Executive Director, Energy Institute

As the state's land-grant university, the University of Idaho develops solutions for complex problems facing our society. The university is establishing the Energy Institute to produce the next generation of energy leaders focused on the importance of agile energy portfolio analysis and transitions. In collaboration with industry partners, the institute will strengthen the nation's energy future and workforce talent pipeline by integrating robust engineering design coursework and research into regional energy solutions. With partnerships across the region, the Energy Institute performs multi-discipline research that supports clean, reliable, affordable energy while delivering energy literacy education for students and professionals.

About the Role

The Executive Director of the Energy Institute will provide institutional vision, strategy, and leadership in educational programming, research innovation, workforce development, outreach, special projects, and advocacy in the domain of energy. Reporting to the Dean of the College of Engineering in collaboration with the Office of the President, the Executive Director will provide strategic leadership in developing and recommending key goals and actions to advance energy literacy and awareness, practical solutions to gain energy independence, and sustainable (safe, reliable, economical, renewable, clean) access to energy resources. The Executive Director will work closely with an academic leadership committee, an industry advisory board, faculty, and staff to identify, develop, implement, and promote energy programming that advances the core values and strategic priorities of the university in keeping with the needs of the energy industry.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership in energy-related educational programming, research innovation, workforce development, outreach, and advocacy.
• Develop and recommend key goals and actions to advance energy literacy, awareness, and sustainable energy solutions.
• Collaborate with academic leadership, industry advisory boards, faculty, and staff to promote energy programming aligned with university priorities and industry needs.
• Build partnerships and coalitions resulting in shared actions and outcomes.
• Influence change in a complex, decentralized organization with a sizeable budget, scope, and personnel.
• Lead proposal development to secure external funding.
• Guide teams to complete project objectives on scope, on schedule, and on budget.
• Address utility operating environment challenges, including regulatory, environmental, and workforce issues.
• Collaborate with multiple entities across sectors to deepen public understanding of energy production, research, and security.

Requirements

• 15 years of progressive leadership experience in the energy industry, utilities, or closely related organizations.
• Bachelor's Degree in engineering from an ABET-accredited university.
• Master's Degree in engineering, business administration, or energy studies from an accredited university.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license from Idaho or ability to obtain an Idaho PE license within the first year of hire.
• Completion of, or ability to complete, the University of Idaho Energy Executive Course or similar program within the first year of hire.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated leadership of teams without direct supervisory oversight.
• Skills in negotiation and conflict resolution.
• Experience with surveys, data collection, data analysis, and data visualization.
• Technical knowledge and skills related to energy, utilities, engineering, or energy economics.
• Electric power industry experience.
• Non-profit board leadership experience.
• Industry, higher education, or government leadership experience – or a combination thereof.
• Recognized, high-level influence with a deep understanding of key issues in the energy sector.
• Experience with the integration of nuclear power generation into electric transmission and distribution systems.
• PhD or terminal degree in energy, engineering, business administration, or economics, or a master's degree with 25 years in the energy industry.
• Experience working or collaborating in higher education.

Pay

$176,807 annually or more depending on experience.

Schedule

Full-time, fiscal year appointment (1.0 FTE).