About ACEEE:
The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) 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. Through independent, peer-reviewed research and strong partnerships with policymakers, businesses, and communities, ACEEE delivers insights that shape standards, guide investment, and accelerate emissions reductions across buildings, industry, transportation, and the power sector.
ACEEE helps federal, state, and local leaders navigate rapidly growing energy demand driven by electrification, data centers, and industrial expansion. The organization provides clear, evidence-based strategies that lower costs, protect public health, strengthen grid resilience, and support equitable, community-centered outcomes.
Equity is core to ACEEE’s mission. The organization works closely with local governments and community organizations to reduce energy burdens and ensure the benefits of efficiency reach those most affected by high energy costs and climate impacts. Internally, ACEEE fosters an inclusive, collaborative culture that supports staff growth and reflects the communities it serves.
The energy system is transforming quickly, and ACEEE is expanding its research capabilities to stay ahead particularly in areas such as artificial intelligence and advanced analytics that are reshaping both energy use and research methodologies. Grounded in a long track record of research excellence and nonpartisan credibility, ACEEE is pursuing an ambitious goal: cutting U.S. energy use and greenhouse gas emissions in half by 2050, with major progress by 2030.
For candidates motivated by impact at scale, ACEEE offers a unique platform to influence national policy, shape the next generation of research, and help lead one of the most respected organizations in the energy and climate field.
Learn more about ACEEE at www.aceee.org.
Research that drives impact
With a team of more than 70 experts across the country, ACEEE conducts rigorous, independent research that delivers real-world results. Our analysis and technical assistance help shape policy, inform programs, and guide investments across every major energy-using sector.
Recent examples of our research impact include:
- Our analysis and modeling have informed major U.S. Department of Energy appliance standards, including for water heaters, dryers, and refrigerators, helping agencies design rules that cut waste and lower costs for households and businesses.
- Through the Residential Retrofits for Energy Equity (R2E2) initiative, our applied research and technical support have helped more than forty local teams expand energy upgrades in affordable housing and underserved commercial buildings.
- Our codes research and state technical assistance support the adoption and implementation of modern building energy codes, laying the groundwork for healthier, more efficient homes and commercial buildings.
- Our transportation research has informed EPA vehicle rulemakings and now supports ongoing efforts to defend strong vehicle standards and accelerate clean mobility at the federal, state, and local levels.
- Through the Industrial Heat Pump Alliance, we combine technical analysis with stakeholder engagement to help shape federal investments in clean industrial demonstration projects and accelerate the deployment of industry-ready solutions.
- Our State, City, and Utility Scorecards distill extensive data and analysis into benchmarks that governments, utilities, advocates, and the media use to drive accountability and healthy competition.
The Opportunity
ACEEE seeks a Senior Director for Research to lead and elevate the organization’s nationally recognized research portfolio. Reporting to the Executive Director and serving on the five-person senior management team, the Senior Director will guide ACEEE’s research agenda, ensure the highest standards of quality and rigor, and strengthen the connection between research, policy, and practice.
The Senior Director will also guide ACEEE’s evolving approach to emerging technologies, including assessing the opportunities and challenges presented by artificial intelligence. This leader will evaluate how current data and research methodologies must adapt in response to rapid technological change and will collaborate with ACEEE’s leadership and communications teams to ensure publications and research products reflect these shifts.
This is an extraordinary opportunity for a leading research expert with deep expertise in energy efficiency and climate solutions, a proven record of managing diverse teams, and a strong commitment to equity. The Senior Director will collaborate across sectors, from government to industry to community partners, to ensure ACEEE’s research is cutting-edge, impactful, and inclusive, driving solutions that lower costs and reduce carbon pollution and accelerate a clean energy future.
Key Responsibilities
Research Management and Leadership
- Provide strategic vision and leadership for ACEEE’s research to advance energy efficiency, equity, and decarbonization across all sectors.
- Lead the development of ACEEE’s research agenda, identifying priority areas and coordinating cross-cutting projects.
- Ensure the rigor, quality, and impact of all ACEEE research, maintaining strong peer-review and editorial standards.
- Oversee project reviews and selection for internal research funding.
- Serve as staff lead for ACEEE’s external Research Advisory Board.
- Lead annual research planning in coordination with the Executive Team and the Development Director.
Policy and External Engagement
- Collaborate with the Executive Director and Senior Director for Policy to align research with policy and advocacy priorities.
- Translate research into actionable insights that influence policy and program design at federal, state, and local levels.
- Coordinate communication of research findings to maximize impact.
- Represent ACEEE in external forums, media, and high-level meetings with policy makers, funders, and industry leaders.
