Senior Director for Research. American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy

About ACEEE

American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE)
Location: Washington, DC

The American Council for an Energy‑Efficient Economy is a nationally recognized nonprofit advancing practical, scalable solutions that make the U.S. energy system more affordable, reliable, and sustainable. Since 1980, ACEEE has positioned energy efficiency as the nation’s most dependable and cost‑effective resource.

ACEEE delivers independent, peer‑reviewed research and partners with policymakers, businesses, and communities to shape standards, guide investment, and accelerate emissions reductions across buildings, industry, transportation, and the power sector.

ACEEE helps federal, state, and local leaders manage rising energy demand driven by electrification, data centers, and industrial growth. Its strategies focus on lowering costs, improving public health, strengthening grid resilience, and supporting equitable, community‑centered outcomes. Equity is central to its mission.

ACEEE is expanding its research capacity to stay ahead of rapid transformation, including advances in artificial intelligence and new analytical methods. With a long track record of research excellence and nonpartisan credibility, it is pursuing an ambitious goal: cutting U.S. energy use and greenhouse gas emissions in half by 2050, with major progress by 2030.

Learn more at www.aceee.org.

Research That Drives Impact

ACEEE’s team of more than 70 experts conducts rigorous, independent research that helps shape policy, inform programs, and guide investments. Recent examples include:

• Informing major U.S. Department of Energy appliance standards for water heaters, dryers, and refrigerators.
• Supporting more than forty local teams through the Residential Retrofits for Energy Equity initiative to expand upgrades in affordable housing and underserved commercial buildings.
• Advancing adoption and implementation of modern building energy codes.
• Providing transportation research that informs EPA vehicle rulemakings and supports strong vehicle standards.
• Guiding federal clean industrial demonstration projects through the Industrial Heat Pump Alliance.
• Publishing State, City, and Utility Scorecards that set benchmarks used by governments, utilities, advocates, and media.

The Opportunity

ACEEE seeks a Senior Director for Research to lead and elevate its nationally recognized research portfolio. This role reports to the Executive Director and sits on the five‑person senior management team.

The Senior Director will guide the research agenda, uphold quality and rigor, and strengthen the connection between research, policy, and practice. The role also includes leadership on ACEEE’s evolving approach to emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence.

This position suits a seasoned research leader with deep expertise in energy efficiency and climate solutions, a strong commitment to equity, and experience managing diverse teams and cross‑sector collaboration.

Key Responsibilities

Research Management and Leadership

• Develop and lead ACEEE’s research strategy across sectors.
• Identify priority areas and coordinate cross‑cutting projects.
• Ensure rigor, quality, and impact of all research, including peer review.
• Oversee internal project review and research funding decisions.
• Serve as the external Research Advisory Board.
• Lead annual research planning with the Executive Team and Development Director.

Policy and External Engagement

• Align research with policy and advocacy priorities.
• Translate findings into actionable insights for federal, state, and local decision‑makers.
• Coordinate strategic communication of research outcomes.
• Represent ACEEE in external forums, media, and high‑level meetings.
• Build partnerships with R&D divisions, funders, allies, and other key stakeholders.

Organizational and Staff Leadership

• Serve on the Executive Team and co‑lead the Research and Policy Council.
• Supervise program directors across buildings, transportation, industry, and behavior.
• Support research methodologies, resource allocation, budgets, and cross‑program collaboration.
• Coordinate messaging between research and communications teams.
• Support recruitment, professional development, and performance reviews.
• Foster an inclusive, collaborative, and innovative team culture.
• Provide mentorship and set clear expectations for program leaders.

Fundraising and Development

• Partner with executive and development leadership to secure research funding.
• Develop new research opportunities and funding strategies.
• Build and maintain relationships with foundations, government agencies, and corporate partners.

Competencies

• Nationally recognized expertise in energy efficiency, climate, or decarbonization research.
• Strong leadership and mentorship skills across multidisciplinary teams.
• Proven ability to conduct and oversee policy‑driven research.
• Strategic planning and evaluation strengths with measurable outcomes.
• Commitment to advancing equity in research and impact.
• Curiosity and strategic insight into artificial intelligence and its energy implications.
• Effective communicator with both technical and general audiences.
• Skilled in partnership building and external engagement.
• Knowledge of efficient and flexible energy technology and policy trends.
• Ability to assess energy implications of AI and data center growth.
• Skilled in collaboration, conflict resolution, and sustaining an ethical, results‑oriented environment.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree required; PhD preferred (engineering, economics, architecture, environmental sciences, or related field).
• At least ten years of experience in energy efficiency or environmental sciences, including research leadership.
• Proven record of publications and thought leadership.
• Demonstrated success supervising multiple research teams.
• Track record of securing funding from foundations, government agencies, and private‑sector partners.
• National or international standing in energy efficiency with diverse stakeholder connections.
• Demonstrated leadership advancing energy efficiency and climate solutions.

Compensation and Benefits

• Salary range: $170,000–$190,000, depending on experience.
• Health, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance.
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer contribution.
• Transportation and bike‑share benefits.
• Generous vacation and paid leave.

Location

This position is based in ACEEE’s Washington, DC office with a hybrid work policy. Candidates not in the DC area should be located in a nearby state with easy travel access.

ACEEE is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages applications from people of color, persons with disabilities, women, and LGBTQ+ applicants.

Contact

DSG | Koya has been exclusively retained for this search, led by Liz Lombard (Managing Director) and Angie Sessoms (Managing Associate).

To express interest:
• Submit a Talent Profile, or
• Email Angie Sessoms at asessoms@koyapartners.com.
For disability‑related accommodation during the application process, email NonprofitSearchOps@divsearch.com.

About DSG | Koya

DSG | Koya, part of DSG Global, is a premier search firm dedicated to mission‑driven leadership. Since 2004, the firm has focused exclusively on mission‑driven organizations and is recognized by Forbes as one of “America’s Best Executive Recruiting Firms.”

The firm is known for cultivating inclusive leaders and building equitable teams across nonprofits, NGOs, responsible businesses, and social enterprises around the world.

Learn more on the DSG | Koya website.