Champion of the Ocean Awards
• Support academic engagement and collaboration with faculty and students.
• The Director reports to the Dean in the School of Science and is expected to work together to elevate UCI academic engagement and collaboration with faculty and students and with related constituencies outside the university.
• May teach one course per semester at the School Deans discretion. Administrators who teach a course during any academic term are eligible to receive additional compensation for teaching assignments per the Policy on Administrators Teaching Courses Section IV.A.
• Other duties as assigned

Questions regarding this search should be directed to:

Barbara Santos ator

Note to Applicants:

Please keep in mind that a job posted as Open until filled may close at any time without notice. As such we encourage you to submit your application and all required documentation as quickly as possible to ensure consideration for the posted position.

Working at Monmouth University perks:

• 403(b) Retirement Plan (8% employer contribution)
• Generous Paid Time Off
• Medical Dental & Vision Insurance Benefits
• Tuition Remission for employees upon hire
• Tuition Remission for spouse or civil-union partner and IRS dependent after one year of full-time continuous employment
• Employer paid Short & Long-Term Disability
• Employer-sponsored Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) FSA Telehealth and more

To view a full list of benefits visit our benefits page at:Employee Benefits Information HumanResources Monmouth University

Department:

Urban Coast Institute School of Science

Work Schedule:

Monday through Friday

Total Weeks Per Year

52

Hours Per Week:

36.25

Expected Salary:

$185000 - $195000

Union:

N/A

Job Posting Close Date

Open Until Filled

Required Experience:

Director