Executive Director, Energy Institute

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.

• 15years 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

Experience

• 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 & Working Conditions

• None

Degree Requirement

Degree Requirement Listed degree qualification is required at time of hire

Posting Information

FLSA Status

FLSA Status Exempt

Employee Category

Employee Category Exempt

Pay Range

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

Type of Appointment

Type of Appointment Fiscal Year

FTE

1.0

Full Time/Part Time

Full Time/Part Time Full Time

Funding

Funding This position is contingent upon the continuation of work and/or funding.

A visa sponsorship is available for the position listed in this vacancy.

A visa sponsorship is available for the position listed in this vacancy. Uncertain

Posting Date

Posting Date 08/20/2026

Closing Date

Open Until Filled Yes

Special Instructions to Applicants

Applications received by September 3, 2026 will receive first consideration.

Applicants who are selected as final possible candidates must be able to pass a criminal background check.

EEO Statement

The University of Idaho is an equal employment opportunity employer, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Required Documents

• Resume/CV
• Cover Letter/Letter of Application
• List of References

Optional Documents

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * How did you hear about this employment opportunity?
  • Academic Careers
  • Association of Public and Land Grant Universities (APLU)
  • Chronicle
  • Facebook
  • HigherEd/Academic Impressions
  • Higher Ed Jobs
  • Idaho Department of Labor/Job Service including Job Central or Idaho Works (Idahoworks.gov)
  • Indeed.com
  • Inside Higher Ed
  • LinkedIn
  • Newspaper
  • Other Venue
  • Professional Listservs (Ex: NACUBO, AAAE, ISMC, etc.)
  • University of Idaho Website
  • University of Idaho Daily Register
  • University of Idaho Employee
  • Word of Mouth
  • Militaryjob.com
  • DSPSjobs.com
  • Higher Education Recruitment Consortium (HERC)
• * Were you referred to this employment opportunity by a current University of Idaho employee? If so, please provide their name and department.

  (Open Ended Question)

• * Are you currently authorized to work in the United States of America?
  • Yes
  • No
• * Do you now, or in the future require sponsorship through the University of Idaho to continue working in the United States?
  • Yes
  • No