OverviewThis 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.
To learn more about the center click here Gulf Coast Engineering Research Station
Special Instructions: Candidates are required to upload a resume and cover letter with their application. Please combine into one document. Applications will be reviewed beginning Friday, October 23, 2026, and will continue to be reviewed until the position is filled.
Responsibilities- Strategic Leadership - 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.
- Research Management - 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.
- Funding and Budgeting - 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.
- Team Building and Management - Recruits, mentors, and oversees a team of researchers and professional staff. Fosters a collaborative environment and promotes continuous growth.
- Community and Stakeholder Engagement - 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.
- Reporting - 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.
QualificationsMaster's Degree in Engineering or Science or a related field and 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.
Contract TypeContinuing
Why Work at Auburn?- Life-Changing Impact: Our work changes lives through research, instruction, and outreach, making a lasting impact on our students, our communities, and the world.
- Culture of Excellence:We are committed to leveraging our strengths, resources, collaboration, and innovation as a top employer in higher education.
- We're Here for You:Auburn offers generous benefits, educational opportunities, and a culture of support and work/life balance.
- Sweet Home Alabama:The Auburn/Opelika area offers southern charm, vibrant downtown scenes, top-ranked schools, and easy access to Atlanta, Birmingham, and the Gulf of Mexico beaches.
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- Ready to lead and shape the future of higher education? Apply today! War Eagle!
Equal Opportunity Compliance StatementIt is our policy to provide equal employment and education opportunities for all individuals without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other classification protected by applicable law. Please visit the Office of Equal Opportunity Compliance's website to learn more.
Posted Date9/2/2026
