Director, Gulf Coast Engineering Research Center

Auburn University; Orange Beach (AL); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Educational opportunities

Work/life balance

Southern charm

Job summary

Auburn University invites applications for the Director of the Gulf Coast Engineering Research Center in Orange Beach, AL. This role will shape long-term vision and drive interdisciplinary research in water resources, coastal resilience, and related engineering challenges.

The director will secure external funding, manage center staff, and collaborate with main campus leadership to align with university priorities and regional needs on the Gulf Coast.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in engineering or science and at least 10 years of senior leadership experience.

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 coastal resilience.
• Research Management — Oversees Center research staff and project leads to ensure goals are achieved within budget and time constraints and high quality.
• Funding and Budgeting — Works with main-campus leadership to secure operational support and engages external funding agencies and opportunities.
• Team Building and Management — Recruits, mentors, and oversees a team of researchers and professional staff.
• Community and Stakeholder Engagement — Engages with coastal communities, industry, resource managers, and government stakeholders to align with regional needs.
• Reporting — Provides regular reports to senior college leaders and stakeholders on progress and plans.

Education

Master's degree in Engineering or Science or related field

Job description

Auburn University invites applications for the Director of the Gulf Coast Engineering Research Center in Orange Beach, AL. This role will shape long-term vision and drive interdisciplinary research in water resources, coastal resilience, and related engineering challenges.

The director will secure external funding, manage center staff, and collaborate with main campus leadership to align with university priorities and regional needs on the Gulf Coast.