Director, Gulf Coast Engineering Research Station

Auburn University•Auburn, AL

4d•Onsite

About The Position

This position is located in Orange Beach, Alabama. The Samuel Ginn College of Engineering (SGCOE) is excited to begin the search for the Director of the Gulf Coast Engineering Research Center. This position is responsible for developing the long-term vision and strategies for the Center, ensuring it gains a prominent role in applied research and innovation in water quality and quantity and coastal resilience across the Gulf Coast region.

Requirements

Master's Degree in Engineering or Science or a related field
10 years of experience in high-level leadership of a complex research organization, ideally in water resources, coastal/environmental engineering, or marine science.
Demonstrated experience securing extramural funds from federal and state agencies and the private sector for applied research.

Responsibilities

Develops long-term vision, strategies, and tactics for the Center, establishing it as a leader in applied research on water quality and quantity, coastal resilience, and related environmental and engineering challenges.
Works closely with leadership on the main campus to maintain alignment with overall university research priorities.
Oversees Center research staff and project leads to ensure goals are achieved within budget and time constraints and that projects are carried out with high quality.
Promotes interdisciplinary work spanning water resources, coastal and ecological engineering, and environmental science.
Works with main-campus leadership to secure operational support for the Center.
Focuses significant effort on engaging external funding agencies (e.g., NOAA, EPA, USACE, NSF, state environmental and coastal agencies) and identifying research opportunities for Center staff and main-campus researchers.
Manages the Center's budget to allocate and utilize resources effectively.
Recruits, mentors, and oversees a team of researchers and professional staff.
Fosters a collaborative environment and promotes continuous growth.
Engages with coastal communities, industry, resource managers, and government stakeholders to ensure the Center's work aligns with regional needs and priorities.
Facilitates engagement of main-campus faculty and students with Center activities and the Orange Beach and broader Gulf Coast community.
Provides regular reports to senior college leaders and stakeholders on the Center's progress, achievements, challenges, and future plans.
Conducts activities with input from a Center advisory council.