Associate Director

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as acting Director in the Director’s absence.
• Help guide the NC SCO’s strategic growth and future direction.
• Foster strong partnerships across state agencies, universities, and external stakeholders.
• Contribute to advancing the office’s public service mission.
• Build and sustain research collaborations with faculty, agencies, and partners statewide.
• Support North Carolina agencies with climate expertise and applied data insights.
• Deliver presentations at conferences and meetings on climate science, trends, and events.
• Contribute to extension, research, and educational initiatives.
• Oversee administration and successful execution of SCO projects.
• Supervise a team of environmental climatologists/scientists (3 direct reports).
• Support staff development, mentorship, and annual evaluations.
• Ensure compliance with NC State policies and foster a culture of accountability.
• Assist in task delegation and workload prioritization across the team.
• Support fundraising efforts, including grant writing and proposal development.
• Cultivate partnerships to secure state and federal funding opportunities.
• Develop familiarity with contract regulations governing SCO funding.
• Assist with budget oversight and labor distribution management.
• Coordinate with MEAS, College of Sciences, and university administration.
• Engage stakeholders on project scope, funding, and deliverables.
• Other tasks and responsibilities may be assigned based on the needs of the organization and evolving priorities.

• Post‑baccalaureate credentials or a bachelor’s degree plus alternate or equivalent professional training and experience.

• Function independently, possess strong written and oral communication skills, and thrive in a fast‑paced environment.
• Proven experience in a professional or academic weather or climate setting, including boundary‑spanning spaces and state, local, and county governments.
• Comfort with discussing basics of climate science in meetings and seminars.
• Knowledge of climate science and climate impacts in the Southeast US.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Professional experience with budgets and budgeting software.
• Experience managing personnel/staff.
• Record of securing and managing external funding.
• Willingness to think creatively to pursue new research directions.

• Ph.D. in atmospheric science, public administration, climatology, geography, environmental science, forestry, hydrology, geosciences, geology, agriculture and life sciences, biology, or a related field with at least five years of experience.

• Valid driver’s license required.

• Medical, Dental, and Vision.
• Flexible Spending Account.
• Retirement Programs.
• Disability Plans.
• Life Insurance.
• Accident Plan.
• Paid Time Off and Other Leave Programs.
• 12 Holidays each year.
• Tuition and Academic Assistance.
• Childcare benefits, Wellness & Recreation Membership, and Wellness Programs.

Work Schedule:

Monday – Friday, 8 am – 5 pm; at least 3 days per week in the office. Occasional work travel will be required, including on the weekends.

Job Location:

Raleigh, NC (NC State University Centennial Campus).

Salary Range: $97,000 – $102,000.

NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability‑related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919‑513‑0574 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity.

If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515‑2135 or workatncstate.

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex‑offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.

NC State University participates in E‑Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.