Executive Director, Division of Atmospheric Sciences

Nevada System of Higher Education • Reno, NV

21d • $250,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Desert Research Institute (DRI), the non-profit environmental research institution of the Nevada System of Higher Education, seeks an Executive Director to provide scientific leadership and management for its Division of Atmospheric Sciences (DAS). The role supports, facilitates, initiates, and expands faculty research through management and program-development initiatives that enhance faculty-generated revenue and multidisciplinary research. The position is based in Reno, Nevada, and requires periodic travel to Las Vegas.

The Executive Director oversees DAS personnel, supports their careers and recruitment, works with faculty to maintain and grow research projects and programs, identifies opportunities and initiates new lines of business, and provides leadership and oversight of Division resources. The role also contributes to DRI’s Senior Leadership Team. DRI emphasizes collaborative leadership, clear communication with varied audiences, and empathetic listening.

The role includes managing personnel and performance evaluations; developing research programs and strategic hiring; advocating for DAS capabilities; establishing revenue projections and budget priorities; mentoring faculty and staff; allocating funds and planning the use of equipment and facilities; and pursuing new research areas and collaborations. The Executive Director also networks with sponsors, agencies, and clients, helps faculty plan programs and develop funding-acquisition skills, and upholds high standards for sponsor engagement, scientific achievement, and innovation.

DAS conducts basic and applied research across areas including air quality, cloud and aerosol physics, atmospheric chemistry, climate, renewable energy, fire science, atmospheric dynamics, and STEM education. Its personnel primarily work in office and laboratory facilities in Reno and Las Vegas. The Division maintains $25–35 million in active projects and has capabilities including field observations, instrumentation development, laboratories, and numerical modeling.

Requirements

• 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 current and future research opportunities and developing and implementing strategies to capitalize on them.
• Previous experience supervising or managing budgets and personnel.
• Broad understanding of atmospheric science-related environmental and research issues.
• Outstanding interpersonal and written communication skills.
• U.S. citizenship per funding requirements and ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance.

Nice To Haves

• Ph.D. degree from an accredited institution and/or advanced credentials.
• Understanding of a research environment in which faculty salaries are generated through external grants and contracts.
• Experience leading, managing, and building collaborative teams.
• Experience authoring and/or reviewing proposals, reports, and publications.

Responsibilities

• Oversee DAS personnel, maintain collaborative working relationships, conduct annual performance evaluations, and recommend faculty for promotions and awards.
• Develop strategies to sustain and grow research programs and conduct targeted hiring for strategic research expansion.
• Advocate internally and externally for the capabilities and accomplishments of DAS faculty.
• Work with the Division Business Administration and Financial Services Office to establish revenue projections and budget priorities.
• Mentor faculty and staff directly or provide mentorship opportunities.
• Prioritize divisional funding to support growth of the sponsored research portfolio.
• Plan and optimize the use of equipment, funds, and facilities; prioritize facility needs and advocate for additional resources.
• Participate as a member of DRI’s Senior Leadership Team.
• Lead and develop new research areas, expand existing strengths, and coordinate multi-institutional proposal development.
• Build relationships with potential sponsors, agencies, and clients, and develop teams and collaborations within and outside DRI to secure research funding.
• Guide and support individual faculty in program planning and development.
• Identify professional growth opportunities that strengthen faculty skills in proposal development, grant writing, and other funding acquisition.
• Maintain high standards for sponsor engagement, scientific achievement, and innovative solutions.

Benefits

• Health insurance options, including dental, vision, life, and long-term disability coverage.
• 19.25% tax-deferred mandatory retirement contribution with matching by DRI.
• Annual leave accrued at two days per full month.
• Thirty days of sick leave provided upon start date, with two additional days accrued per full month after the first year of service.
• 12 paid holidays.
• Tuition reduction at NSHE institutions for employees and eligible dependents.
• Relocation assistance.
• No state income tax and no social security deduction.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive