Energy and Utilities Manager

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc.; Chantilly (VA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free tuition up to 12 credit hours

Health/dental/vision benefits

Paid annual leave and other paid time off

Job summary

George Mason University is seeking a Manager for its Energy and Utilities Management Program. This role entails providing leadership in managing the university's energy systems, optimizing utility services, and promoting energy efficiency across the campus.

The successful candidate will possess a Bachelor's degree in engineering and have significant experience in energy management. Join a team committed to operational excellence and sustainability at the Fairfax campus in Virginia.

Qualifications

• At least 5 years of experience in energy or utilities management.
• Experience developing and presenting data-driven reports to senior leadership.
• Knowledge of utility billing processes and rate structures.

Responsibilities

• Manage utility billing processes and resolve discrepancies.
• Lead energy procurement strategies and optimize costs.
• Supervise the Energy & Utilities Management team.

Skills

Energy efficiency solutions

Analytical skills for energy management

Utility cost modeling

Building system optimization

Education

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or electrical engineering or related field

Tools

Energy management systems

Building automation systems

Job description

About the Position

George Mason University is recruiting for a Manager to lead its Energy and Utilities Management Program. You’ll be a State employee of Virginia, working at the Fairfax campus and becoming part of the George Mason University patriot team.

We want someone reliable who takes pride in their work, and will make a noticeable contribution to Facilities & Campus Operations at George Mason University. George Mason’s Facilities & Campus Operations department is committed to providing a safe, functional, and clean community experience at the university. So, what’s in it for you?

Benefits

• Lots of leave, including paid annual leave, paid holidays, paid sick leave, paid two-week winter break (please note – the break employees often receive during the holiday season is not regularly guaranteed and is subject to annual approval).
• Free tuition, up to 12 credit hours during the academic year, and professional development. Yes, you can earn a college education while earning a salary.
• Commuter Choice Transit Benefit.
• Virginia Retirement System Hybrid Plan.
• Patriot Perks discounts to restaurants, events, and more!

• Health/dental/vision benefits.
• Tuition dependent benefit (restrictions apply).

Energy and Utilities Manager Responsibilities

Energy & Utilities Program Management

• Provides technical and operational leadership for campus energy and utility systems management.
• Supports utility services including electricity, natural gas, water, and sewer.
• Manages utility billing processes to ensure accuracy, as well as timely resolution of discrepancies for both external payments and internal processing.
• Develops, monitors, and updates the University’s energy and utilities budgets; and
• Forecasts utility consumption and costs using historical data, operational trends, and utility projections where available.

Energy Efficiency & System Performance

• Leads or supports energy efficiency and conservation initiatives.
• Develops a retro-commissioning program, with the support of a retro-commissioning engineer, to ensure building systems operate as designed and measure savings.
• Conducts or coordinates building energy audits to identify deficiencies, savings opportunities, and operational improvements; and
• Promotes best practices in energy management and operational efficiency across campus facilities.

Energy Procurement & Demand Response

• Leads energy procurement strategies, including evaluation of rate structures, contracts, and suppliers.
• Manages participation in utility demand response and load management programs.
• Coordinates with utility providers and energy markets to optimize cost, risk, and performance outcomes; and
• Supports institutional goals related to energy resilience and long-term planning.

Metering, Data Analytics & Performance Reporting

• Oversees campus utility metering infrastructure and energy data management systems.
• Ensures accurate data collection, analysis, and validation for performance tracking.
• Develops and delivers regular energy and utilities performance reports to leadership; and
• Monitors energy savings through continuous measurement and verification processes.

Strategic Alignment

• Ensures energy and utilities programs align with the University’s strategic plans, financial objectives, and sustainability priorities.
• Stays current with applicable regulations, codes, and industry best practices; and
• Supports long‑term planning related to efficiency, resiliency, and infrastructure modernization.

Supervision & Collaboration

• Supervises and provides leadership to the Energy & Utilities Management team.
• Assigns work, sets priorities, evaluates performance, and supports staff development.
• Fosters effective working relationships with campus stakeholders; and
• Builds and maintains partnerships with external utilities, contractors, and service providers.

Other Related Duties as Assigned

• Related tasks assigned by the supervisor and department head.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or electrical engineering or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience;
• Generally, at least 5 years of experience in energy or utilities management;
• Significant professional experience in a technical role, identifying and implementing energy efficiency solutions;
• Experience overseeing utility metering infrastructure;
• Experience developing and presenting clear, data‑driven reports to senior leadership;
• Experience developing, managing, and forecasting energy and utilities budgets;
• Demonstrated experience leading or supporting energy efficiency and conservation initiatives;
• Experience managing relationships with utility providers, contractors, consultants, and service vendors;
• Extensive knowledge of best practices in energy management and building operations, including building automation systems and energy management systems;
• Knowledge of utility billing processes, rate structures, and reconciliation procedures;
• Strong understanding of electricity, natural gas, water, and wastewater systems and operations;
• Knowledge of retro‑commissioning principles, building systems optimization, and performance verification;
• Understanding of utility rate structures, energy procurement strategies, and supplier evaluation;
• Understanding of energy resilience concepts and long‑term energy planning;
• Familiarity with demand response, load management, and peak‑reduction programs;
• Knowledge of continuous measurement and verification (M&V) methodologies;
• Knowledge of applicable energy regulations, building codes, and industry standards;
• Awareness of emerging technologies and policies in energy and utilities management;
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to present technical information to non‑technical audiences;
• Strong analytical skills for utility cost modeling, consumption forecasting, and financial planning;
• Strong analytical skills for performance tracking, trend analysis, and savings verification;
• Excellent problem‑solving and decision‑making skills;
• Ability to interpret architectural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing drawings;
• Ability to provide technical oversight and strategic direction for utility services;
• Ability to identify billing discrepancies and ensure timely resolution and accurate financial reporting;
• Ability to coordinate or conduct building energy audits and evaluate operational improvements;
• Ability to balance cost, risk, reliability, and sustainability objectives in procurement decisions;
• Ability to ensure data accuracy, validation, and integrity across multiple data sources;
• Ability to build effective working relationships with internal stakeholders across campus;
• Ability to work independently and manage complex initiatives with minimal supervision;
• Strong organizational and project management abilities; and
• High level of integrity, attention to detail, and commitment to operational excellence; and
• Must currently possess an appropriate, active, valid motor‑vehicle operator’s license that meets all of GMU’s requirements for operating state vehicles and equipment under Mason’s Vehicle Use Policy 1411, https://universitypolicy.gmu.edu/policies/vehicle-use/. The Office of Risk Management reserves the right to review the driver’s licenses and Motor Vehicle Reports (MVRs) of all candidates selected for employment, contingent upon a favorable review.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in engineering, business, energy management, or related field;
• Professional Engineer (PE);
• Certified Energy Manager (CEM);
• Experience with energy savings performance contracts;
• Supervisory experience, including staff management, performance evaluation, and professional development;
• Experience supporting long‑term infrastructure planning, modernization, and resilience initiatives;
• Demonstrated knowledge of Siemens Desigo, Siemens NAVIGATOR, and EnergyCAP;
• Working knowledge of green building standards (e.g., LEED).

Equity Statement

George Mason University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, committed to promoting inclusion and equity in its community. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any characteristic protected by law.