Ai Associate Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

• Collaborateswith 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;identifiesoperational 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.

• Supportsand 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 asappropriate.

• Has a deep understanding when interacting with faculty,researchersand staff for committee work or information.

• Performs other related work as needed.

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 canoperatewith 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 inclusiveteamculture andequitablepeople-management practices.

• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with utmost discretion.

• Proficiencyin Microsoft Office and familiarity with project andgrantsmanagement tools.

Working Conditions

• This position is eligible for a hybrid work arrangement consistent with DSI and University policies.

• The role may require occasional travel torepresentthe initiative at conferences, partner institutions, or funder meetings.

• May involve extended time working at a computer and engagement with teams across multiple time zones.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)
• Cover letter (required)
• List of three professional refernces (preferred)