Director Urban Coast Institute

NEW JERSEY
Monmouth University Main Campus
400 Cedar Ave
West Long Branch, NJ 07764, USA

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 Mid‑Atlantic Ocean Data Portal; extensive partnerships with Naval Weapons Station Earle and local communities to enhance coastal community resilience and adaptation; establishment of four named UCI endowed student scholarships;

and annual funding for the Heidi Lynn Sculthorpe Faculty and Student Research Grants. With support from 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…