Director Climate Change Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Posting Details
Posting Information
Posting Number
PG194717EP
Internal Recruitment
No
Working Title
Associate Director
Anticipated Hiring Range
$97,000 - $102,000
Work Schedule
Monday - Friday, 8am - 5pm; at least 3 days per week in the office. Occasional work travel will be required, including on the weekends.
Job Location
Raleigh, NC (NC State University Centennial Campus)
Department
State Climate Office
About the Department
North Carolina has a complex climate due to its three distinct regions: the mountains, the piedmont, and the coastal plain. Climate affects many aspects of our daily lives - agriculture, environment, transportation, tourism, and natural disasters. North Carolina is especially prone to the impacts of a warming climate, including sea level rise, extreme precipitation, and hotter temperatures. The State Climate Office of North Carolina was established in 1976, originally at UNC-Chapel Hill, and moved to NC State University in 1980. The mission of the State Climate Office (SCO) is to provide climate related services to the state, local and federal agencies, businesses and the citizens of North Carolina. In 1998, the UNC Board of Governors formally approved it as a Public Service Center.
The State Climate Office is located on NC State University's Centennial Campus, where private industries, government agencies, and University researchers come together and create a unique environment for interaction and advancement. The State Climate Office is a part of the College of Sciences and collaborates closely with the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.
The State Climate Office is actively involved in research that enhances its capabilities to provide public service. The office specializes in research, monitoring, and education for climate-sensitive sectors across the state. North Carolina is at the frontline of climate change resilience, and the office is engaged in research projects that help North Carolinians understand their climate risk and adaptive capacity. The office has seen steady growth over the past decade, and receives funding from state and federal agencies. Additionally, the office runs the North Carolina ECONet, a network of 43 research-grade stations located statewide. The office hopes to place one station in each North Carolina county by 2030. While working in this unit, you will be expected to foster a supportive and welcoming environment.
NC State promotes an integrated approach to problem solving that transforms lives and provides leadership for social, economic, and technological development across North Carolina and around the world. NC State's land grant mission of teaching, research and service is dedicated to the service of North Carolina and its people. Applicants are encouraged to review the institution's mission, vision and strategic plan, and consider how their background, interest and experience would enable them to support the university.
Wolfpack Perks and Benefits
As a Pack member, you belong here, and can enjoy exclusive perks designed to enhance your personal and professional well-being. As you consider this opportunity, we encourage you to review our Employee Value Propositionand learn more about what makes NC State the best place to learn and work for everyone.
What we offer:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision
• Flexible Spending Account
• Retirement Programs
• Disability Plans
• Life Insurance
• Accident Plan
• Paid Time Off and Other Leave Programs
• 12 Holidays Each Year
• Tuition and Academic Assistance
• And so much more!

Attain Work-life balance with our Childcare benefits, Wellness & Recreation Membership, and Wellness Programs that aim to build a thriving wolfpack community.
Disclaimer: Perks and Benefit eligibility is based on Part-Time or Full-Time Employment status. Eligibility and Employer Sponsored Plans can be found within each of the links offered.
Essential Job Duties
We're looking for a leader who is:

• A collaborative relationship-builder with strong communication skills
• Experienced in climate science or a related discipline
• Skilled in team leadership, project management, and strategic thinking
• Comfortable balancing administrative leadership with technical expertise
• Passionate about public service and community impact

The North Carolina State Climate Office (NC SCO) is seeking a dynamic and forward-thinking Associate Director to help lead and shape the future of one of the state's most impactful public service organizations. The NC SCO is a pubic service center at NC State University and is dedicated to serving the needs of North Carolinians by translating climate research and data into useful and usable knowledge.
This position is an exciting opportunity to help steer the NC SCO and enhance its ability and capacity to serve the people of North Carolina. Additionally, the NC SCO has longstanding and fruitful partnerships across the State of North Carolina, and the right candidate will help cultivate and further these professional relationships.
Reporting to the Director of the NC SCO, the Associate Director serves as both a senior administrator and subject matter expert in climate science. This role will act on behalf of the Director when needed and play a key leadership role in advancing the office's research, extension, and education mission. The ideal candidate will bring a blend of scientific expertise, leadership experience, and relationship-building skills to support a highly collaborative, mission-driven team.
Key Responsibilities include:
Leadership & Strategic Impact

• Serve as acting Director in the Director's absence
• Help guide the NC SCO's strategic growth and future direction
• Foster strong partnerships across state agencies, universities, and external stakeholders
• Contribute to advancing the office's public service mission

Research, Partnerships & Outreach

• Build and sustain research collaborations with faculty, agencies, and partners statewide
• Support North Carolina agencies with climate expertise and applied data insights
• Deliver presentations at conferences and meetings on climate science, trends, and events
• Contribute to extension, research, and educational initiatives

Project & Staff Management

• Oversee administration and successful execution of SCO projects
• Supervise a team of environmental climatologists/scientists (3 direct reports)
• Support staff development, mentorship, and annual evaluations
• Ensure compliance with NC State policies and foster a culture of accountability
• Assist in task delegation and workload prioritization across the team

Funding, Grants & External Relations

• Support fundraising efforts, including grant writing and proposal development
• Cultivate partnerships to secure state and federal funding opportunities
• Develop familiarity with contract regulations governing SCO funding

Operations & Administration

• Assist with budget oversight and labor distribution management
• Coordinate with MEAS, College of Sciences, and university administration
• Engage stakeholders on project scope, funding, and deliverables

All NC SCO staff receive 10% dedicated time to pursue passion projects, professional development, and areas of personal and professional interest. If you are driven to apply your expertise in a role that bridges science, service, and leadership, this is your opportunity to help shape climate resilience and understanding across North Carolina.
Other Responsibilities

• Other tasks and responsibilities may be assigned based on the needs of the organization and evolving priorities.

Qualifications
Minimum Education and Experience

• Require post-baccalaureate credentials or a bachelor's degree plus alternative or equivalent professional training and experience.

Other Required Qualifications

• Candidates should be able to function independently, have strong written and oral communication skills, and be able to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
• Candidates should have proven experience in a professional or academic weather or climate setting, including boundary-spanning spaces and state, local, and county governments.
• Candidates should feel comfortable understanding and discussing the basics of climate science in meetings and seminars.
• Knowledge of climate science and climate impacts in the Southeast US
• Strong analytical and problem solving skills
• Professional experience with budgets and budgeting software
• Experience managing personnel/staff
• Record of securing and managing external funding
• Willingness to think creatively to pursue new research directions

Preferred Qualifications

• Ph.D preferred in Atmospheric science, public administration, climatology, geography, environmental science, forestry hydrology, geosciences, geology, agriculture and life sciences, biology or related field with 5 years experience.

Required License(s) or Certification(s)

• A valid driver's license is required.

Valid NC Driver's License required
Yes
Commercial Driver's License required
No
Recruitment Dates and Special Instructions
Job Open Date
06/17/2026
Anticipated Close Date
Open Until Filled
Special Instructions to Applicants
Please include as attachments a resume/CV, cover letter, and contact information for at least 3 professional references.
Position Details
Position Number
00061815
Position Type
EPS/SAAO
Full Time Equivalent (FTE) (1.0 = 40 hours/week)
1.00
Appointment
12 Month Recurring
Mandatory Designation - Adverse Weather
Non Mandatory - Adverse Weather
Mandatory Designation - Emergency Events
Non Mandatory - Emergency Event
Department ID
179501 - State Climate Office
EEO
NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-513-0574 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity.
If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515-2135 or workatncstate@ncsu.edu.
Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.
NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.