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 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 translating its vision into strategy and strategy into execution. 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. The Director will be expected to build on and expand current external partnerships, donor and funding networks, collaborate with academic programs, and deepen UCI's 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.

Additional Application Material Required:

Monmouth University requires all applications and supporting documents to be submitted via the university's career portal. In addition to the application, candidates must upload the following documents. Applications will not be considered complete for review until all required documents are uploaded.

1. Resume or Curriculum Vitae
2. Cover Letter
3. Contact Information for Three Professional References

Optional Documents:

1. Three Letters of Recommendation
2. Other: Any additional evidence the candidate wishes to include

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. "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:



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 | Human Resources | 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:

$185,000 - $195,000

Union:

N/A

Job Posting Close Date

Open Until Filled