- Build and maintain relationships with R&D divisions, funders, Allies, and strategic partners to enhance ACEEE’s visibility and influence.
Organizational and Staff Leadership
- Serve as a member of ACEEE’s Executive Team, co-leading the Research and Policy Council.
- Supervise research program directors focused on buildings, transportation, industry and behavior, supporting their leadership of projects, methodologies, budgets, and staff resources.
- Coordinate the work of ACEEE’s research programs, including:
- Supporting program directors in developing research methodologies, allocating resources, ensuring quality, and managing budgets.
- Coordinating messaging between research and communications teams.
- Developing or acquiring research tools and external technical expertise.
- Overseeing cross-cutting research projects involving multiple programs.
- Support staff recruitment, professional development, and performance reviews while fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment that values diverse perspectives and innovation.
- Provide coaching and mentorship to program directors and staff, setting clear expectations and empowering leadership across the division.
- Maintain a positive, ethical, and results-oriented culture that emphasizes collaboration, accountability, and creativity.
Fundraising and Development
- Partner with the Executive Director, Development Director, and program directors to secure funding for research initiatives and ensure sustainability.
- Develop and implement new research opportunities and funding strategies.
- Cultivate and manage relationships with foundations, government agencies, and corporate partners to advance ACEEE’s mission.
Competencies
- Nationally recognized expert in energy efficiency, climate, or decarbonization research.
- Demonstrated success supervising and mentoring multidisciplinary research teams and fostering professional growth.
- Skilled in conducting and overseeing policy-driven research that advances practical impact.
- Strong strategic planning and evaluation abilities; capable of setting clear goals and producing measurable outcomes.
- Commitment to advancing equity and ensuring research benefits historically underserved communities.
- Deep curiosity and strategic interest in artificial intelligence and its impact on energy transition.
- Effective communicator adept at engaging both technical and general audiences.
- Experienced in building partnerships, alliances, and external networks that amplify research impact. Deep knowledge of efficient and flexible energy technology and policy trends, with the ability to identify emerging opportunities.
- Understanding of or ability to quickly gain expertise in the energy implications of artificial intelligence and data center growth, positioning ACEEE for leadership in this evolving area.
- Proven ability to foster collaboration, resolve conflicts, and maintain a positive, ethical, and results-oriented team environment.
Qualifications
- Master’s degree in engineering, economics, architecture, environmental sciences, or a related field required; PhD preferred.
- Minimum ten years of professional experience in energy efficiency, environmental sciences, or related fields, including significant research management and leadership responsibility.
- Proven record as a researcher with notable publications and thought leadership.
- Demonstrated success supervising multiple research teams and fostering staff development.
- Strong track record of securing funding from foundations, government agencies, and private-sector partners.
- National or international standing in energy efficiency, with diverse contacts across stakeholder groups.
- Demonstrated leadership and impact in advancing energy efficiency and climate solutions.
Compensation and Benefits
The salary range for this position is $170,000–$190,000, commensurate with qualifications and experience. ACEEE offers a competitive benefits package, including health, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance; a 403(b) retirement plan with employer contribution; transportation and bike-share benefits; and generous vacation and paid leave.
Location
This position is based in ACEEE’s Washington, DC, office with a hybrid work policy. If not based in the DC area, applicants should be in nearby states allowing easy travel to Washington, DC.
American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy 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 engagement, which is being led by Liz Lombard, Managing Director and Angie Sessoms, Managing Associate. Express interest in this role by filling out our Talent Profile or emailing the Angie Sessoms directly at asessoms@koyapartners.com. All inquiries and discussions are strictly confidential.
DSG | Koya is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals living with disabilities. If you are a qualified individual living with a disability and need assistance expressing interest online, please email NonprofitSearchOps@divsearch.com. If you are selected for an interview, you will receive additional information regarding how to request an accommodation for the interview process.
About DSG | Koya
DSG | Koya, a DSG Global company, is the nation’s premier search firm dedicated to mission-driven leadership. Since its founding in 2004, DSG | Koya has had an exclusive focus on mission-driven clients and was founded on the belief that the right leader can transform an organization and have a deep and measurable impact on our world. DSG | Koya works with nonprofits & NGOs, responsible businesses, and social enterprises in local communities and around the world.
DSG Global is consistently recognized by Forbes on its top 10 list of “America’s Best Executive Recruiting Firms” and is an industry leader in recruiting transformational leaders for a changing world. The firm is deliberately different in its approach, with best-in-class teams who have decades of experience in cultivating inclusive leaders, understanding the dimensions of diversity, and building equitable teams.