Executive Director, Energy Institute, College of Engineering

University of Idaho; Moscow (ID); On-site; USD 159,000 - 194,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Idaho seeks an Executive Director for the Energy Institute in Moscow to provide strategic leadership for educational programming, research, and workforce development in energy. You will build collaborations with industry partners, guide program development, and oversee outreach initiatives that advance energy literacy and practical energy solutions.

The role requires deep leadership in a complex university setting, with focus on energy transitions, interdisciplinary collaboration,

Qualifications

• 15 years of progressive leadership experience in the energy industry, utilities, or closely related organizations
• Building partnerships and coalitions resulting in shared actions and outcomes
• Experience influencing change in a complex, decentralized organization with sizeable budget, scope, and personnel
• Proposal development leading to external funding
• Leading teams to completion of project objectives on scope, on schedule, and on budget
• Experience with utility operating environment, including regulatory, environmental, and workforce issues
• Experience in the energy sector and/or energy discipline and commitment to championing energy-related causes
• Collaborating with multiple entities across different sectors to deepen the public's understanding and appreciation of energy production, research, and security

Responsibilities

• Provide institutional vision, strategy, and leadership in educational programming, research innovation, and workforce development for energy.
• Develop and promote energy programming that advances university priorities with industry and academic partners.
• Lead in securing external funding and managing programs aligned with energy literacy and practical energy solutions
• Collaborate with academic leadership, industry advisory boards, faculty, and staff to advance energy-related initiatives
• Oversee outreach, special projects, and advocacy to strengthen energy education and public understanding

Skills

Leadership

Partnership-building

Budget management

Strategic planning

Stakeholder engagement

Communication

Education

ABET-accredited engineering bachelor

Master's in engineering, business administration or energy studies

PhD or terminal degree in energy/engineering/economics

Job description

Appointment Information

Executive Director, Energy Institute

University of Idaho

Working Title: Executive Director, Energy institute

Division/College: 3994-COE College of Engineering

Department: 831-COE College of Engineering

Location: Moscow

FTE: 1

Advertising Pay Range: $176,807 annually or more depending on experience

Is this position contingent on work and/or funding: True

FLSA Status: Exempt

Type of Appointment: Full Fiscal Year

Position Overview

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.

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.

Required Experience

• 15 years of progressive leadership experience in the energy industry, utilities, or closely related organizations
• Building partnerships and coalitions resulting in shared actions and outcomes
• Experience influencing change in a complex, decentralized organization with sizeable budget, scope, and personnel
• Proposal development leading to external funding
• Leading teams to completion of project objectives on scope, on schedule, and on budget
• Experience with utility operating environment, including regulatory, environmental, and workforce issues
• Experience in the energy sector and/or energy discipline and commitment to championing energy-related causes
• Collaborating with multiple entities across different sectors to deepen the public's understanding and appreciation of energy production, research, and security

Required Education

• Bachelor's Degree in engineering from an ABET accredited university
• Master's Degree in engineering, business administration or energy studies from an accredited university

Required Other

• 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

Additional Preferred

• Demonstrated leadership of teams without direct supervisory oversight
• Demonstrated 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, energy economics, etc.
• Electric power industry experience
• Non-profit board leadership experience
• Experience should include industry, higher education, or government leadership - 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

Education

• PhD or terminal degree in energy, engineering, business administration, or economics or master's degree with 25 years in the energy industry
• Experience working or collaborating in higher education

Physical Requirements And Working Conditions

none

Posting Information

Open Until Filled: True

Visa Sponsorship: Uncertain

Degree Requirement Timeline: Degree required at time of hire