Director, Grid Innovation & Partnerships

Clemson University; North Charleston (SC); On-site; USD 92,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Clemson University in North Charleston, SC seeks a Director of Business Development for the Dominion Energy Innovation Center (EIC) at the Charleston Innovation Campus. The role leads industry engagement, commercial strategy, and revenue growth for grid-technology testing facilities, partnering with utilities, OEMs, and federal programs.

The Director builds a portfolio of industry-sponsored testing, validation, and research, coordinating with national labs and universities to expand testing

Qualifications

• A bachelor's degree and experience managing large projects.
• Advanced degree (MBA or MS/PhD in EE/ME) preferred.
• Experience with utilities, grid equipment manufacturers; familiarity with standards (IEEE 1547, UL 1741).
• Experience selling or managing contract testing, including pricing and long-cycle B2B relationships.
• Experience bridging university research and industry, including IP and licensing considerations.
• Strong communication to translate complex tech into executive value.
• Familiarity with EDA Regional Tech Hubs, NSF Engines, DOE grid initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Recruit and develop regional economic development partnerships for Charleston campus.
• Liaise with regional and federal partners (NSF, DOE, EDA) and represent the EIC.
• Assess client technologies for TRL/ARL/MRL and advise on testing/scale pathways.
• Cultivate industry relationships and convert opportunities into engagements with utilities, OEMs, and startups.
• Develop and execute the EIC business development and commercialization strategy and revenue growth.

Skills

Grid testing (CHIL/PHIL)

Contract testing sales

University-industry tech transfer

Strong communication

Federal programs familiarity

Education

Advanced degree (MBA or MS/PhD in EE/ME)

Bachelor's degree required

Job description

Clemson University in North Charleston, SC seeks a Director of Business Development for the Dominion Energy Innovation Center (EIC) at the Charleston Innovation Campus. The role leads industry engagement, commercial strategy, and revenue growth for grid-technology testing facilities, partnering with utilities, OEMs, and federal programs.

The Director builds a portfolio of industry-sponsored testing, validation, and research, coordinating with national labs and universities to expand testing