Job Details
The Clean Energy Extension (CEE) at the University of Massachusetts was established in 2015 as part of the Center for Agriculture, Food, and the Environment (CAFE) and with academic affiliation with the Department of Environmental Conservation in the College of Natural Sciences (CNS). CEE supports the Commonwealth’s clean energy and climate policies and programs through applied research and extension, direct technical assistance, and workforce development. CEE was established with and continues to receive funding from the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER). In addition to directly supporting some DOER programs, 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. CEE has been successful in obtaining federal funds serving the clean energy transition by supporting staff, growing collaborations, and conducting project work.
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.
- 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.
Fully Benefitted