Associate Director - AI for Weather

About this role

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,   re searchers   a nd 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.

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