Duke University, Campus & Business Services

Position ID:

Duke-Campus & Business Services-CLIR [#32579, 51227293]

Position Title:

Climate Leader in Residence (CLIR)

Position Type:

Non-regular rank faculty

Position Location:

Durham, North Carolina 27708, United States of America

Subject Area:

Administrative

Appl Deadline:

2026/09/09 23:59:59** finished (2026/09/01, finished 2026/09/30)

Position Description:

*** this position has been closed and new applications are no longer accepted. ***

Climate Leader in Residence

Position Overview Duke University's Climate Commitment is seeking its next Climate Leader in Residence (CLIR) to bring significant external experience, perspective, and networks to Duke's efforts to address climate change. The successful candidate will have substantial experience in clean technology and/or blue technology innovation, with expertise that may span venture development, commercialization, investment, corporate innovation, economic development, and the translation of emerging technologies into real-world applications.

The Climate Leader in Residence will work with Duke leaders and faculty to help develop a university-wide Clean Tech and Blue Tech strategy, identifying areas where Duke's research, technology, facilities, talent, and partnerships can establish distinctive leadership and impact. The CLIR will bring an outside-in perspective on emerging technologies and markets, commercialization pathways, investment, and opportunities for university-industry and public-private collaboration.

A central component of the position will be connecting Duke more deeply to the broader climate innovation ecosystem. The CLIR will engage entrepreneurs, investors, corporations, foundations, government agencies, universities, and other innovation organizations to identify strategic partnerships, sources of capital, and opportunities to accelerate the translation of Duke research and technology into climate solutions. The position will also contribute to Duke's growing blue-tech activities and engagement with emerging external initiatives.

The position is designed for an accomplished practitioner and big-picture thinker and connector whose greatest contributions will come through strategic insight, ecosystem building, commercialization expertise, and external relationships. As part of the Duke Climate Commitment, the Climate Leader in Residence will help strengthen the connections among Duke's research and education mission, technological innovation, entrepreneurship, investment, and real-world climate impact.

Minimum Requirements • Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and significant professional experience. • At least 10 years of senior-level professional experience in clean technology, blue technology, climate innovation, venture development, commercialization, investment, corporate innovation, economic development, or a closely related field. • Demonstrated experience translating emerging technologies, research, or innovation into commercial, operational, investment, or other real-world applications. • Demonstrated understanding of the clean-tech and/or blue-tech innovation ecosystem, including the roles of industry, entrepreneurs, investors, government, universities, and other institutions. • Established professional networks and demonstrated ability to build relationships and partnerships across sectors and organizations. • Demonstrated ability to think strategically, identify emerging opportunities, and advise senior leaders on complex issues involving technology, markets, organizations, and partnerships. • Strong communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to work effectively with university faculty, students, senior leaders, and external partners. • Demonstrated commitment to advancing climate and sustainability solutions with meaningful societal impact.

Duke University is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, ethnicity, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions), sexual orientation, or military status.

Duke University aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas—an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.

Application Materials Required:

Submit the following items online at this website to complete your application:

Cover letter
Curriculum Vitae
Two references (no actual letters, just names and email addresses )

And anything else requested in the position description.

Further Info:

Address:
Erwin Square Plaza, Suite 300
2200 W Main St
Durham, NC 27705

Campus Mail:
Box Number 104134
Durham, NC 27708