RAL Program Director

Visa Sponsored Job:

Relocation Assistance Eligible:

Job Location:

Position Type & Term:

Salary Range $155,522 - $194,400

*Final salary and rates are based on education, experience, skills relevant to the role.*

• This is a hybrid role, with at least three in-office days per week in Boulder, CO.

• This is a full-time, seven-year term position, with the possibility of a up to 3-year extension.

• This job posting will close at 12 am MDT on August 16, 2025.

Required Application Materials:

Resume

Questionnaire - Within the job application, you will be prompted to answer the following questions:

• Please confirm the specific program or programs you are interested in applying for (WCAP, ERAP, TMAP).
• Please identify the most crucial skills you think are needed for a RAL program director role and explain why.
• (TMAP PROGRAM ONLY)Please explain why you are interested in the TMAP program director position (Enter N/A if not applying for this position).
• (TMAP PROGRAM ONLY) Based on the TMAP program director's requirements, describe how you meet the criteria and make you a suitable candidate (Enter N/A if not applying for this position).
• (WCAP PROGRAM ONLY) Please explain why you are interested in the WCAP program director position (Enter N/A if not applying for this position).
• (WCAP PROGRAM ONLY) Based on the WCAP program director's requirements, demonstrate how you meet the criteria and make you a suitable candidate (Enter N/A if not applying for this position).
• (ERAP PROGRAM ONLY) Please explain why you are interested in the ERAP program director position (Enter N/A if not applying for this position).
• (ERAP PROGRAM ONLY) Based on the ERAP program director's requirements, demonstrate how you meet the criteria and make you a suitable candidate (Enter N/A if not applying for this position).

VISA: This role is visa-supported.

Background Checks: Conducted for candidates selected for hire. Learn more.

Below, you will find a general overview of responsibilities within each of the programs in which a Program Director will be hired

Water Cycle Applications Program (WCAP) Program Director

• Provides leadership, guidance, and oversight to the scientific and technical activities conducted within the WCAP.

• The WCAP Director coordinates and leverages those activities across the laboratory to develop longer-term program strategies, engage in new funding opportunities, and serves as an expert resource on-and advocates for-the use of cutting-edge science and engineering methods to improve water and food security by improving our understanding and predictive capabilities in areas including, but not limited to, clouds and storms, precipitation, snowpack, runoff and flooding, water resources, land surface, agriculture and crop production.

• As a member of the laboratory's Executive Committee, is responsible for the overall productivity, creativity, and excellence of the laboratory. The WCAP Director contributes to formulation and execution of the RAL Strategic and Implementation Plan, as well as tactical, short-range plans, and to the preparation and presentation of NSF NCAR-wide reports such as the Annual Budget Review, Program Operating Plan, and NSF NCAR Annual Report.

• Initiates, leads, and conducts original individual and team-oriented scientific research on a variety of water and agriculture-related issues connected to the water cycle. Plans and manages budgets and other staffing resources within the WCAP. Coordinates and leverages fiscal and human resources across the laboratory.

• Promotes effective recruitment practices in support of organizational initiatives to embrace an ethical, welcoming, and supportive environment. Enhances the quality of the scientific and technical program through effective management practices that foster an environment of teamwork and excellence.

• They lead the annual performance evaluation process for WCAP and participate in the process for all laboratory staff in coordination with other Program Directors.

• Develops and conducts interactions and collaborations with other NSF NCAR laboratories and UCAR Community Programs (UCP) divisions and programs to manage joint research and development initiatives.

• They represent RAL to external entities including domestic and international agencies, UCAR member institutions, and the scientific community at large. Provide stimulating presentations to a variety of audiences. Ensures consistent and appropriate application of UCAR policies and procedures.

• May publish visionary and technical papers in professional outlets as well as industry magazines or trade journals.

• Engages in education and outreach activities and provides meaningful community service, ensures effective WCAP program webpages, develops informative program flyers, social media promotion materials, and brochures for distribution.

