CIRES Center for Education, Engagement and… at CU Boulder · Boulder

Job Summary

The Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES)at the University of Colorado Boulder seeks an innovative, experienced and strategic leader to serve as Director for theCenter for Education, Engagement and Evaluation (CEEE). CEEE advances CIRES’ mission by connecting environmental science with learners, educators, scientists, and communities through education, engagement and career development.

The Director will provide visionary leadership and strategic direction for CEEE, overseeing a broad portfolio of programs and collaborating closely with Associate Directors and the CEEE leadership team. This role involves shaping long-term strategy, supporting an exceptional team, and ensuring CEEE’s programs drive meaningful impact across research, education, and engagement. The duties for this position are varied and require an interest and ability in learning new skills, working across multiple projects, and across fields. Creativity and flexibility in problem solving, project management experience, organizational skills and attention to detail, excellent communication, and good interpersonal skills are critical for this position. The successful candidate will be responsible for grant writing and fundraising to support the CEEE team that is funded by federal grants, contracts and service agreements. About 50% of the position will be spent on externally funded project work that falls under the CEEE mission; the successful candidate is expected to secure this project funding. The remaining 50% will be supported directly by CIRES.

The ideal candidate combines expertise in environmental or Earth sciences with an excellent understanding of the national science education and engagement landscape. The successful candidate will bring proven success in leadership and cross-sector collaboration, grant development and funding, fundraising from diversified sources including foundations, private donors and fee-based initiatives along with a passion for fostering inclusive, innovative learning environments. The leadership role requires the CEEE Director to be in the office 3 days per week.

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Who We Are

CIRES is an internationally recognized leader in innovative environmental science and research and is located at the University of Colorado Boulder. At CIRES, more than 900 environmental science professionals work to understand the dynamic Earth system, including people’s relationship with the planet. CIRES has partnered with NOAA since 1967, and our areas of expertise include weather and climate, changes at Earth’s poles, air quality and atmospheric chemistry, water resources, solid Earth sciences, and more. Our vision is to be instrumental in ensuring a sustainable future environment by advancing scientific and societal understanding of the Earth system.

CIRES Center for Education, Engagement and Evaluation (CEEE) is a team of 24 outreach, education and evaluation professionals. CIRES CEEE is a well-known and trusted partner for connecting CIRES science with educators, learners and communities. We strive to make research data accessible, inspire environmental action and empower curiosity and scientific engagement. We provide accessible, inclusive, high-quality environmental science curriculum and informal learning experiences, as well as meaningful professional and career development opportunities.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

Leadership and Strategic Direction (15%)

• Provide leadership, management, and strategic vision for CEEE.
• Collaborate with Associate Directors to define priorities, implement initiatives, and oversee the project portfolio.
• Foster a positive, supportive, and high-performing workplace culture.
• Represent CIRES and CEEE with funding agencies, partners, and collaborators through presentations and networking.
• Maintain active engagement with national and international professional organizations.
• Contribute to CIRES and CU Boulder’s service, reporting, and impact assessments.

Financial and Administrative Management (20%)

• Manage and allocate the CEEE operating budget (~$2.5M annually) in collaboration with Associate Directors.
• Oversee project budgets, staffing, reporting, and award actions.
• Identify funding opportunities and lead and support grant and proposal development across the CEEE portfolio.
• Engage with donors and oversee finances for the CEEE service center.

Team Supervision and Development (10%)

• Supervise Associate Directors, and others as needed (~4-8 staff).
• Oversee deliverables, provide guidance and performance feedback, and anticipate staffing and funding needs.
• In collaboration with Associate Directors, hire and onboard new staff and promote professional growth across the team.

Program and Partnership Oversight (5%)

• Support CIRES/NOAA scientists in developing education, engagement, evaluation, or Broader Impacts components of research grants.
• Build and maintain partnerships with CIRES, CU Boulder, and NOAA to advance shared education and engagement priorities.
• Manage community, CIRES, CU and partner requests for collaboration, including partner with NOAA to advance NOAA education priorities.

Project portfolio pending the securing of additional funds (50%)

• Lead components or projects of CEEE’s portfolio in areas such as curriculum development, educator training, public engagement, workforce development, and education research and evaluation.
• Provide direction, management, and oversight for selected projects, including budgeting, staffing, reporting, and strategy.
• Foster partnerships to advance project outcomes and ensure broad dissemination through communications, presentations, and publications.

