Buildings Director - ACEEE #2024-2829

Buildings Director

With the Inflation Reduction Act’s landmark investment in clean energy, including tens of billions for energy efficiency, there are vast funding opportunities for new construction and retrofitting residential and commercial buildings—work that is critical not only to emissions reductions but also to energy and housing affordability, community health, and economic well-being. The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE), a leading national research and advocacy organization, seeks a Buildings Director with experience working on buildings-related issues and the ability to identify new research and policy advocacy opportunities. We will look to you to set the program's strategic vision, present a compelling case for change to secure funding, and lead all research, policy, and technical assistance activities.

Reporting to the Senior Director for Research, you’ll lead a team of 10, including overseeing a team launching the National Energy Codes Collaborative,  and collaborate closely with other teams at ACEEE, especially the local policy program and the Appliance Standards Awareness Project. ACEEE’s buildings program covers a variety of topics including building codes, retrofits, resilience, workforce, and building technologies, and works at the federal, state, and local levels. You’ll direct research priorities for the program and oversee all projects, ensuring alignment with the goals in our Call to Action while tailoring initiatives to be attractive to funders. You will lead teams of experts in producing research reports, white papers, and other project deliverables (fact sheets, policy briefs, formal presentations, blog posts, op-eds, etc.).      

In this highly visible role, you’ll represent ACEEE externally through press interviews, webinars, etc., and collaborate with other organizations to develop policy positions and advocate for desired outcomes. You and your team will provide technical assistance to outside partners and policymakers on matters related to energy efficiency and decarbonization policy and research. You will also help develop ACEEE’s Summer Study on Energy Efficiency in Buildings—a biennial conference held since 1980.

How You’ll Make an Impact

You’ll lead ACEEE’s efforts to drive the building sector towards decarbonization by promoting energy efficiency as both a cost-effective and sustainable pathway to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Your work will further our bold vision to halve domestic energy use and associated greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

• Promote the development and implementation of net-zero-energy and net-zero-carbon codes, policies, and programs.
• Accelerate building retrofit activity with an emphasis on under-served communities.
• Maximize product and equipment efficiency.
• Leverage our partnerships to advance energy efficiency and building decarbonization in service of housing affordability, workforce development, healthy/resilient housing, and emissions reductions.

Work Environment, Salary, and Benefits

• You’ll enjoy a hybrid work environment with the option to work remotely.
• The budgeted salary range for this position is $120K–$160K (commensurate with qualifications and experience). We offer a generous benefits package that includes health, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance coverage; a 403(b) retirement plan; transportation and bike share benefits; three weeks of vacation in the first year and four weeks thereafter.
• ACEEE’s organizational culture is collaborative and team oriented. Staff work at an energetic pace within a dynamic and entrepreneurial environment with opportunities for professional growth and development. There is a high degree of workplace flexibility, with an emphasis on results, making ACEEE an enjoyable and fulfilling place to work. ACEEE is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion while weaving equity into our research and policy work.

Responsibilities

• Implement a strategic vision for buildings research and policy activities to create a low carbon, equitable, and affordable buildings sector in the United States.
• Develop new projects and ensure sustainable funding for ACEEE buildings research and policy priorities in partnership with ACEEE’s development team and working with energy, environment, climate, equity, and place-based funders.
• Supervise a team, guiding and mentoring staff and positioning them as subject matter experts.
• Coordinate and oversee large research, policy, and technical assistance projects, overseeing program budgets and work plans.
• Build and cultivate relationships and partnerships with policymakers, community-based organizations, manufacturers and other corporate allies, trade associations, and other NGOs.
• Represent ACEEE's buildings program interests externally to media, stakeholders, funders, and the environmental, efficiency, and buildings communities as a recognized expert.
• Serve as ACEEE’s in-house expert on buildings, leading and supporting cross-cutting organizational efforts to reduce energy consumption and GHG emissions economy-wide.

Qualifications

• At least 15 years of work experience in the buildings field. Experience with buildings, energy efficiency, or decarbonization research is preferred.
• An advanced degree in a relevant field, including (but not limited to) architecture, building science, mechanical engineering, environmental science, energy and the environment, or urban planning.
• A demonstrated ability in fundraising and proposal development.
• Recognized leadership in issues at the intersection of buildings, grid, climate, and equity with a track record of representing/discussing priorities in public forums.
• Dedication to equity and justice, with a passion for advancing social and racial equity through ACEEE’s work and within the organization.
• Demonstrated experience building enduring relationships with partners and stakeholders; ability to create inclusive spaces for the exchange of ideas and solicit diverse viewpoints respectfully.
• Strong interpersonal and supervisory skills with a demonstrated ability to build and lead diverse teams and coach, mentor, and support employees at varying career stages.

About Us

The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE), a nonprofit research organization, develops transformative policies to reduce energy waste and combat climate change. With our independent analysis, we aim to build a vibrant and equitable economy – one that uses energy more productively, reduces costs, protects the environment, and promotes the health, safety, and well-being of everyone.

To Apply

We encourage you to apply even if your experience is not a 100% match with the position description; we will consider people from a variety of backgrounds and career experiences.

Simply email your resume to Aileen Hedden at resumes@staffingadvisors.com with “ACEEE – Buildings Director #2024-2829 SA” as the subject of the email.

Job responsibilities are similar to the following positions: Energy Programs Director, Decarbonization Building Engineer, Buildings Energy Efficiency Programs.

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