Environmental Resilience Applications Program (ERAP) Program Director

• Provides leadership, guidance, and oversight to the scientific and technical activities conducted within the ERAP. The ERAP Director coordinates and leverages those activities across the laboratory to develop longer-term program strategies, engage in new funding opportunities, and serves as an expert resource on-and advocates for-the use of cutting-edge science and engineering methods to enhance human wellbeing and resilience against hazards including, but not limited to, drought, wildfires, air pollution, heat, and storm surges, as well as assess the implications of weather and climate intervention techniques.

• As a member of the laboratory's Executive Committee, is responsible for the overall productivity, creativity, and excellence of the laboratory.

• The ERAP Director contributes to formulation and execution of the RAL Strategic and Implementation Plan, as well as tactical, short-range plans, and to the preparation and presentation of NSF NCAR-wide reports such as the Annual Budget Review, Program Operating Plan, and NSF NCAR Annual Report.

• Initiates, leads, and conducts original individual and team-oriented scientific research on a variety of human wellbeing and resilience-related topics, including, but not limited to, renewable energy prediction, weather and climate intervention, and risk assessment. Plans and manages budgets and other staffing resources within the ERAP.Coordinates and leverages fiscal and human resources across the laboratory.

• Promotes effective recruitment practices in support of organizational initiatives to embrace an ethical, welcoming, and supportive environment. Enhances the quality of the scientific and technical program through effective management practices that foster an environment of teamwork and excellence.

• They lead the annual performance evaluation process for ERAP and participate in the process for all laboratory staff in coordination with other Program Directors.

• Develops and conducts interactions and collaborations with other NSF NCAR laboratories and UCAR Community Programs (UCP) divisions and programs to manage joint research and development initiatives.

• They represent RAL to external entities including domestic and international agencies, UCAR member institutions, and the scientific community at large. Provide stimulating presentations to a variety of audiences. Ensures consistent and appropriate application of UCAR policies and procedures.

• May publish visionary and technical papers in professional outlets as well as industry magazines or trade journals.

• Engages in education and outreach activities and provides meaningful community service, ensures effective ERAP program webpages, develops informative program flyers, social media promotion materials, and brochures for distribution.

Transportation Meteorology Applications Programs (TMAP) Program Director

• Provides leadership, guidance, and oversight to the scientific and technical activities conducted within the TMAP. The TMAP Director coordinates and leverages those activities across the laboratory to develop longer-term program strategies, engage in new funding opportunities, and serves as an expert resource on-and advocates for-the use of cutting-edge science and engineering methods in the transportation sector including, but not limited to, aviation and space, land-based (roads and rail), and maritime weather.

• As a member of the laboratory's Executive Committee, is responsible for the overall productivity,creativity, and excellence of the laboratory. The TMAP Director contributes to formulation andexecution of the RAL Strategic and Implementation Plan, as well as tactical, short-range plans, and to the preparation and presentation of NSF NCAR-wide reports such as the Annual Budget Review, Program Operating Plan, and NSF NCAR Annual Report.

• Initiates, leads, and conducts original individual and team-oriented scientific research on a variety of weather-sensitive transportation safety and efficiency issues. Plans and manages budgets and other staffing resources within the TMAP and coordinates and leverages fiscal and human resources across the laboratory.

• Promotes effective recruitment practices in support of organizational initiatives to embrace an ethical, welcoming, and supportive environment. Enhances the quality of the scientific and technical program through effective management practices that foster an environment of teamwork and excellence.

• They lead the annual performance evaluation process for TMAP and participate in the process for all laboratory staff in coordination with other Program Directors.

• Develops and conducts interactions and collaborations with other NSF NCAR laboratories and UCAR Community Programs (UCP) divisions and programs to manage joint research and development initiatives.

• They represent RAL to external entities including domestic and international agencies, UCAR member institutions, and the scientific community at large. Provide stimulating presentations to a variety of audiences. Ensures consistent and appropriate application of UCAR policies and procedures.

• May publish visionary and technical papers in professional outlets as well as industry magazines or trade journals.

• Engages in education and outreach activities and provides meaningful community service. and ensures effective TMAP program webpages, develops informative program flyers, social media promotion materials, and brochures for distribution.

