CIRES Center Education, Engagement and Evaluation Director

The Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES) at the University of Colorado Boulder seeks an innovative, experienced and strategic leader to serve as Director for the Center for Education, Engagement and Evaluation (CEEE). CEEE advances CIRES’ mission by connecting environmental science with learners, educators, scientists, and communities through education, engagement and career development.

The Director will provide visionary leadership and strategic direction for CEEE, overseeing a broad portfolio of programs and collaborating closely with Associate Directors and the CEEEleadership team. This role involves shaping long-term strategy, supporting an exceptional team, and ensuring CEEE’s programs drive meaningful impact across research, education, and engagement. The duties for this position are varied and require an interest and ability in learning new skills, working across multiple projects, and across fields.

Creativity and flexibility in problem solving, project management experience, organizational skills and attention to detail, excellent communication, and good interpersonal skills are critical for this position. The successful candidate will be responsible for grant writing and fundraising to support the CEEE team that is funded by federal grants, contracts and service agreements. About 50% of the position will be spent on externally funded project work that falls under the CEEE mission;

the successful candidate is expected to secure this project funding. The remaining 50% will be supported directly by CIRES.

The ideal candidate combines expertise in environmental or Earth sciences with an excellent understanding of the national science education and engagement landscape. The successful candidate will bring proven success in leadership and cross-sector collaboration, grant development and funding, fundraising from diversified sources including foundations, private donors and fee-based initiatives along with a passion for fostering inclusive, innovative learning environments. The leadership role requires the CEEE Director to be in the office 3 days per week.

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

CIRES is an internationally recognized leader in innovative environmental science and research and is located at the University of Colorado Boulder. At CIRES, more than
900 environmental science professionals work to understand the dynamic Earth system, including people’s relationship with the planet. CIRES has partnered with NOAA since 1967, and our areas of expertise include weather and climate, changes at Earth’s poles, air quality and atmospheric chemistry, water resources, solid Earth sciences, and more. Our vision is to be instrumental in ensuring a sustainable future environment by advancing scientific and societal understanding of the Earth system.

CIRES Center for Education, Engagement and Evaluation (CEEE) is a team of 24 outreach, education and evaluation professionals. CIRES CEEE is a well-known and trusted partner for connecting CIRES science with educators, learners and communities. We strive to make research data accessible, inspire environmental action and empower curiosity and scientific engagement. We provide accessible, inclusive, high-quality environmental science curriculum and informal learning experiences, as well as meaningful professional and career development opportunities.