Managing Director, Clean Energy Extension / Extension Associate / Full Professor A

University of Massachusetts Amherst

About UMass Amherst

UMass Amherst is the Commonwealth’s flagship public land-grant research university. It advances a diverse, inclusive, and thriving community, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees across 10 schools and colleges.

About the UMass Clean Energy Extension (CEE)

CEE was founded in 2015 and operates within the Center for Agriculture, Food, and the Environment (CAFE), with academic affiliation in the Department of Environmental Conservation (ECo). It supports Massachusetts’ clean energy and climate goals through applied research, technical assistance, and workforce development.

Key focus areas:

  • Municipal energy efficiency
  • Greenhouse gas inventories and net-zero planning
  • Offshore wind-wildlife interaction
  • Agrivoltaics and solar implementation
  • Workforce development and clean energy education

CEE is funded by the MA Department of Energy Resources and is integrated across campus programs and regional collaborations.

About the Department of Environmental Conservation (ECo)

ECo is part of the College of Natural Sciences and the School of Earth and Sustainability. It includes programs in Sustainability Science, Forestry, Water Resources, and Building Technology. ECo fosters collaborative, interdisciplinary research and teaching, with emphasis on conservation, sustainable development, and diversity.

Job Summary

The Director will lead CEE in fulfilling its mission, ensuring financial and operational sustainability, and enhancing its statewide and university-level value. The position includes faculty responsibilities in the Department of Environmental Conservation, with teaching, research, and service expectations.

Essential Functions

  • Represent CEE to internal and external stakeholders and promote alignment with Massachusetts climate goals.
  • Develop applied research and outreach programs aligned with CEE’s mission.
  • Teach 1–2 courses annually on energy-related topics.
  • Supervise CEE staff, structure management and collaboration, and foster professional development.
  • Oversee administration of grants, budgets, and staff resources.
  • Develop long-term financial sustainability through grants, fundraising, and partnerships.
  • Cultivate internal university collaborations and strengthen external partnerships.
  • Strategically align CEE activities with public needs, university strengths, and funding opportunities.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Graduate degree in a field related to clean energy (e.g., renewable energy, engineering, policy, planning, sustainability, or energy justice).
  • 7–10 years of clean energy experience in roles such as consulting, engineering, finance, policy, or research (a Ph.D. or terminal degree may substitute for 2 years).
  • Proven leadership in collaborative, cross-disciplinary environments.
  • Experience managing staff in mission-driven teams with a commitment to empowerment and inclusion.
  • Expertise in technical proposal writing and project management.
  • Commitment to equity, affordability, and innovation in clean energy.
  • Excellent communication, public speaking, and stakeholder engagement skills.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Ph.D. or terminal degree in a relevant field (e.g., environmental science, public policy, law).
  • University-level teaching experience.
  • Familiarity with Massachusetts clean energy policy and programs.
  • Experience directing a center or large program.

Additional Details

  • Position Funding: 50% ongoing for faculty responsibilities; 50% secured for 3 years for director duties (external funding required thereafter).
  • Travel: In-state required; regional and national possible.
  • Salary: Commensurate with experience.

Application Instructions

Apply here: https://careers.umass.edu/en-us/job/526779/managing-director-clean-energy-extensionextension-associatefull-professor-a

Submit:

  • Cover letter (2–5 pages recommended)
  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Contact information for 3 professional references
  • Contributions to Inclusive Excellence Statement (required)

Applications reviewed on a rolling basis. Early submission encouraged.

UMass Amherst is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. The university seeks candidates with diverse backgrounds and is committed to fostering a community that values equity, inclusion, and diverse perspectives.

Strategic Plan: https://www.umass.edu/strategicplan/strategic-plan
Website: https://www.umass.edu/

To apply for this job please visit careers.umass.edu.