What You Should Know

• Visa sponsorship is not offered for this position. Candidates needing visa sponsorship now or in the future are not eligible for hire in this role.
• Applicants must be currently authorized to legally work in the United States on a full-time basis.
• This position requires the ability to travel occasionally (3-5 trips per year).
• This position will be rostered in CIRES at the University of Colorado Boulder, in Boulder, CO.

What We Can Offer

• CIRES offers a generous compensation package.
• The annual hiring salary range for this position is $112,055 - $145,673. Salary is commensurate with education and experience and determined based on our CIRES internal career track classification.
• After an initial onboarding period, this position can accommodate a hybrid work modality. This position requires presence in the University of Colorado Boulder campus at least 3 times a week.
• Some relocation funds are available to help offset expenses, following CIRES and the University of Colorado’s relocation processes and procedures.
• CIRES and the University of Colorado Boulder offer a robust training curriculum, opportunities for professional development, and a Mentorship Program.
• Boulder is a vibrant community with access to mountain parks, dog parks, miles of trails, rivers, lakes, cafes, restaurants, boutiques, theaters, museums, and sports venues.
• As an employee at CU Boulder, you will have free access to the regional public transit system, an outstanding network of buses, and light rail systems that service Boulder and connect to Denver, the Denver airport, and surrounding communities.

Benefits

At the University of Colorado Boulder, we are committed to supporting the holistic health and well-being of our employees. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and retirement plans; generous paid time off; tuition assistance for you and your dependents; and an ECO Pass for local transit. As one of Boulder County’s largest employers, CU Boulder offers an inspiring academic community and access to world-class outdoor recreation. In fact, CU Boulder has been named one of Forbes' America's Best Large Employers, ranking #4 among large employers in Colorado and #28 among universities nationwide. Explore additional perks and programs through the CU Advantage program.

Be Statements

Be challenged. Be supportive. Be Boulder.

What We Require

• Ph.D. in Education, Environmental Science, Geoscience, or a closely related field.
• At least six years of experience directing programs, including hiring, grant management, event planning, and reporting.
• At least six years of experience supervising and mentoring professionals.
• Proven record of securing external funding as Principal Investigator or co-Principal Investigator.
• Extensive and demonstrated experience in education or research environments supported by federal grants and/or contracts.
• Proven success in building effective, supportive team cultures.
• Ability to travel occasionally (3-5 trips per year).

What You Will Need

• In-depth knowledge of the U.S. environmental education, engagement and outreach landscape.
• Proven success in grant writing, fundraising, and managing funds in areas aligned with CEEE’s and CIRES’s mission.
• A history of critical thinking and ability to align center initiatives that advances CEEE and CIRES mission and goals.
• Proven ability to lead multiple geographically dispersed teams and manage complex, multi-project portfolios, and partnerships among scientists, educators and administrators.
• Ability to delegate tasks strategically to Associate Directors and CEEE Leadership team.
• Excellent demonstrated collaboration across fields and communication skills for a variety of audiences.
• Comprehensive knowledge of science education, public engagement, career development, and/or evaluation for students and scientists.
• High proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and project management tools.

What We Would Like You to Have

Please note that while the position details both required and preferred skills and experience, we invite applicants to apply even if they do not have the preferred skills and experience outlined in this section. If you meet the requirements and have passion for the work, you are encouraged to apply. We encourage on the job training for any additional skills or knowledge that become relevant to the position.

• Extensive experience managing federally funded education or research programs.
• Demonstrated capability to manage foundation-funded, private donor-funded, and/or fee-based programs.
• Background in geoscience or environmental science.
• Demonstrated creativity and innovation techniques or approaches in management, education, and communications.

Special Instructions

To apply, please submit the following materials:

1. Resume or CV.
2. A separate “Demonstrated Success in Securing External Funding” document that details grant writing and external fundraising experience.
3. Cover letter addressed to the Search Committee briefly describing your qualifications, professional goals, and specific interest in this position.
4. Although not needed at the time of application, please be ready to submit contact information for 5 professional references. If you are identified as a finalist for this position, you will be asked to invite your references to complete a Crosschq questionnaire on your behalf. Crosschq is an online reference check solution. All information is kept confidential and shared only with the members of the search committee.

We may request references at a later time.

Please apply by November 6, 2026 for consideration.

Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, please apply through CU Boulder Jobs.

In compliance with the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, in any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.