Director, Gulf Coast Engineering Research Station

Auburn University; Auburn (AL); On-site; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Auburn University is seeking a Director for the Gulf Coast Engineering Research Center based in Orange Beach, Alabama. The role requires developing a long-term vision for water quality, coastal resilience, and related environmental engineering initiatives, while aligning with campus priorities.

The director will lead multidisciplinary teams, pursue external funding from NOAA, EPA, USACE, NSF, and state agencies, and report progress to college leadership and an advisory council.

Qualifications

• 10 years of leadership experience in a complex research organization.
• Proven track record securing extramural funds from federal/state agencies and private sector.
• Experience guiding water resources, coastal/environmental engineering, or marine science programs.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership — develops long-term Center vision and establishes leadership in coastal research.
• Research Management — oversees staff and ensures goals meet budget and timeline constraints.
• Funding and Budgeting — secures operational support and manages Center budget.
• Team Building and Management — mentors researchers and professional staff.
• Community and Stakeholder Engagement — collaborates with coastal communities and agencies.
• Reporting — provides regular progress reports to senior college leaders and advisory council.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Fundraising

Budget management

Stakeholder engagement

Team building

Education

Master's Degree in Engineering or Science

Job description

Overview

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.

To learn more about the center click here Gulf Coast Engineering Research Station

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.

Qualifications

Master'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 Type

Continuing

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.
• A Place for Everyone: Auburn is committed to fostering an environment where all faculty, staff, and students are welcomed, valued, respected, and engaged.

Equal Opportunity Compliance Statement

It 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 Date

9/2/2026