Unidata Program Specialist IV; Community Services & Partnerships Manager

Program Specialist IV (Community Services & Partnerships Manager)

Compensation: $111,246 - $125,150

UCAR is excited to announce the job opening for the Program Specialist IV (Community Services & Partnerships Manager) role. This senior leadership role is responsible for building and sustaining the external partnerships that advance Unidata's mission of serving our broad community. This position leads community engagement, business development, and liaison work with universities, federal agencies, the private sector, and international organizations, as well as manages the Community Services Group.

• External Relations & Advocacy
  • Lead the Community Advisory Committee: set meeting agendas, coordinate status reports, and track action items to closure.
  • Manage recruitment and nomination of new committee members.
  • Administer the Russell L. DeSouza award, in partnership with the Committee.
  • Initiate and manage collaborations with NOAA (NWS, NCEP) and other partner agencies, including business development and service as project liaison.
  • Advocate for the Unidata community on data matters, negotiating data and software agreements and maintaining relationships with agencies holding data of community interest.
  • Track agency planning for new data and software systems and represent Unidata's interests at agency meetings and workshops, creating opportunities for Unidata involvement.
• Engaging and Expanding the Community
  • Assess community needs and foster interaction across the Unidata community to promote sharing of data, tools, and ideas.
  • Plan and lead community events, including the Unidata Users Workshop and dedicated sessions at AMS, AGU, and other professional meetings.
  • Broaden the network of partner institutions, including outreach to other geoscience communities where collaboration adds value.
  • Administer the Community Equipment Awards program, in partnership with the Unidata Director.
• Business Development & Strategic Funding
  • Develop and execute Unidata's business development strategy: promote products and services to expand existing funding relationships, secure new funding mechanisms and service agreements, and pursue philanthropic sponsorship opportunities.
  • Identify and pursue additional funding opportunities aligned with the program's overarching business development plan.
  • Serve as Principal Investigator on funded projects as needed, including management of project funds.
• Manage the Community Services Group
  • Oversee CSG activities and supervise staff (up to 2 direct reports).
  • Facilitate close collaboration between CSG and Unidata technical staff.
  • Serve on the Unidata Management Team, advising the Unidata Director on relevant plans and activities.

Education & Experience

• Master's degree in science, education, or public administration.
• 6 years of relevant program experience; or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.

Desired, but not required

• 10 years of experience in scientific program management, preferably within a governmental agency.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Subject‑matter expertise: in-depth understanding of the principles underlying the Unidata Program, and of the broader agency landscape – especially NOAA line offices (NWS, NCEP, ESRL, NCEI) and NASA.
• Business development acumen: understanding of the funding environment, and demonstrated skill identifying program and business development opportunities and translating them into actionable strategies.
• People leadership: demonstrated experience supervising and mentoring staff, and leading senior‑level interdisciplinary teams, including significant project management experience.
• Meeting and workshop facilitation: advanced skill planning and conducting meetings, workshops, and online discussion groups, including use of digital collaboration tools.
• Travel: ability and willingness to travel.
• Integrity and confidentiality: ability to handle confidential/sensitive information consistent with UCAR policy, acting with integrity and exhibiting behavior that merits public trust and confidence.

• Medical, dental, vision, retirement, and life insurance.
• Tuition Assistance, time off allowance…