Research Director - National Alliance for Water Innovation (NAWI)

About the role

The Research Director (RD) for NAWI is the research leader of the organization, responsible for developing and leading substantive research primarily through others. The RD works closely with the Executive Director (ED), the Topic Area Leads (TALs), and the relevant technology manager(s) from the Department of Energy (DOE) to maintain alignment with DOE’s mission goals through its research portfolio.

The RD ensures that NAWI’s mission and vision are met by developing and leading a research portfolio with strong and compelling research projects that collectively advance the sponsoring DOE office priorities. The role involves building connections between projects and their personnel at national labs, academia, industry, and utilities. The RD operates skillfully in both the research and practitioner realms, bridging the two and fostering trust among stakeholders.

The RD may also lead a new proposal to extend NAWI beyond its current 2029 end date.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead a research portfolio aligned with DOE’s mission goals.
• Collaborate with the Executive Director, Topic Area Leads, and DOE technology managers to ensure alignment with priorities.
• Build and strengthen connections between research projects and personnel across national labs, academia, industry, and utilities.
• Bridge the research and practitioner realms, fostering trust and collaboration among stakeholders.
• Lead or contribute to proposals aimed at extending NAWI’s mission beyond 2029.