Associate Director

About the role

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.

Responsibilities

• Serve as acting Director in the Director’s absence
• 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
• Aid 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

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.
• 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.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision
• Flexible Spending Account
• Retail Retirement Programs
• Disability Plans
• Life Insurance
• Accident Plan
• Paid Time Off and Other Leave Programs
• 12 Holidays Each Year
• Tuition and Academic Assistance