Executive Director, Division of Atmospheric Sciences

Executive Director – Division of Atmospheric Sciences Overview: The Desert Research Institute (DRI), a non‑profit environmental research institution, is seeking a qualified executive to provide scientific leadership and management for its Division of Atmospheric Sciences (DAS). The role supports and expands Division faculty research, enhances revenue through program development, and leads multidisciplinary research initiatives. Key Responsibilities Perform oversight of DAS personnel and provide career coaching, recruitment, and support. Maintain and grow the existing portfolio of DAS research projects and programs. Identify new opportunities and initiate new lines of business by leveraging existing capabilities. Provide leadership and oversight of DAS resources, including budgets and facilities. Implement strategies for sustaining and developing research programs and targeted hiring for strategic research expansion areas. Advocate for DAS faculty both internally and externally. Contribute to the overall success of the Institute by actively engaging as a member of DRI’s Senior Leadership Team. Lead, pursue, and develop new areas of research and coordinate multi‑institutional proposal development. Build collaborative teams and partnerships within and outside of DRI to raise funds for laboratories, facilities, and research areas. Provide guidance to faculty on program planning, grant writing, and other funding acquisition. Minimum Qualifications Master’s degree from an accredited institution in a DAS research topic area or related field. Demonstrable excellence in leadership, management, and program development. Experience identifying research opportunities and implementing strategies to capitalize on them. Previous experience supervising budgets and personnel. Broad understanding of atmospheric science‑related environmental and research issues. Outstanding interpersonal and written communication skills. U.S. citizenship and eligibility to obtain a U.S. government security clearance. Preferred Qualifications Ph.D. degree or advanced credentials. Experience in a research environment with faculty salaries generated through external grants. Experience leading, managing, and building collaborative teams. Experience authoring and reviewing proposals, reports, and publications. Conditions of Employment U.S. citizenship and eligibility to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance. Successful candidate will be required to pass a mandatory drug test as well as satisfactory background investigations. Compensation and Benefits Minimum annual salary: $250,000, commensurate with experience. Benefits include comprehensive health insurance (dental, vision, life, long‑term disability), 19.25% tax‑deferred retirement contribution with matching, annual leave, sick leave, paid holidays, tuition reduction for employees and eligible dependents, relocation assistance, and no state income tax or social security deduction. EEO Statement The Desert Research Institute is an equal‑opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law. #J-18808-Ljbffr