Director Urban Ocean Lab Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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. 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 UCI's growth, influence and impact on policy, research and academics programs are supported by extensive collaboration with faculty and students, external partners, and successful external fundraising from a variety of sources.
In 2025, UCI celebrated its 20th 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 UCI's external Advisory Committee an endowed fund was established in 2025 to support student internships and experiential education fellowships. 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, 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 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:
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. 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
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.