Managing Director Clean Energy, University of Massachusetts Amherst (Amherst)

Managing Director Clean Energy, University of Massachusetts Amherst

Organization/Grantor: University of Massachusetts Amherst

Position/Title/Fund: Managing Director Clean Energy

Type/Term: Full-time, Faculty

Description:

The flagship of the Commonwealth, the University of Massachusetts Amherst is a nationally ranked public land-grant research university that seeks to expand educational access, fuel innovation and creativity, and share and use its knowledge for the common good. Founded in 1863, UMass Amherst sits on nearly 1,450-acres in scenic Western Massachusetts and boasts state-of-the-art facilities for teaching, research, scholarship, and creative activity. The institution advances a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community where everyone feels connected and valued—and thrives, and offers a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees across 10 schools and colleges, and 100 undergraduate majors. We believe every member of our university community can contribute to our ongoing success by striving for the highest level of excellence as we seek breakthrough solutions to mounting environmental, social, economic, and technological challenges in our world.

The Clean Energy Extension (CEE) supports the Commonwealth’s clean energy and climate policies and programs through applied research and extension, direct technical assistance, and workforce development. Current areas of work include municipal energy efficiency, greenhouse gas inventories, net zero planning, clean energy workforce development, offshore wind-wildlife interaction research, agrivoltaics, pollinator-friendly solar, and solar planning, financing, and implementation.

The Director will maintain ongoing obligations and develop new collaborations for CEE to support its mission, maintain its financial stability, and enhance its value to the Commonwealth and university. The Director will bring new expertise to CEE and is expected to develop applied research and/or public service and outreach activities consistent with the CEE mission. The Director will be responsible for managing CEE staff and their professional development. The Director will hold a faculty position in the Department of Environmental Conservation and teach one to two courses per year in clean energy and the energy transition, as well as contribute to other departmental service needs typical for faculty. Joint affiliation with another academic department may be considered based on the candidate’s background.

Responsibilities :

• Represent CEE to campus administrators, internal and external collaborators, the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources, and other funders and stakeholders. Maintain and enhance the public value of CEE to the Commonwealth and its clean energy and climate goals.
• Develop and maintain an active applied research and/or public service and outreach program supporting CEE’s mission.
• Offer one to two courses per year on energy-related topics in the Department of Environmental Conservation in coordination with the department head and curricular needs.
• Supervise and support CEE staff. Review and strengthen CEE staff management and organizational structure and enhance opportunities for collaboration and professional development. Periodically assess CEE’s funding, staffing and workloads, and address areas of concern.
• Oversee and improve administration of CEE grants and contracts, funding proposals, budgets, and staff resources, in collaboration with CEE staff and department support staff.
• Develop the financial stability and long-term sustainability of CEE through strategic pursuit of state support, grant opportunities, fundraising, and revenue generating activities.
• Establish strong relationships with aligned units and faculty across campus and in off-campus Extension stations, understand how CEE’s mission and capabilities fit with these resources, and work collaboratively to synergistically grow the energy and sustainability strengths and role of the university.
• Seek out, establish, and maintain strong relationships with external collaborators and stakeholders to support CEE’s mission and share research and outreach resources within the Commonwealth, regionally, and nationally.
• Periodically review CEE research and outreach activities with CEE staff, University collaborators, and external collaborators and stakeholders to strategically plan and align CEE activities with staff capabilities, public needs, and funding opportunities.

Qualifications :

• Graduate degree in a field related to clean energy (e.g., renewable energy, engineering, resource economics, public policy, regional planning, sustainability, energy justice).
• Seven (7) to ten (10) years of experience in the clean energy field (energy efficiency, renewable energy, strategic electrification, grid modernization) conducting research, consulting, engineering, project development, finance, policy development and regulation, regional planning, or similar contributions. A Ph.D. or other terminal degree (e.g., J.D.) in a related field can substitute for two (2) years of experience.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain collaborative working relationships with staff, colleagues, experts, and stakeholders from a variety of backgrounds, disciplines, and competencies. Experience working with a wide variety of stakeholders and collaborators, e.g., academia, government agencies, municipal planning organizations, NGOs, community-based organizations, and clean energy experts.
• Experience in supervising and managing staff in a collaborative working environment. Demonstrated commitment to a climate of respect, empowerment, and professional development of staff members.
• Experience in balancing administrative and management tasks with a work agenda requiring expertise in clean energy.
• Demonstrated excellence in written, presentation, and verbal communication skills; comfort in public speaking roles, facilitating group discussions, and in one-on-one conversations.
• Demonstrated experience in strategy/visioning, financial management, project management, and computer literacy.
• Demonstration of a determined commitment and passion to support a clean energy transition that is affordable, equitable, environmentally conscious, and provides benefits to the Commonwealth and local economies.
• Experience writing technical proposals in response to government or foundation competitive solicitations, and in managing such awards with sponsors.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Preferred:

• A Ph.D. or other terminal degree in a relevant field, such as clean energy, engineering, environmental science, or public policy, law, management, etc.
• Experience serving as the director for a center, program, or other entity.
• Demonstrated experience in teaching at a university level.
• Familiarity with clean energy technologies, current state and federal energy policy, and related incentive programs, particularly the landscape of clean energy and climate policy in Massachusetts.

How to Apply:

Apply online. Along with the application, please submit:

• cover letter (Recommend 2-5 pages detailing your interest in this position and clean energy, experiences relevant to the stated Essential Functions and Qualifications for the position, and your vision for the next phase of the Clean Energy Extension and strategies to realize this vision.),
• CV, and
• contact information for three (3) professional references who can comment on the candidate’s leadership, research, and extension abilities.

Applications will be reviewed on a continuous basis until the position is filled. Early submissions are encouraged. Questions about the position may be directed to wamiller@cns.umass.edu or kkahl@umass.edu .

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