The University of Chicago is hiring a Senior Director, Weather Forecasts to lead the new UChicago Human-Centered Forecasts initiative. You will build and grow this program to transform access to high-quality weather forecasts in low- and middle-income countries. The role is administratively based at the Development Innovation Lab (DIL) and involves working closely with faculty leads to manage workstreams, secure funding, and build partnerships.
What You'll Do
- Spearhead efforts to secure $20-$50 million in funding to establish a long-term program influencing global weather forecasting practice.
- Build and oversee a growing organization, including developing a strategic plan and overseeing management across workstreams.
- Lead conversations and negotiations with stakeholders, establishing relationships with high-level policymakers, funders, nonprofit leaders, and business executives.
- Develop long-range plans for research projects and ensure they progress according to plan.
- Manage, investigate, modify, and apply new procedures, techniques, or applications of technology.
- Oversee the establishment of goals and operating procedures, practices, and guidelines.
- Write articles, reports, and manuscripts and present research findings at meetings and/or conferences.
What We're Looking For
- College or university degree in a related field.
- Knowledge and skills developed through 7+ years of work experience in a related job discipline.
Nice to Have
- Master's degree in sustainable development, climate science, agrometeorology, economics, public policy, or a related field.
- PhD in sustainable development, climate science, agrometeorology, economics, public policy, or a related field.
- Knowledge and skills developed through 10+ years of work experience in a related field.
- Proven track record of working with multiple stakeholders, particularly senior counterparts at governments in low- and middle-income countries, multilaterals, and large international organizations.
- Familiarity with weather forecasting techniques and/or agrometeorology.
- Demonstrated leadership and management skills, including working across teams and efficiently managing the time of senior principals.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English.
- Prior experience supervising teams working in higher education, international organizations, or similar.
- Track record engaging with senior counterparts in foundations and the private sector.
- Experience leading grant proposals or otherwise raising resources. Significant fundraising experience, with a history of securing substantial funding for large-scale programs.
- Familiarity with development economics, particularly causal research.
- Familiarity with the latest developments using AI techniques in climate science or meteorology.
Team & Environment
You will manage a team of managers and professional staff. The role is based at the Development Innovation Lab (DIL) and involves working closely with faculty leads.
Benefits & Compensation
- Compensation range: $136,253.00 - $176,327.00
- Health, retirement, and paid time off benefits.
Work Mode
This role is onsite in Chicago, IL.
The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law.
