Job Details

Director Of The Urban Coast Institute

Job Category: Academic Support
Requisition Number: DIREC001306
Posted: April 16, 2026
Full Time
On-site
Rate: $185,000 USD per year

Monmouth University Main Campus
West Long Branch, NJ

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 UCI's 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 University's coastal and ocean policy, research and educational initiatives, including hosting an annual Ocean Future Symposium and Champion of the Ocean Awards event.

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.

In 2025, UCI celebrated its 20th Anniversary. The UCI currently manages over $6,000,000 in external grants and contracts. UCI is an official observer to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.

The Director will have a unique opportunity to build on the UCI's past success and play the leadership role in positioning UCI for its next phase of growth. This person will manage the UCI's daily operations and a core team of six experienced professional staff, and work with collaborating faculty and students.

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:

• Master's 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 UCI's 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 Dean's discretion.
• Other duties as assigned

Questions regarding this search should be directed to: Barbara Santos at bsantos@monmouth.edu or 732-263-5629

Note to Applicants: Please keep in mind that a job posted as “Open until filled” may close at any time without notice.