Director, Energy

American Institutes for Research

Director for new energy-focused portfolio development at AIR, working with public and private-sector funders. Leading business development and team growth in the energy sector.

Posted 5/18/2026full-timeRemote • 🇺🇸 United StatesLead💰 $170,000 - $203,000 per yearWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Identify and pursue new funding opportunities across federal, non-federal, and commercial markets, including U.S. federal agencies, foundations, multilateral organizations, utilities, and other public- and private-sector funders.
Lead key components of the business development cycle, including opportunity identification, funder engagement, opportunity qualification, teaming and partnership strategy, proposal development, and advising on negotiation and project execution.
Contribute to the development and refinement of AIR's value proposition in the energy space, emphasizing evidence-based policy, rigorous evaluation, applied research, and learning partnerships.
Represent AIR externally through participation in energy and climate convenings, funder meetings, and policy forums in support of relationship development and portfolio growth goals.
Lead and develop a team of researchers, technical specialists, and project managers to pursue and execute energy work.
Mentor staff and support their professional growth through coaching, feedback, and development of technical and leadership skills.
Foster an entrepreneurial and creative team culture that is high-performing, collaborative, opportunity-focused, and energized by mission-driven work.
Provide technical and analytic expertise on evidence needs in the energy sector, including evaluation of energy programs and policies, applied analytics, implementation research, and learning agendas.
Lead and contribute to publications, presentations, and policy-relevant products that demonstrate AIR’s technical strengths in energy and energy-related work.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Master’s degree, PhD, or equivalent in energy policy, economics, environmental engineering, systems engineering, or a closely related fields such as environmental studies or public policy.
11 or more years of progressively senior experience in the energy or climate domain, including work across research, policy, implementation support, consulting, or business development contexts, with preference for experience in one or more of the following areas: power generation and storage, grid interconnection, energy markets, or the workforce and community dimensions of energy transition.
Demonstrated success leading or contributing to winning bids across both federal and non-federal markets, including shaping opportunities, managing client relationships, and winning competitive awards.
Experience leading high-performing teams in a research, consulting, business development, or implementation support.

Benefits

Comp & perks

AIR’s Total Rewards Program is designed to reward our staff competitively and motivate them to achieve our critical mission.

ATS Keywords

✓ Tailor your resume

Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills & Tools

energy policyeconomicsenvironmental engineeringsystems engineeringevaluation of energy programsapplied analyticsimplementation researchproposal developmentnegotiationproject execution

Soft Skills

leadershipmentoringcoachingteam developmentcollaborationentrepreneurial mindsetcreativityrelationship developmentcommunicationfeedback

Certifications

Master’s degreePhD