Posting DetailsPosting Information
Posting Number PG194717EP
Internal Recruitment No
Working Title Associate Director
Anticipated Hiring Range $97,000 - $102,000
Work Schedule Monday - Friday, 8am - 5pm; 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)
Department State Climate Office
Essential Job Duties We're looking for a leader who is:- A collaborative relationship-builder with strong communication skills
- Experienced in climate science or a related discipline
- Skilled in team leadership, project management, and strategic thinking
- Comfortable balancing administrative leadership with technical expertise
- Passionate about public service and community impact
The North Carolina State Climate Office (NC SCO) is seeking a dynamic and forward-thinking Associate Director to help lead and shape the future of one of the state's most impactful public service organizations. The NC SCO is a pubic service center at NC State University and is dedicated to serving the needs of North Carolinians by translating climate research and data into useful and usable knowledge.
This position is an exciting opportunity to help steer the NC SCO and enhance its ability and capacity to serve the people of North Carolina. Additionally, the NC SCO has longstanding and fruitful partnerships across the State of North Carolina, and the right candidate will help cultivate and further these professional relationships.
Reporting to the Director of the NC SCO, the Associate Director serves as both a senior administrator and subject matter expert in climate science. This role will act on behalf of the Director when needed and play a key leadership role in advancing the office's research, extension, and education mission. The ideal candidate will bring a blend of scientific expertise, leadership experience, and relationship-building skills to support a highly collaborative, mission-driven team.
Key Responsibilities include:
Leadership & Strategic Impact- 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
Research, Partnerships & Outreach- 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
Project & Staff Management- 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
Funding, Grants & External Relations- 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
Operations & Administration- 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
All NC SCO staff receive 10% dedicated time to pursue passion projects, professional development, and areas of personal and professional interest. If you are driven to apply your expertise in a role that bridges science, service, and leadership, this is your opportunity to help shape climate resilience and understanding across North Carolina.
Other Responsibilities - Other tasks and responsibilities may be assigned based on the needs of the organization and evolving priorities.
Qualifications
Minimum Education and Experience - Require post-baccalaureate credentials or a bachelor's degree plus alternative or equivalent professional training and experience.
Other Required Qualifications - Candidates should be able to function independently, have strong written and oral communication skills, and be able to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
- Candidates should have proven experience in a professional or academic weather or climate setting, including boundary-spanning spaces and state, local, and county governments.
- Candidates should feel comfortable understanding and discussing the 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
Preferred Qualifications - Ph.D preferred in Atmospheric science, public administration, climatology, geography, environmental science, forestry hydrology, geosciences, geology, agriculture and life sciences, biology or related field with 5 years experience.
Required License(s) or Certification(s) - A valid driver's license is required.
Valid NC Driver's License required Yes
Commercial Driver's License required No
Recruitment Dates and Special Instructions
Job Open Date 06/17/2026
Anticipated Close Date Open Until Filled
Special Instructions to Applicants Please include as attachments a resume/CV, cover letter, and contact information for at least 3 professional references.
Position Details
Position Number 00061815
Position Type EPS/SAAO
Full Time Equivalent (FTE) (1.0 = 40 hours/week) 1.00
Appointment 12 Month Recurring
Mandatory Designation - Adverse Weather Non Mandatory - Adverse Weather
Mandatory Designation - Emergency Events Non Mandatory - Emergency Event
Department ID 179501 - State Climate Office
