University of Idaho

Executive Director, Energy Institute

Energy & Utilities
11 - 15 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 15+ years of leadership experience in energy or related field
  • Proven ability to build effective partnerships and coalitions
  • Experience managing large, decentralized organizations
  • Strong background in proposal development and securing external funding
  • Track record of successfully leading project teams to meet objectives
  • Knowledge of utility operations including regulatory and workforce challenges
  • Commitment to advancing energy-related causes through collaboration across sectors
  • Professional Engineer (PE) license or ability to obtain within first year.

Responsibilities

  • Provide strategic vision and leadership for the Energy Institute
  • Develop and recommend goals to enhance energy literacy and solutions
  • Collaborate with academic and industry leaders to implement energy programming
  • Advocate for sustainable energy access and independence
  • Identify opportunities for outreach and workforce development initiatives
  • Lead special projects that align with university priorities
  • Ensure energy programming aligns with industry needs and standards.

Benefits

  • Visa sponsorship available
  • First consideration for applications received by September 3, 2026
  • Potential to influence energy education and policy at a high level
  • Opportunity to work with leading industry and academic partners
  • Participation in the University of Idaho Energy Executive Course within first year.
Full Job Description
Position Details

Position Information

Internal Posting?

Posting Number
SP005413P

Position Title
Executive Director, Energy Institute

Division/College
College of Engineering

Department
College of Engineering Admin

Location
Moscow

Position Overview

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.

Unit URL

https://www.uidaho.edu/engr

Position Qualifications

Required Experience
  • 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
Listed degree qualification is required at time of hire

Posting Information

FLSA Status
Exempt

Employee Category
Exempt

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

Type of Appointment
Fiscal Year

FTE

1.0

Full Time/Part Time
Full Time

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.
Uncertain

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.

Applicant Resources
https://www.uidaho.edu/human-resources/careers/applicant-resources

Background Check Statement

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

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