Science Education (SciEd) Director

ucar; Boulder (CO); On-site; USD 170,000 - 213,000; Full time

Job summary

UCAR invites applications for the SciEd Director role, a senior leadership position overseeing Science Education programs spanning early learners to adults, and coordinating across UCAR, NCAR, and UCP.

You will lead the strategic vision, program development, fiscal oversight, equity in staffing, and external engagement with sponsors, government agencies, and community partners, guiding Teaching and Learning, SOARS, and public outreach initiatives.

Job description

Position Type

Regular

Visa Sponsored Job

No

Relocation Assistance Eligible

No

Hiring Range

170,479.00 USD - 213,096.00 USD *Final salary and rates are based on education, experience, and skills relevant to the role.

Application Closes at

12:00am MST on: 2026-10-05

About the Role

The SciEd Director serves as a recognized expert in STEM education spanning audiences throughout the lifespan, from early learners to adult audiences, and fosters interaction and collaboration between UCP, NCAR, and UCAR Operations. The Director is responsible for program advocacy in various forums including with sponsors, government agencies, and community members. Large areas of work in SciEd include Teaching and Learning (teacher professional development, educational resource development, NCAR Mesa Lab exhibits, and School and Public Programs), and Significant Opportunities in Atmospheric Research and Science (SOARS).

The Director is responsible for developing and managing the strategic vision, mission, operations, organizational structure, financial health and program culture. The Director provides leadership and management of the implementation of long- and short-term planning that supports the Science Education [SciEd] Program, UCAR Community Programs (UCP) and UCAR missions. The role is responsible for the effective management and administration of the Program within UCP. The Director is a champion for creating an ethical, welcoming and supportive organizational culture. The Director participates in UCP management meetings and committees; assumes leadership in UCP-wide management functions as needed; and takes responsibilities that are flowed down from the Board of Trustees to the UCAR President and the UCP Director.

Job Description

Application Deadline: This position will be posted until 12 am MDT (at the beginning of) Monday, October 5, 2026 .

Background Checks

Conducted for candidates selected for hire. Learn more .

Work Location

Regardless of flexible work arrangements, UCAR requires ALL positions to be performed within the U.S., excluding U.S. Territories.

What You Will Do

Here is a brief summary of what one would expect to be generally responsible for in this role.

Program Development & Strategic Leadership

Leads the SciEd program, including setting priorities and strategies in consultation with the community, sponsors, and UCAR/UCP leaders. With input from UCP/UCAR senior leadership, provides leadership and vision in program development, identification of program needs, long-range and short-term strategic goals, as well as proposal and budget development. Responsible for fiscal oversight and proper financial management of the program. Ensures the program is responsive to needs and requests of sponsors. Responsible for ensuring the scientific veracity of products and services as well as the overall success of the program.

Team Management

Oversees and ensures the equity of the appointments, promotions, performance evaluations, and salary determination of program staff. Ensures the recruitment, support, and retention of an engaged and talented workforce. Provides leadership of mentoring and performance management plans for staff; leadership development, staff recognition, and succession planning. Manages staff conflict resolution to foster an environment of teamwork and excellence. Champions an ethical, welcoming, and supportive organizational culture.

Community & External Engagement

Promotes, leads, and fully engages in the Program, UCP, and UCAR vision and direction to strategic partners. Identifies and establishes new programmatic opportunities, consistent with the mission and purpose, that help identify new partnerships and increase strategic impact. Increases visibility and public awareness of the mission to advance research and education efforts; coordinates, as needed, with the UCAR Offices of Government Relations and External Engagement.

UCP & UCAR Leadership

Serves as an active participant on the UCP Executive Committee, offering advice on matters such as UCP goals, initiatives, budgets, priorities, and policies. Promotes efficient and effect