"President"

Job Details

The University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR) invites applications, nominations, and inquiries for the position of President. This is an exceptional opportunity to lead a globally recognized organization at the forefront of Earth system science. The next President will guide a deeply mission‑driven community, steward critical national scientific assets, strengthen partnerships across academia, government, and industry, and help shape the future of atmospheric and Earth system research during a pivotal moment for the field and the nation.

As society faces increasingly complex challenges driven by weather, water, climate, and Sun–Earth interactions, the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR) plays a vital and uniquely integrative role in advancing the science needed to safeguard lives, infrastructure, economic stability, and national security. Established in 1959 by visionary university leaders, UCAR has grown into a vibrant hub that connects academic institutions, federal agencies, and private‑sector partners to expand knowledge of the Earth system and accelerate the translation of research into solutions. Today, UCAR manages a portfolio of primarily federally funded programs comprising more than 1,390 staff and over $300 million in annual expenditures, including continuous stewardship of the U.S. National Science Foundation National Center for Atmospheric Research (NSF NCAR) – a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC) – since 1960. Through NSF NCAR and the UCAR Community Programs (UCP), the organization provides world‑class observational, computational, education, and data capabilities; facilitates technology transfer; strengthens workforce pathways; and represents the collective voice of 129 member colleges and universities alongside an extended network of national and international partners. At a time when the impacts of weather and climate shape daily life and global decision‑making, UCAR's consortium, programs, and national center collectively equip researchers, educators, and policymakers with essential tools and insights. Although its activities have grown and diversified over more than six decades, UCAR remains guided by its founding purpose: enabling collaborative, long‑term, high‑impact scientific programs beyond the reach of any single institution and advancing atmospheric and related Earth system sciences for the benefit of humankind.

The next President will have the opportunity to lead UCAR through a period of meaningful transformation by strengthening organizational stability during a time of national uncertainty while also articulating and driving a bold, forward‑looking vision for the future of the institution and the atmospheric and Earth system sciences. This leader will unify UCAR, UCP, and NSF NCAR around a shared vision and more integrated culture; expand the organization's funding model beyond its historic reliance on federal sources; serve as a powerful national advocate for NSF NCAR; deepen collaboration with its university partners; and guide the development and implementation of ambitious goals that elevate UCAR's scientific impact and real‑world applications. They will also drive modernization and efficiency across UCAR's administrative, technological, and operational systems and deepen the organization's investment in its people through enhanced professional development, collaboration, belonging, and early‑career support. This moment offers an incoming leader the rare chance not only to steer UCAR through uncertainty but to define the next era of scientific leadership, partnership, and global impact for an organization that plays an essential role in advancing Earth system science for the public good.

The ideal President will bring deep credibility in Earth system science; extensive experience leading complex scientific or academic organizations; sophisticated understanding of NSF, federal agencies, and the FFRDC model; and strong operational, financial, and strategic management skills, including experience with philanthropy, partnerships, and new revenue streams. They will be an exceptional communicator who is transparent, visible, and trusted; a unifying collaborator able to bridge UCAR, NSF NCAR, and UCP; a decisive and forward‑thinking leader comfortable navigating ambiguity; and a values‑driven steward of scientific integrity, inclusivity, and UCAR's mission of science in service to society.

Applications, nominations, and inquiries are invited. Applications should include, as separate documents, a CV or resume and a letter of interest addressing the themes in the leadership profile which can be found at www.wittkieffer.com.

WittKieffer is assisting UCAR in this search. For full consideration, candidate materials should be received by April 17, 2026. Application materials should be submitted to the WittKieffer Candidate Portal.

Nominations and inquiries can be directed to Suzanne Teer, Sandra Chu, and Sarah Seavey at UCARPresident@wittkieffer.com

The anticipated hiring range for this job is $400,000 - $625,000 with the potential for incentive compensation. Final salary is based on factors such as education, experience, and skills relevant to the role. UCAR offers medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance, retirement, paid time off (holidays, PTO, short-term medical and long-term disability), and more. Details about UCAR's benefits can be found at: https://www.ucar.edu/opportunities/careers/benefits. The position is based in Boulder, Colorado; relocation assistance is available.

Company

UNIVERSITY CORPORATION FOR ATMOSPHERIC RESEARCH

UCAR manages the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) on behalf of the National Science Foundation. With guidance from its more than 100 North American member colleges and universities, UCAR also provides a wide range of core programs and services supporting and extending the capabilities of the academic research community. These efforts together address the large-scale challenges associated with integrated research, technological development, and educational advancement across the geoscience enterprise. UCAR also plays a central national role in raising awareness of the value of continued federal investment in the life-saving, economically critical work provided by the geosciences community.

Both UCAR and NCAR are headquartered in Boulder, Colorado, with additional operations in Cheyenne, Wyoming, and Washington, D.C.