UCAR Community Programs Director

UCAR COMMUNITY PROGRAMS (UCP) DIRECTOR

The University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR) is excited to announce the opening for the role of the UCAR Community Programs (UCP) Director. This senior executive position manages the strategic direction of UCP and provides guidance and oversight of UCAR’s organizational management functions, including establishing, articulating, and implementing UCAR and UCP’s mission and strategic plans; and management oversight for the operational, programmatic, and policy aspects of all UCP programs and activities. The UCP Director also serves on the UCAR President’s Council, playing an important advisory role in the overall organizational management of UCAR and advocating for UCP’s programmatic activities. 

WHERE YOU WILL WORK

Headquartered in Boulder, Colorado, University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR) is a nonprofit consortium of more than 130 North American colleges and universities focused on research and training in Earth system science (ESS). UCAR’s primary function is to manage the U.S. National Science Foundation National Center for Atmospheric Research (NSF NCAR) on behalf of the NSF. 

UCAR brings together the ESS community to exchange ideas, discuss challenges, and share what we've learned. By connecting researchers and educators with each other, with cutting-edge resources, and with the private sector, we take research out of the lab into the real world for the benefit of society.

The eight programs and three centers that make up UCAR Community Programs (UCP) extend and enhance the world-class research done at the national center. UCP provides a suite of innovative resources, tools, and services to researchers, educators, and practitioners in the ESS community. Activities in UCP include everything from training weather forecasters, firefighters, and emergency managers to supporting a constellation of atmosphere-observing satellites. UCP also develops internship programs and educational resources, provides real-time data and software analysis tools, and manages projects and staffing for scientific programs nationwide and worldwide.

This is a full-time position based in Boulder, CO. UCAR supports hybrid work, but the duties of this leadership position require a significant in-person presence.

**Regardless of flexible work arrangements, UCAR requires ALL positions to be performed within the U.S., excluding U.S. Territories.**

PROCEDURE FOR CANDIDACY

Inquiries, nominations, and applications should be submitted electronically below. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. 

Candidates should provide the following materials for a completed application, addressing the responsibilities and requirements described in the Leadership Profile which can be found below.

1. A resume or curriculum vitae that summarizes your background and experience as it relates to this leadership role.
2. A letter of application that addresses the responsibilities and requirements described in this Leadership Profile.
3. A written Statement with tangible examples of how you have increased access and opportunity and built a strong organizational culture in previous organizations.

This position offers a hiring salary range of $240,016 - $300,020. The final salary will be based on education, experience, skills relevant to the role, and internal equity. Information about UCAR's benefits can be found here.

Work Authorization: UCAR will not sponsor a work visa (e.g., J-1, H1-B, etc.) for this position. U.S. Citizenship, Permanent Residency, or other protected status under 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) is required for this position. 

Relocation Assistance: Relocation assistance is offered for this position.

Pre-employment screenings are conducted for selected candidates; A background check will be conducted for the finalist. Learn more.

HOW YOU WILL MAKE AN IMPACT AT UCAR

The UCP Director manages the strategic direction of UCP, ensuring that its programs and centers are aligned and working collaboratively to leverage UCP expertise for innovation and new funding opportunities that positively impact the ESS community. The director partners closely with NSF NCAR leadership to extend the impact of NSF NCAR activities within the community. This position partners with the UCAR President and other senior leadership to secure new business opportunities and revenue streams for the organization’s research, education tools, data distribution, and other applications for the community. 

Below is a summarized outline of key responsibilities that one would expect to be responsible for in this role. 

UCP Responsibilities on behalf of UCP

• Provides leadership to UCP, ensuring that the support provided by the UCP Directorate meets the business and strategic needs of UCP programs and centers.
• Supervises UCP Center Directors and chairs the UCP Executive Committee to ensure the successful and effective execution of UCP activities.
• Collaborates with UCP Leadership to advance the UCP Strategic Plan and explores new opportunities and business models, focusing on big-picture issues and emerging trends that could use and build upon UCP’s expertise.
• Works with external agencies and other funding sources, including for-profit and nonprofit organizations, to advocate for and develop opportunities for UCP programs. 
• Collaborates with NSF NCAR, as well as member universities, on research to operations that strengthen the broader impacts to the community.
• Leads UCP all-staff meetings and UCP communications to support two-way, transparent, and efficient communications across the organization.
• Advocates for internal support functions including Finance, Administration, Facilities, Human Resources, Contracts, Information Technology, and others on behalf of UCP to ensure effective business and enterprise support of UCP Programs.
• Supervises and mentors UCP Directorate staff.

UCP Director Responsibilities on behalf of UCAR

• Serves on the President’s Council, which is responsible for the overall organizational management of UCAR. Represents and advocates for UCP’s programmatic activities to the President’s Council.
• Serves on committees that advance UCAR's mission, provides input into UCAR’s strategic vision, and ensures its implementation.
• Authorizes personnel and financial actions as prescribed by policy and designated by the UCAR President.
• Provides advice to the UCAR President on a wide range of leadership, management, and administrative subjects.
• Serves as acting UCAR President on an as-needed basis.

WHO WE’D LOVE TO JOIN OUR TEAM

Successful candidates will ensure their application materials speak to the following criteria:

Education & Experience 

• We are seeking candidates with a Ph.D. in Atmospheric Science or a field related to this position, along with progressive experience in scientific research. The new UCP Entity Director will also have 10 years of demonstrated experience successfully leading and managing research, service, and application programs. Candidates with an equivalency of education and experience will also be highly considered.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Leadership and executive management experience, preferably while representing and supporting scientific or academic programs.
• Demonstrated management skills in the following areas: Project management, operations, finance, creating inclusive environments, and organizational development.
• Demonstrated experience in developing and sustaining relationships with a diverse internal team, as well as with external partners in academia, government, nonprofits, and the business sector.
• Demonstrated experience with strategic planning implementation and ability to lead organizational change.
• Skill in representing organizations and/or scientific concepts at a national and international level in public, private, and academic sectors.
• Previous experience in one or more of the following technical areas: Meteorology, oceanography, hydrology, remote sensing, geoscience, new learning technologies, and education services and planning.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, as well as strong presentation skills.
• Experience leading successful proposal efforts and teams.
• Excellent people skills.
• Proven ability to supervise and mentor employees in a wide range of positions.
• Ability and willingness to travel domestically and internationally.

SOME FINAL CONSIDERATIONS 

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

Our organization is committed to creating a diverse, equitable, accessible, and inclusive work environment and fostering a culture where everyone feels welcome and supported. To learn more about these efforts, visit the Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Strategic Plan and our Diversity & Inclusion: A Welcoming Workplace site. 

Research shows that women and people of color are less likely to apply for a position if they do not meet almost 100% of the desired skills and experience. Please note that this is not necessary. If you meet the minimum requirements and have a passion for the work, you are encouraged to apply. 

Inclusive Benefits

UCAR affirms its commitment to employees through competitive benefits. Beyond rich medical, dental, vision, and life insurance offerings, as well as employee assistance and backup dependent care, UCAR offers the following benefits: 

• The company contributes 10% of gross pay into retirement; 100% fully vested on day one
• 32 days of personal time off 
• 10 paid holidays
• 10 days of sick leave every year
• 14 weeks of paid parental leave
• Tuition assistance and other professional development opportunities
• EcoPass for local Colorado residents to use the Denver and Boulder-area transit system at no cost.

Commitment to Job Application Fairness

Applicants are not required to provide age or age-related information and may redact information related to age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution from any submissions during the initial application process.

At UCAR|NCAR|UCP, you will work alongside a dedicated team of professionals conducting critical research and community outreach to solve complex Earth system science problems including climate change, air pollution, extreme weather, floods, drought, wildfires, and space weather, all with the goal of improving human life and reducing economic loss. Each of us, from scientists to the professionals who support their work, serves the public and a collaborative community of scientists in our mission to understand the complex processes that make up the Earth system, from the ocean floor to the Sun’s core.

Flexible Work

At UCAR, we are committed to supporting our mission by giving staff the flexibility to find the schedule and location that works best to maintain their own work-life circumstances and reach their full potential as professionals. Many positions within our organization are eligible for fully on-site, hybrid, fully remote, and/or flexible work schedules.

Equal Opportunity Employer

UCAR is committed to providing equal opportunity for all employees and applicants for employment and does not discriminate on the basis of race, age, creed, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or pregnancy. Whatever your intersection of identities, you are welcome at UCAR.

Export Control

All positions are required to comply with U.S. export compliance regulations and work location requirements regarding access to facilities and research systems. 

Pam Pezzoli and John Muckle are leading this search with Alexandra Lolavar.