Associate Director, AI for Climate Programs

uchicago; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Chicago's Data Science Institute (DSI) invites applications for the Associate Director of the AI Weather Research initiative. You will oversee day-to-day operations, program planning, and staff support, partnering with the Director to translate strategy into action across researchers, postdocs, and administrators.

The role requires 5–7 years of relevant experience in program or research administration, a PhD preferred, and a proven ability to manage budgets, engage diverse

Qualifications

• Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.
• Minimum requirements include 5–7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
• PhD in a scientific, environmental, policy, or related field is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Collaborates with the Director 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.
• 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.

Skills

Program management

Budget oversight

Stakeholder engagement

People management

Cross-institution coordination

Education

PhD in scientific or related field

Bachelor's degree in related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Grants management tools

Job description

The University of Chicago's Data Science Institute (DSI) invites applications for the Associate Director of the AI Weather Research initiative. You will oversee day-to-day operations, program planning, and staff support, partnering with the Director to translate strategy into action across researchers, postdocs, and administrators.

The role requires 5–7 years of relevant experience in program or research administration, a PhD preferred, and a proven ability to manage budgets, engage diverse