Founding Executive Director, Energy Innovation Center

University of Missouri System; Columbia Township (MO); On-site; USD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Missouri seeks an accomplished and visionary leader to serve as the Founding Executive Director of the Payne Energy Innovation Center (EIC), a major interdisciplinary research, education, and innovation initiative dedicated to advancing the future of energy technologies, systems, materials, policy, and workforce development.

The Energy Innovation Center is a new state-of-the-art research facility currently under construction and scheduled for occupancy in 2028.

Qualifications

• Earned doctorate in engineering, science, or closely related field.
• Distinguished record of scholarship, leadership, and externally funded research.
• Experience leading interdisciplinary research initiatives, centers, or equivalents.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for development, launch, and long-term growth of the Energy Innovation Center.
• Establish strategic vision, research priorities, and interdisciplinary collaborations.
• Support faculty recruitment, development, and competitive research proposals.
• Secure external funding and build partnerships with industry, government, and national laboratories.
• Represent the Center as a national leader in energy research, innovation, and policy.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Fundraising & external partnerships

Communication

Faculty recruitment & development

Education

Earned doctorate in engineering/science or related field

Job description

The University of Missouri seeks an accomplished and visionary leader to serve as the Founding Executive Director of the Payne Energy Innovation Center (EIC), a major interdisciplinary research, education, and innovation initiative dedicated to advancing the future of energy technologies, systems, materials, policy, and workforce development.

The Energy Innovation Center is a new state-of-the-art research facility currently under construction and scheduled for occupancy in 2028.