[ES_JOBS_NET] Associate Director - AI for Weather, University of Chicago

Tue Sep 1 12:46:53 MDT 2026

https://uchicago.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/External/job/Chicago-IL/Associate-Director---AI-for-Weather_JR34948

Associate Director - AI for Weather

*Department*
PSD Data Science: AI Weather Research Staff

*About the Department*
The Data Science Institute (DSI) at the University of Chicago was
established to support the development of emerging efforts in data science
across the University. The staff in the Data Science Institute support the
University's community of scholars, their shared ideals, and the core
values that make the University a singular intellectual destination.
Together with the University's deans and department chairs, the DSI
provides the opportunities, infrastructure, and resources that encourage
our faculty and other scholars to pursue their finest work. We are part of
the Physical Sciences Division, which includes departments and several
interdisciplinary research institutes and centers.

*Job Summary*
The Data Science Institute's AI for Climate (AICE) research initiative
seeks an Associate Director to support and advance the operational,
programmatic, and people-management functions of the initiative. Reporting
to the Director of AI for Weather, the Associate Director serves as a key
operational leader responsible for the day-to-day execution of the
initiative's research and administrative programs, team coordination,
stakeholder engagement, and budget oversight. This role works closely with
the Director to translate initiative-level strategy into concrete program
plans and ensures that researchers, postdoctoral scholars, and
administrative staff are well-supported in their work. The Associate
Director exercises significant independent judgment and serves as a senior
point of continuity for the initiative in the Director's absence. The role
oversees program strategy, stakeholder engagement, and cross-institutional
convening for one or more lead project efforts, while overseeing
communications and providing higher-level continuity across the broader
HCWF/AICE portfolio.

*Responsibilities*

   - Collaborates with the Director of AI for Weather to coordinate and
   execute the initiative's daily operations and program portfolio,
   translating strategic goals into actionable work plans.

   -

   Performs ongoing assessment of program organization and function;
   identifies operational gaps, recommends improvements, and implements
   solutions.
   -

   Leads and manages special projects or functions related to the research
   of the initiative, as assigned by the Director.
   -

   Oversees the initiative's communications and ensures senior-level
   continuity on administrative matters directly tied to active program work.
   -

   Assists the Director in overseeing hiring, performance evaluation, and
   professional development for initiative staff, in coordination with DSI HR
   and administrative leadership.
   -

   Supports and coordinates engagement with initiative sponsors, government
   partners, foundations, and international collaborators; serves as a
   programmatic point of contact for active projects.
   -

   Acts as a liaison between the AI for Climate initiative and other
   University departments, the Physical Sciences Division, and relevant
   compliance and sponsored research offices.
   -

   Monitors the AI for Climate initiative budget; provides the Director
   with regular financial updates, ensures spending is within approved limits,
   and makes budgetary recommendations.
   -

   Supports proposal development for grants and contracts; assists in
   preparing reports for funders and tracks grant deliverable timelines.
   -

   Coordinates action items and participants for scientific meetings;
   develops sufficient technical fluency in AI and climate topics to
   communicate effectively with researchers and external partners.
   -

   Develops and communicates program priorities and performance standards
   and assesses operations using these criteria. Plans and conducts quality
   assurance reviews and recommends changes as appropriate.
   -

   Has a deep understanding when interacting with faculty, researchers and
   staff for committee work or information.
   -

   Performs other related work as needed.

*Minimum Qualifications*

Education:
Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related
field.

Work Experience:
Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5-7
years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

---

*Preferred Qualifications*

Education:

   -

   PhD in a scientific, environmental, policy, or related field.

Experience:

   -

   Progressive experience in program or research administration, science
   management, or a closely related field.
   -

   Experience in climate science, atmospheric science, AI/ML research, or
   adjacent scientific domains.
   -

   Demonstrated experience coordinating multi-institutional or interagency
   stakeholders, including funders, government partners, and/or collaborators.
   -

   Experience managing or contributing to program or project budgets.
   -

   Prior experience in an Associate Director or senior manager-level role
   in an academic, research, or science-policy environment.
   -

   Experience with international program coordination or cross-sector
   (academia–government–industry) partnership management.
   -

   Familiarity with the grant lifecycle, from proposal development through
   reporting and closeout.
   -

   Demonstrated ability to manage multiple concurrent initiatives
   independently in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment.

*Preferred Competencies*

   -

   Strong written and verbal communication skills, including experience
   drafting reports, briefings, or proposals for varied audiences.
   -

   High degree of professionalism and emotional intelligence; ability to
   build trust and collaborate across faculty, staff, and external partners.
   -

   Self-starter who can operate with significant independence in a complex
   administrative environment.
   -

   Strong analytical and organizational skills; attention to detail
   balanced with capacity for big-picture thinking.
   -

   Ability to manage multiple high-priority tasks simultaneously and under
   tight deadlines.
   -

   Commitment to an inclusive team culture and equitable people-management
   practices.
   -

   Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with utmost
   discretion.
   -

   Proficiency in Microsoft Office and familiarity with project and
grants management
   tools.

*Working Conditions*

   -

   This position is eligible for a hybrid work arrangement consistent with
   DSI and University policies.
   -

   The role may require occasional travel to represent the initiative at
   conferences, partner institutions, or funder meetings.
   -

   May involve extended time working at a computer and engagement with
   teams across multiple time zones.

*Application Documents*

   - Resume/CV (required)
   - Cover letter (required)
   - List of three professional refernces (preferred)

The University of Chicago uses AI-assisted tools to streamline and augment
some recruitment processes; however, AI is not used to make hiring
decisions.

When applying, the document(s) *MUST* be uploaded via the *My Experience*
page, in the section titled *Application Documents* of the application.

*Job Family*
Administration & Management

*Role Impact*
Individual Contributor

*Scheduled** Weekly Hours*
37.5

*Drug Test Required*
No

*Health Screen Required*
No

*Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required*
No

*Pay Rate Type*
Salary

*FLSA Status*
Exempt

*Pay Range*
$90,000.00 - $110,000.00

The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith
estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of
posting.

*Benefits Eligible*
Yes

The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and
resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid
time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the
<http://mybenefits.nfp.com/UChicago/benefits-guide/>Benefits Guidebook
<http://mybenefits.nfp.com/UChicago/benefits-guide/>.
<http://mybenefits.nfp.com/UChicago/benefits-guide/>

*Posting Statement*

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not
discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual
orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic
origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability,
military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes
under the law. For additional information please see the University's
Notice of Nondiscrimination.
<http://www.uchicago.edu/about/non_discrimination_statement/>

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the
application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant
Inquiry Form.
<http://uchicago.service-now.com/services?id=services_sc_cat_item_request&sys_id=8ff79243dbe91c1029f52ad94b961946>

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that
includes a review of conviction history.  A conviction does not
automatically preclude University employment.  Rather, the University
considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the
nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in
time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report)
provides information about University offices and programs that provide
safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and
communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be
accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu. Paper copies of the
Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police
Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.
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