Successful candidates will ensure their application materials speak to the following criteria:

Education & Experience

• Ph.D. (or an equivalent combination of education and experience) in science, mathematics, geography, or engineering.

• Expertise in atmospheric science, numerical weather prediction, data assimilation, statistics, and/or social sciences.

• 10 years of progressively responsible experience in the conduct and/or management of scientific or technical programs.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

TMAP specific:

• Expert skill in developing, testing, and evaluating transportation weather and related diagnosis and prediction technologies with a strong record of peer-reviewed publications reflecting these skills.

• Excellent familiarity with government agencies that oversee transportation. Agency examples include, but are not limited to, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and state transportation departments. Demonstrated ability to effectively work with the key agency representatives.

WCAP specific:

• Expert skill in developing, testing, and evaluating water cycle-related diagnosis, analysis, and prediction technologies with a strong record of peer-reviewed publications reflecting these skills.

ERAP specific:

• Expert skill in developing, testing, and evaluating weather-related risks and resilience and related diagnosis, analysis, and prediction technologies with a strong record of peer-reviewed publications reflecting these skills.

General to the role:

• Expert skill in scientific and technical advocacy to effectively and persuasively promote goals and strategies for the advancement of RAL programs with NSF NCAR, UCAR, funding agencies, and the general community.

• Expert skill in developing and leading programs in which both science and engineering play significant roles.

• Advanced leadership skills in directing and developing a staff of widely varying backgrounds, education levels, and experience.

• Advanced skills in budget and resource development, organization, and management.

• Skill in identifying problems or potential problems, and in recommending, promoting, and implementing effective and creative solutions.

• Excellent written and oral presentation skills. Outstanding interpersonal skills.

• Strong relationships with relevant industry stakeholders and sponsor requirements, including domestic and international agencies.

• Ability and willingness to travel as needed.

UCAR affirms its commitment to employees through competitive benefits. In addition to medical, dental, vision, retirement, and life insurance, UCAR offers a variety of programs focused on work-life balance and professional, and personal development. These include:

• Tuition Assistance, time off allowance to attend classes, and other professional development opportunities

• UCAR contributes 10% of your eligible pay into your retirement account; 100% fully vested on day one

• Starting minimum accrual of 20 days of personal time off each year (prorated for less than full-time positions)

• 10 paid holidays

• 10 days of sick leave each year

• 12 weeks of paid parental leave

• Short-term medical leave paid at 100% of your regular salary

• EcoPass for local Colorado residents to use the Denver and Boulder-area transit system at no cost

Applicants are not required to provide age or age-related information and may redact information related to age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution from any submissions during the initial application process.

At NSF NCAR| UCAR | UCP, you will work alongside a dedicated team of professionals conducting critical research and community outreach to solve complex Earth system science problems including climate change, air pollution, extreme weather, floods, drought, wildfires, and space weather, all with the goal of improving human life and reducing economic loss. Each of us, from scientists to the professionals who support their work, serves the public and a collaborative community of scientists in our mission to understand the complex processes that make up the Earth system, from the ocean floor to the Sun's core.

Flexible Work

At UCAR, we are committed to supporting our mission by giving staff the flexibility to find the schedule and location that works best to maintain their own work-life circumstances and reach their full potential as professionals. Many positions within our organization are eligible for fully on-site, hybrid (three days per week) and/or flexible work hours.

Equal Opportunity Employer

UCAR is committed to providing equal opportunity for all employees and applicants for employment and does not discriminate on the basis of race, age, creed, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or pregnancy.Whatever your intersection of identities, you are welcome at UCAR.

Export Control

All positions are required to comply with U.S. export compliance regulations work location requirements regarding access to facilities and research systems.

Visa Wait Times

Please consider the length of visa procurement when applying for this posting, understanding that you will not be able to begin employment until you are able to get a visa and enter the U.S.

Work Location

UCAR requires ALL positions to be performed within the U.S., excluding U.S. Territories.

AI Software

ChatGPT and similar AI software are powerful tools that are changing theway society receives, processes, and leverages information promptly. While we acknowledge its benefits and do not restrict leveraging it with job applications, we highly encourage a majority of the applicant material to be original work.