Location: Washington, DC
About American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE)
The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) is turning today’s energy challenges into opportunities for stronger communities, a more resilient economy, and a livable climate for all.
ACEEE advances practical, cost-effective ways to use energy more efficiently. Our research and advocacy have helped shape landmark policies, catalyze clean technologies, and make energy efficiency the nation’s most productive energy resource. Today, our work is more urgent and impactful than ever.
Since 1980, ACEEE has informed U.S. energy policy through rigorous, independent analysis. We played a key role in securing the first national appliance efficiency standards, saving households billions of dollars. More recently, our experts helped shape the largest federal investment in energy efficiency in U.S. history – the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act – and influenced landmark vehicle and appliance standards finalized in 2024.
Energy efficiency is not just a technical solution; it’s a powerful lever for reducing emissions, lowering costs, and improving lives. We are committed to ensuring the benefits of the clean energy transition reach those who need it most, including renters, low-income households, and historically underserved communities.
We have cut U.S. energy use in half relative to the economy's size and are saving more than $2,000 per capita in energy bills annually. Efficiency saves more energy each year than America uses from any other single energy resource, including oil, natural gas, and coal.
Mission and Vision
ACEEE is a national nonprofit organization that, through research, education, and advocacy, advances the efficient use of energy to rapidly and equitably spur economic well-being and combat climate change. Our vision is a clean energy future that secures a healthy planet and better lives for everyone.
Real Results, National Reach
Over more than four decades, ACEEE’s bipartisan work has helped the United States avoid massive energy waste, saving the economy energy measured in the quadrillions of BTUs. Our efforts have shaped policy, improved technology, and empowered decision-makers across every major energy-using sector. Along the way, energy efficiency has proven to be a powerful economic engine, creating local jobs, strengthening U.S. manufacturing, and reducing costs for homes and businesses alike.
With a team of more than 75 experts across the country, ACEEE is delivering real-world results. Recent achievements include:
- Helping secure updates to U.S. Department of Energy appliance standards, saving consumers nearly $1 trillion and cutting 2 billion metric tons of carbon pollution over 30 years.
- Partnering with 45 local teams through the Residential Retrofits for Energy Equity (R2E2) initiative to expand energy upgrades in affordable housing and underserved commercial spaces.
- Co-launching the National Energy Codes Collaborative to help states implement up-to-date building energy codes.
- Shaping EPA’s 2024 vehicle standards projected to avoid more than 8 billion tons of climate pollution.
- Supporting local EV charging, transit planning, and public engagement initiatives.
- Convening the Industrial Heat Pump Alliance, leading to DOE’s $6 billion investment in clean industrial projects.
- Publishing rankings and scorecards (GreenerCars, State and City Scorecards, Utility Scorecards) that drive friendly competition and accountability.
A People-Centered, Equity-Driven Approach
We know that energy burdens hit low-income households and communities of color the hardest. ACEEE is committed to ensuring clean and efficient energy solutions are effective and equitable.
We center people in every step of our work—helping utilities design inclusive programs, working with local governments to support renters, and guiding community-informed retrofit programs.
Our internal culture also prioritizes collaboration, professional growth, and diversity, building a team that reflects the communities we serve.
Why Join ACEEE?
This is a moment of both opportunity and urgency. As electricity demand surges from data centers, electrified vehicles, and growing manufacturing, ACEEE is helping chart a smarter, more efficient path forward that increases resilience, cuts emissions, and lowers costs.
At ACEEE, we move forward with purpose, backed by decades of valuable work and a wide-reaching network of collaborators.
We collaborate across sectors—businesses, governments, community organizations, philanthropy, academia, public interest, health, and environmental justice groups—to scale transformative solutions.
We’re seeking mission-driven leaders ready to meet this challenge. Learn more at aceee.org.
The Opportunity
ACEEE is seeking a visionary, mission-driven leader to serve as its next Executive Director.
The Executive Director will:
- Steward ACEEE’s mission and strategic direction
- Lead the Senior Management Team
- Champion ACEEE nationally across government, industry, and nonprofit sectors
- Oversee a strong and sustainable fundraising strategy
- Ensure financial health and operational excellence
- Deepen ACEEE’s leadership in clean energy policy research and advocacy
The ideal candidate will bring exceptional leadership, strategic planning, relationship-building skills, and a demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership and Management
- Execute ACEEE’s strategic vision.
- Lead, develop, and retain the Senior Management Team.
- Foster an inclusive, accountable, and innovative culture.
- Promote organization-wide communication and collaboration.
Fundraising
- Serve as principal spokesperson to government, funders, industry, and the media.
- Oversee fundraising strategy to ensure organizational sustainability.
- Expand and diversify revenue streams.
Board Relations
- Support and engage the Board of Directors.
- Act as ex-officio member of the Board and its committees.
- Maintain regular communication and alignment with the Board.
Planning and New Business
- Lead strategic planning and budgeting processes.
- Align financial resources with organizational priorities.
- Build partnerships in new markets.
Finance and Administration
- Provide strategic budget management.
- Oversee systems for tracking organizational progress and outcomes.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.
- 10+ years of progressive leadership in nonprofit, public, or mission-driven sectors.
- Proven experience in strategic planning, fundraising, and stakeholder engagement.
- Familiarity with energy efficiency, decarbonization, or climate policy strongly preferred.
- Strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- Operational and financial management experience.
Compensation and Benefits
- Salary range: $300,000–$350,000, commensurate with experience.
- Comprehensive benefits including health, dental, vision, retirement plan, transportation/bike share benefits, and generous vacation policies.
Contact
DSG | Koya has been exclusively retained for this search.
- Express interest by filling out this Talent Profile or emailing Angie Sessoms at asessoms@koyapartners.com.
Confidentiality is assured.
ACEEE is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages applications from people of color, persons with disabilities, women, and LGBTQ+ applicants.
About DSG | Koya
DSG | Koya, a DSG Global company, is a leading mission-driven executive search firm. They specialize in recruiting transformational leaders for nonprofits, NGOs, responsible businesses, and social enterprises worldwide.
Learn more at dsgco.com.